The X-Caliber 9 is the top model of our X-Caliber family. It’s a fully raceable cross-country mountain bike with components designed for the toughest racing conditions. The RockShox Recon suspension fork and Shimano XT/SLX 1×12 drivetrain with a wider gear range make it an ideal choice for fast singletrack riders who want a top-class bike that’s race-ready from the factory.
It’s the right bike for you if…
… high speeds and many kilometres make a successful ride for you and you want a fast XC bike with which you can cover more trail kilometres faster. You already race or you can imagine to start with it. To do that, you need a hardtail with race-level components that give you an edge over the competition on the trail.
You get this equipment
A lightweight aluminium frame, a RockShox Recon Gold RL fork with 100mm of travel and air spring and a Shimano XT/SLX 1×12 drivetrain with a wide, climbing-friendly gear range. There are also tubeless-ready wheels with wide Boost141 hubs for increased wheel strength and greater tire clearance, as well as a variable seat post to lower the saddle on descents.
Our last word
The X-Caliber 9 is a fast, agile and efficient XC hardtail – perfect for those with racing ambitions and those who want to cover long distances on epic trails.
Why you will love it
- It’s a great bike with quality XC parts on a top-of-the-line frame for those first serious races – at a price that leaves enough for entry fees.
- The rear derailleur clutch prevents the chain from slamming even on rough terrain, thus ensuring an almost noiseless ride.
- If you feel it’s time for an upgrade, the frame is easily upgraded with higher quality parts such as race-specific wheels.
- The 1x drivetrain combines a wide gear range with the ease of use of a single shifter.
- The 1x drivetrain combines a wide gear range with the ease of use of a single shifter.
Features
Born for high speed
The X-Caliber is a classic XC hardtail with agile geometry, weight-optimized parts and just enough suspension to defuse obstacles and bumps. These models are designed for efficiency. They are suitable for racers and for everyone who wants to cover more off-road kilometres in less time.
High-tech frame
The Alpha Gold Aluminium frame is packed with features that help to significantly improve the riding experience. A tapered head tube provides more precise, confident handling at the front, while the Boost141 hub standard at the rear allows for shorter chainstays, which in turn contribute to a more agile ride.
Smart Wheel Size
The optimal wheel size and “your” frame size are the perfect combination for agility and control on the trail.
Suspension fork lockout
Locked undercarriage means the fork remains rigid, increasing drivetrain efficiency. Perfect for longer road stages where efficiency is more important than absorbing hits.
Internal trains
We lay the brake and shift cables in the frame – a simple and clean affair. And it just looks good!
Blendr compatible stem
Bontrager’s Blendr stem technology lets you attach your gear directly to the stem for a clean look and maximum ease of use.
Luggage Rack Eyelets
Going on a big tour? Luggage rack eyelets make transport tasks a breeze.
Rear side stand mount
Chainstay mounts allow for the installation of a jiffy stand that supports bikes of all sizes and stays out of the way when not in use. Gone are the days when you always had to lay your bike down or lean it against it.
Internal cable routing for dropper post
Internal cable routing openings allow you to upgrade with a dropper post, so you can lower your saddle on trickier sections of the trail.
Technical specifications
*Unless otherwise noted, features apply to all sizes
frameset
| framework | Alpha Gold Aluminium, tapered head tube, internal derailleur and dropper post routing, rack and fender mounts, Boost141, 5mm QR |
|---|---|
| *Fork | Size: XS , S RockShox Recon Gold RL, DebonAir spring, Motion Control damper, lockout, tapered steerer, 37mm offset, Boost110, 15mm Maxle Stealth axle, 100mm travel |
| Size: M , ML , L , XL , XXL RockShox Recon Gold RL, DebonAir spring, Motion Control damper, lockout, tapered steerer, 42mm offset, Boost110, 15mm Maxle Stealth axle, 100mm travel |
|
| Max compatible fork travel | 120mm (XS: 100mm) |
impellers
| VR hub | Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, alloy axle, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15mm thru axle |
|---|---|
| rear hub | Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, 6-bolt, Shimano Micro Spline freehub, Boost141, 5 mm QR |
| rim | Bontrager Kovee, double wall rim, tubeless ready, 28 holes, 23 mm inner width, Presta valve |
| *Tires | Size: XS , S Maxxis Ardent Race, Tubeless, EXO casing, foldable bead core, 60 TPI, 27.5×2.35″ |
| Size: M , ML , L , XL , XXL Maxxis Ardent Race, Tubeless, EXO casing, foldable bead core, 60 TPI, 29×2.35″ |
|
| tire spare part | Bontrager TLR Sealant, 177 ml |
| rim tape | Bontrager TLR |
| Max tire size | Frame: 27.5×2.80″ or 29×2.40″ Fork: See manufacturer |
drive
| shifter | Shimano SLX M7100, 12-speed |
|---|---|
| rear derailleur | Shimano XT M8100, long cage |
| *Crank | Size: XS , S , M Shimano MT611, steel chainring (30 teeth), aluminium spider, 52 mm chain line, 170 mm crank arm length |
| Size: ML , L , XL , XXL Shimano MT611, steel chainring (30 teeth), aluminium spider, 52 mm chain line, 175 mm crank arm length |
|
| bottom bracket | Shimano SM-BB52, 73 mm, thread, external bearing |
| cassette | Shimano SLX M7100, 10-51 teeth, 12-speed |
| Chain | Shimano SLX M7100, 12-speed |
| pedal | VP-536, nylon platform |
| Max chainring size | 32T |
components
| saddle | Bontrager Arvada, steel stays, 138mm width |
|---|---|
| *Seat post | Size: XS , S , M TranzX JD-YSP18, 100mm travel, internal routing, 31.6mm, 361mm length |
| Size: ML , L , XL , XXL TranzX JD-YSP18, 130mm travel, internal routing, 31.6mm, 425mm length |
|
| *Handlebar | Size: XS Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 5mm rise, 690mm width |
| Size: S , M Alloy Bontrager, 31.8mm, 5mm rise, 720mm width |
|
| Size: ML , L , XL , XXL Bontrager made of aluminum, 31.8 mm, 15 mm rise, 750 mm width |
|
| handles | Bontrager XR Trail Comp, nylon clamp |
| *Stem | Size: XS , S Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm clamp diameter, Blendr compatible, 7 degrees, 60mm length |
| Size: M , ML Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm clamp diameter, Blendr compatible, 7 degrees, 70mm length |
|
| Size: L Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm clamp diameter, Blendr compatible, 7 degrees, 80mm length |
|
| Size: XL , XXL Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm clamp diameter, Blendr compatible, 7 degrees, 90mm length |
|
| tax rate | Semi-integrated, sealed cartridge bearing, aluminum cups, 1 1/8″ top, 1.5″ bottom |
| brake | Shimano hydraulic disc brake, MT4100 brake lever and MT410 caliper |
| *Brake disc | Size: XS , S , M , ML , L , XL , XXL Shimano RT56, 6-hole disc mount, 180 mm |
| Size: XS , S , M , ML , L , XL , XXL Shimano RT56, 6-hole disc mount, 160 mm |
Weight
| Weight | M – 12.52 kg (with TLR sealant, without hoses) |
|---|---|
| Max weight | This bike has a maximum weight limit (bike, rider and load) of 136 kg. |
We reserve the right to change the product information provided on this site at any time without notice, including changes in equipment, specifications, models, colours and prices. The prices shown are the manufacturer’s recommended retail prices.
Bike and frame weights are based on pre-production painted frames at time of publication. Actual weight may vary.
Article: 22-X-CALIBER 9