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It's right for you if...
You're looking for a fast mountain bike for singletrack—one that's fully capable of taking on races, marathons, and competitive group rides. You want something that is reliable and fun with dependable, lightweight parts.
The tech you get
A lightweight aluminum frame, a RockShox Judy SL 100mm suspension fork with a TurnKey lockout and an air spring that's lighter and more adjustable than a coil spring, tubeless ready wheels with Boost141 hub spacing, and a Shimano Deore 1x12 drivetrain with a wide-range cassette.
The final word
With X-Caliber 8, you're getting a performance frame paired with performance parts, like a RockShox air fork and 1x Shimano Deore drivetrain. Plus, it's equipped with durable, lightweight alloy rims that save weight and are easy to upgrade to tubeless.
The Walkthrough
favorite_borderWhy you'll love it
- It has the price of a more basic hardtail, but the parts and performance of a more expensive one
- The frame is fully compatible with higher-end parts, like race wheels and a dropper post, if you ever find the need to upgrade
- Smart Wheel Sizing means you'll get the fastest wheel that fits (29˝ wheels on larger frames, 27.5˝ wheels on smaller frames)
- The 1x drivetrain delivers a wide range of gearing with the simplicity of a single shifter
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Features
High tech frame
The Alpha Gold Aluminum frame is packed with features that make your ride better. A tapered head tube gives you more precise, confident handling on the front end, while Boost 141 rear hub spacing gives you shorter chainstays for more nimble handling out back.
Built for speed
X-Caliber is a classic XC hardtail with quick-handling geometry, weight-conscious parts, and just enough suspension to take the edge off bumps. These models are built for efficiency, making them great for racers or anyone else who wants to cover more ground in less time.
Smart Wheel Size
The right wheel size paired with your frame size gives you the perfect combination of responsiveness and control.
Suspension lockout
Locked suspension means your fork remains inactive, increasing pedaling efficiency. Perfect for extended road sections where efficiency is more important than bump absorption.
Internal cable routing
We route shift and brake cables through the frame to keep things clean and simple. And it looks great, too.
Blendr-compatible stem
Bontrager Blendr stem technology lets you clip your gear directly to the stem for clean looks, maximum user friendliness.
Learn more
Rack mounts
Going for a long ride? Rack mounts make carrying accessories a breeze.
Rear kickstand mount
Chainstay mounts make it easy to install a rear kickstand that stays out of your way and supports bikes of all sizes. No more laying or leaning.
Internal dropper compatible
Internal routing ports make it easy to add a dropper post upgrade that lets you lower your saddle on the fly so it's out of your way for tricky sections of trail.
Specifications
*spec applies to all sizes unless otherwise noted
| Frame | Alpha Gold Aluminum, tapered head tube, internal derailleur & dropper post routing, rack & kickstand mount, Boost141, 5mm QR |
|---|---|
| *Fork |
Size:
XS RockShox Judy SL, Solo Air spring, TurnKey lockout, tapered steerer, 42mm offset, Boost110, 15mm Maxle Lite, 80mm travel |
|
Size:
S RockShox Judy SL, Solo Air spring, TurnKey lockout, tapered steerer, Boost110, 15mm Maxle Lite, 100mm travel |
|
|
Size:
M, M/L, L, XL, XXL RockShox Judy SL, Solo Air spring, TurnKey lockout, tapered steerer, Boost110, 15mm Maxle Stealth, 100mm travel |
|
| Max compatible fork travel | 120mm (XS: 100mm) |
| Hub front | Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, alloy axle, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15mm thru axle |
|---|---|
| Hub rear | Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, 6-bolt, Shimano MicroSpline freehub, Boost141, 5mm QR |
| *Rim |
Size:
XS, S, M, M/L, L, XL, XXL Bontrager Kovee, double-wall, Tubeless Ready, 28-hole, 23mm width, presta valve |
|
Size:
XS, S, M, M/L, L, XL, XXL Bontrager Kovee, double-wall, Tubeless Ready, 32-hole, 23mm width, presta valve |
|
| Spokes | 14g stainless steel |
| *Tire |
Size:
XS, S Maxxis Ardent Race, tubeless, EXO casing, folding bead, 60tpi, 27.5x2.35'' |
|
