FIRST LOOK: Trek Procaliber 9.7

The Trek Procaliber is a brand new model for 2016, and it’s a bike that has been causing considerable buzz since it’s release on the 1st of July. The Procaliber replaces last years Superfly SL carbon race hardtail, which is a bike that we already hold in very high regard.

You may have already seen the Procaliber on the World Cup XC circuit, where it has been raced under the likes of Dan McConnell, Bec Henderson & Emily Batty. As Trek’s latest race weapon, the Procaliber comes packed with a whole bunch of new technologies to see it perform at the highest level.

The most obvious feature on the new frame is the IsoSpeed Decoupler, which sees a pivot placed at the junction between the seat tube and the top tube. The concept of IsoSpeed has been proven on Trek’s Domane road bike and the Boone cyclocross bike, where it allows the saddle and post to rock back and fourth to provide more comfort for the rider. In the world of superlight race hardtails, this added comfort could prove crucial in the decision-making process for riders who are considering going to a full suspension rig.

Boooooost.

Going past the IsoSpeed Decoupler, there are many other changes evident on the Procaliber, including the new Boost hub spacing, redesigned frame geometry, and clever cable integration that maximises routing options. The Procaliber 9.7 is the entry-level option in the three-tier range, though it shares the same OCLV Mountain carbon frame as the hot-shot 9.9 model. You still get a 1×11 drivetrain, a RockShox Reba fork with a handlebar remote lockout, and tubeless compatible wheels.

You’ll be able to read the full review of the Procaliber 9.7 in Issue #150 of AMB Magazine, where we’ll be looking at just how much of a difference that IsoSpeed Decoupler makes. Stay tuned…

Don’t miss an issue, and save some cash…. subscribe!