More options
It's right for you if...
You measure your rides in speed and distance, and want a fast XC bike that will help you cover more trail in less time. You race, or you could see yourself getting into racing, so you want a hardtail with competition-level parts that can give you an advantage on the trail.
The tech you get
A lightweight aluminum frame, a RockShox Recon Gold RL100mm suspension air fork, a Shimano XT/SLX 1x12 drivetrain with a wide range of gears for easier climbing. Plus, tubeless ready wheels with wider Boost141 hubs for increased wheel strength and better tire clearance, and a dropper post for getting low on descents.
The final word
X-Caliber 9 is a speedy, nimble, and efficient XC hardtail that's perfect for riders with a racing pedigree and anyone who dreams of covering epic distances out on the trail.
The Walkthrough
favorite_borderWhy you'll love it
- It's a great bike for someone who's just getting into serious racing: you get high-end XC parts on an awesome frame with enough cash left over for entry fees
- There's nothing as sweet as a silent ride: the clutch rear derailleur prevents chain slap, even in the rough
- The frame is fully compatible with higher-end parts, like race wheels, if you ever find the need to upgrade
- The 1x drivetrain delivers a wide range of gearing with the simplicity of a single shifter
You might also like
Features
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.
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.
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:
S RockShox Recon Gold RL, DebonAir spring, Motion Control damper, lockout, tapered steerer, 37mm offset, Boost110, 15mm Maxle Stealth, 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, 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:
S , M , ML , L , XL , XXL Bontrager Kovee, double-wall, Tubeless Ready, 28-hole, 23mm width, presta valve |
|
Size:
S , M , ML , L , XL , XXL Bontrager Kovee, double-wall, Tubeless Ready, 32-hole, 23mm width, presta valve |
|
| *Tire |
Size:
S Maxxis Ardent Race, tubeless, EXO casing, folding bead, 60tpi, 27.5x2.35'' |
|
Size:
M , ML , 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 SLX M7100, 12 speed |
|---|---|
| Rear derailleur | Shimano XT M8100, long cage |
| *Crank |
Size:
S , M Shimano MT611, 30T steel ring, alloy spider, 52mm chainline, 170mm length |
|
Size:
ML , L , XL , XXL Shimano MT611, 30T steel ring, alloy spider, 52mm chainline, 175mm length |
|
| Bottom bracket | Shimano SM-BB52, 73mm, threaded external bearing |
| Cassette | Shimano SLX M7100, 10-51, 12 speed |
| Chain | Shimano SLX M7100, 12 speed |
| Pedal | VP-536 nylon platform |
| Max chainring size | 32T |
| Saddle | Bontrager Arvada, steel rails, 138mm width |
|---|---|
| *Seatpost |
Size:
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:
S , M Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 5mm rise, 720mm width |
|
Size:
ML , L , XL , XXL Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 15mm rise, 750mm width |
|
| Grips | Bontrager XR Trail Comp, nylon lock-on |
| *Stem |
Size:
S Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 60mm length |
|
Size:
M , ML 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, sealed cartridge bearing, alloy cups, 1-1/8'' top, 1.5'' bottom |
| Brake | Shimano hydraulic disc, MT4100 lever, MT410 caliper |
| *Brake rotor |
Size:
S , M , ML , L , XL , XXL Shimano RT56, 6-bolt, 180mm |
|
Size:
S , M , ML , L , XL , XXL Shimano RT56, 6-bolt, 160mm |
| Weight | M - 12.52 kg / 27.61 lbs (with TLR sealant, no tubes) |
|---|---|
| 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.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15.5" | S | 27.5" | 36.8 | 73.5° | 73.5° | 9 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 71.9° | 73.0° | 10 | 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 | 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 | 69.5° | 67.2 | 31.1 | 5.8 | 43.8 | 4.2 | 9.4 | 118.1 | 80.4 | 48 | 62.7 |