Size:
M, M/L, L, XL, XXL Maxxis Ardent Race, tubeless, EXO casing, folding bead, 60tpi, 29x2.35'' |
|
| Tire part | Bontrager TLR sealant, 6oz |
| Rim strip | Bontrager TLR |
| Max tire size | Frame: 27.5x2.80" or 29x2.40" Fork: See manufacturer |
| Shifter | Shimano Deore M6100, 12 speed |
|---|---|
| Rear derailleur | Shimano XT M8100, long cage |
| *Crank |
Size:
XS, S, M Shimano MT511, 30T steel ring, 52mm chainline, 170mm length |
|
Size:
M/L, L, XL, XXL Shimano MT511, 30T steel ring, 52mm chainline, 175mm length |
|
| Bottom bracket | Shimano SM-BB52, 73mm, threaded external bearing |
| Cassette | Shimano Deore M6100, 10-51, 12 speed |
| Chain | Shimano Deore M6100, 12 speed |
| Pedal | VP-536 nylon platform |
| Max chainring size | 32T |
| Saddle | Bontrager Arvada, steel rails, 138mm width |
|---|---|
| *Seatpost |
Size:
XS, S Bontrager alloy, 31.6mm, 12mm offset, 330mm length |
|
Size:
M Bontrager alloy, 31.6mm, 12mm offset, 360mm length |
|
|
Size:
M/L, L, XL, XXL Bontrager alloy, 31.6mm, 12mm offset, 400mm length |
|
| *Handlebar |
Size:
XS Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 5mm rise, 690mm width |
|
Size:
S, M Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 5mm rise, 720mm width |
|
|
Size:
M/L, L, XL, XXL Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 15mm rise, 750mm width |
|
| Grips | Bontrager XR Trail Comp, nylon lock-on |
| *Stem |
Size:
XS, S Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 60mm length |
|
Size:
M, M/L Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 70mm length |
|
|
Size:
L Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 80mm length |
|
|
Size:
XL, XXL Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 90mm length |
|
| Headset | Semi-integrated, loose ball bearing, 1-1/8'' top, 1.5'' bottom |
| Brake | Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc |
| *Brake rotor |
Size:
XS, S, M, M/L, L, XL, XXL Shimano RT26, 6-bolt,160mm |
|
Size:
L, XL, XXL Shimano RT26, 6-bolt,180mm |
| Weight | M - 13.05 kg / 28.78 lbs |
|---|---|
| Weight limit | This bike has a maximum total weight limit (combined weight of bicycle, rider, and cargo) of 300 pounds (136 kg). |
Sizing & Tech
The charts below show our recommended sizes based on height, but there are some other factors, like arm and leg length, that determine a great fit. That’s why you’ll see some overlap in our recommendations. Not every rider who’s 5´8˝, for example, will fit on the same size bike. The best way to find your perfect fit is to consult the experts at your local retailer.
Rider Height
Inseam
XS
137.0 - 155.0 cm
4'5.9" - 5'1.0"
64.0 - 73.0 cm
25.2" - 28.7"
S
153.0 - 166.5 cm
5'0.2" - 5'5.6"
72.0 - 79.0 cm
28.3" - 31.1"
M
161.0 - 172.0 cm
5'3.4" - 5'7.7"
76.0 - 81.0 cm
29.9" - 31.9"
M/L
165.5 - 179.0 cm
5'5.2" - 5'10.5"
77.0 - 84.0 cm
30.3" - 33.1"
L
177.0 - 188.0 cm
5'9.7" - 6'2.0"
83.0 - 88.0 cm
32.7" - 34.6"
XL
186.0 - 196.0 cm
6'1.2" - 6'5.2"
87.0 - 92.0 cm
34.3" - 36.2"
2XL
195.0 - 203.0 cm
6'4.8" - 6'7.9"
92.0 - 95.0 cm
36.2" - 37.4"
All measurements provided in cm unless otherwise noted.
| Frame size number | Frame size letter | Wheel size | A — Seat tube | B — Seat tube angle | Effective seat tube angle | C — Head tube length | D — Head angle | E — Effective top tube | F — Bottom bracket height | G — Bottom bracket drop | H — Chainstay length | I — Offset | J — Trail | K — Wheelbase | L — Standover | M — Frame reach | N — Frame stack |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13.5 | XS | 27.5" | 34.3 | 73.5° | 73.5° | 9.0 | 69.3° | 54.4 | 29.2 | 5.8 | 42.5 | 4.2 | 8.8 | 103.6 | 69.8 | 37.6 | 56.5 |
| 15.5 | S | 27.5" | 36.8 | 73.5° | 73.5° | 9.0 | 69.3° | 55.5 | 30.2 | 4.8 | 42.5 | 4.2 | 8.8 | 105.3 | 72.4 | 38.5 | 57.4 |
| 17.5 | M | 29" | 41.9 | 71.9° | 73.0° | 9.0 | 69.5° | 60.1 | 31.1 | 5.8 | 43.8 | 4.2 | 9.4 | 110.9 | 74.8 | 41.8 | 59.8 |
| 18.5 | ML | 29" | 44.4 | 71.9° | 73.0° | 9.0 | 69.5° | 61.7 | 31 | 5.8 | 43.8 | 4.2 | 9.4 | 112.5 | 75.7 | 43.4 | 59.8 |
| 19.5 | L | 29" | 47.0 | 71.9° | 73.0° | 10.0 | 69.5° | 63.7 | 31 | 5.8 | 43.8 | 4.2 | 9.4 | 114.5 | 75.7 | 45.1 | 60.8 |
| 21.5 | XL | 29" | 52.1 | 71.9° | 73.0° | 12.0 | 69.5° | 65.8 | 31 | 5.8 | 43.8 | 4.2 | 9.4 | 116.7 | 76.8 | 46.6 | 62.7 |
| 23.0 | XXL | 29" | 55.9 | 71.9° | 73.0° | 12.0 | 69.5° | 67.2 | 31.1 | 5.8 | 43.8 | 4.2 | 9.4 | 118.1 | 80.4 | 48.0 | 62.7 |