Trek Procaliber Trail Review | XC Carbon Hardtail

This is an overview of the trail performance of my 2022 Trek Procaliber 9.5 over a summer of trail riding. I was able to ride some mid west trails in Ohio, which included much more moisture, roots, and close proximity to trees as obstacles than I am used to here in my local Colorado trails, which are much faster and dryer. The bike still really impressed me despite the stock spec. If you want a deep dive on the spec of the bike, my initial impressions, or how it compares directly to the Canyon Exceed in similar spec, check out the videos linked below.
First look: • Trek Procaliber with I...
Reviewed: • The NEW Trek Procalibe...
Procal VS Exceed: • Trek Procaliber VS Can...
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[@DanielPrzygoda1]

Cool Review. Your video helped me by my decision finding a right bike. Now I have a 2023 Caliber 9.6 and I am so happy about it ✌️🤩

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Awesome! Glad the video was helpful, enjoy the bike! I am still thrilled with mine.

[@DamianNocun]

This is a great bike, I upgraded mine with complete Shimano Deore XT group set and SID SL 35 120mm fork, Bike is riding smoothly and is very stable. Frame looks amazing.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Nice! I am on the fence whether to keep it at 100mm or go up to the 120mm, did you notice a big different having more travel (in a bad way)? I did ant to keep mine light and XC focused

[@DamianNocun]

@@ElevationEveryWeekend still did not have a chance, but when I installed fork on bike it does not look like any difference, Trek in technical specifications of frame wrote that 120 travel should be fine. And I wanted there 35mm fork legs and that was only one option in this price range. It looks really cool

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

@@DamianNocun Yep since Trek said it’s acceptable it shouldn’t interfere with warranty on frame. I will see what’s out there this spring when I look to upgrade

[@johnmarkwilliams2599]

First class review. Clear, concise, yet comprehensive - thank you 👍

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Thanks for watching!!

[@mysakas1]

@@ElevationEveryWeekend I have this bike and the fork had to go immediately. I put SID 120 mm and the bike moved up a level. I'm satisfied.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

@@mysakas1 I have a 100mm Reba on mine now and it’s a nice improvement, about 1.5lbs lighter. I am interested in trying a 120mm in the future.

[@mysakas1]

@@ElevationEveryWeekend I recommend that you increase the overall comfort of the bike.

[@madcapper6]

Didn't know until 0:36 that you did the comparison vid between the Procaliber and the Exceed. Was looking forward to that vid but either didn't get the notification or if I did, somehow missed it. I'll be checking that one out as well. Always great content. Thanks.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Yeah sometimes not sure what happens with the notifications. Hope the. Oreo is helpful!

[@bobbyjoesugar]

Love this bike- it’s got everything I need for my style of riding

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Yeah it has been really good stock, a couple mods and I think it will be even better!

[@theanimaster]

I love my 9.6 ProCaliber - but I’ve upgraded it so much, it would have been better to have just gotten the 9.5. I went full carbon on the wheels and seat+seat post - the only thing left is to upgrade the shocks to something lighter. At this point I’ve already spent more than the cost of the bike itself in upgrades.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Yeah, this 9.5 could use a new fork to really lighten it up. Otherwise not much else I would change, maybe the wheels at some point.

[@thomashospodar9808]

That was a really good and interesting video great info keep them coming

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@DirtEveryWeekend]

Great Video! I do want to see that bike shred with some good tires and fork upgrade for sure. Maybe it will be ready for Badlands trip in the near future 😉. it was Suckfest that Day at West Branch I have run that Rock Garden Black Diamond with virtually no issues on the Surly Wednesday in the Fall when it was cooler and very dry

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Yeah, would like to try that entire system again in better conditions. Yeah, a better/lighter fork and a slight tire upgrade should be a big improvement. On the fence if I want to stay 100mm travel, or go up to the allowable 120mm travel, since I still have my Stache with 120mm.

[@sherryhospodar2401]

Beautiful picture , great riding , great video 👍👏

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Thanks for watching!

[@sherryhospodar2401]

@@ElevationEveryWeekend welcome

[@osafoca]

Thanks for the video. Love my procal 9.7, however I'll be adding a dropper post to it for the more techy and downhill sections.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Thanks for watching! The Procal is one of my all-time favorite bikes, I will have more to come with it this summer for sure! Still no dropper on mine, but I can definitely see the benefit to that, especially if you want to push the bikes limits.

[@kristierundell8917]

Great video ! Fun to watch !! Thanks for posting.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Thanks for watching!!

[@eliongkokoli1602]

Amazing bike! It is in between a full sus and hardtail mtb! You get a little both of each which is fantastic!

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

You definitely get a little something extra when seated with the ISO Speed! Thanks for watching!

[@muster442]

grazie del video , ho appena comprato questa bike , prima avevo una nuova marlin 6 che ho tenuto solo 5 mesi , ma la trek procaliber 9,5 in carbonio è un altra cosa, io la trovo fantastica , rispetto al marlin 6 faccio molto meno fatica e vado più veloce , il cambio a 12 velocità e fantastico , anche la posizione di guida e molto comoda , la guida e più aggressiva .

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Yes, it is a huge improvement over the Marlin. I am still really enjoying this bike!

[@RolexDanny]

I just bought a Marlin 8 Friday but I think im going to take it back and get this. I should have gone with this

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

The Marlin is a good starter bike, but yes the Procal is a significantly better performer, and will last you a long time and is worthy of upgrades.

[@user-je5ww4nu2b]

Is this 9.5 a good choice? thank you for your sharing

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

I think it’s a great bike for the price point, and down the road can be made even better with some upgrades.

[@debdas16]

Hi, Thanks for the review. It's very helpful. Do you know what kind of kickstand I can install on this Procaliber 9.5 bike?

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Thanks for watching! I am not aware of any specific kickstand options to fit the Procal, but there may be some 3rd party options that could work. Being a carbon frame bike, I would be cautious with clamping a kickstand to the frame, it could be a cause for potential damage since the frame was not designed with a kickstand in mind.

[@debdas16]

@@ElevationEveryWeekend Thanks for your response. Carbon frame is precisely the reason I am trying to avoid clamping anything on it.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

@@debdas16 there may be some that mount off of the rear axle, but you will have to search those out since I don’t have any recommendations.

[@ladislavpavelka447]

Hello, I am thinking about the new SID Ultimate Race Day 120 mm version. Legs 35mm. When will the Trek procaliber have this fork?

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

If you are asking if it is compatible with the Procal, I think so. The Procal can run Up to 120mm in warranty. You’ll just need to ensure it’s the correct offset (44mm I believe).

[@mmj7700]

5:13 "...the lockout on the rear derailleur worked well". Not sure what you meant by this.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Most modern MTB rear deraillure’s (the thing that hangs off the rear axle and changes gears in back) have a little lever on them and it acts as a lock out to keep the deraillure from bouncing when in rough terrain. It helps prevent chain slap, and reduces the odds of a dropped chain. It adds tension to the drivetrain which can increase wear, so you only want to use it when needed.

[@mmj7700]

@@ElevationEveryWeekend Ah! I think you are referring to the clutch on newer Shimano derailleurs. I'm using a SRAM unit so it doesn't have the option to turn it on or off. I do have a "cage lock" that helps when removing the chain and such but you certainly wouldn't want to engage it while riding. Lol. Thanks for the video. I'm waiting on delivery of a new Procaliber frame myself. Hoping to get it next week. 😀

[@jonzylka9474]

You cant pinch flat when ur tubeless…

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Sure can! Bottoming out the rim on the sidewall can still cut a tire, tube or not.

[@jonzylka9474]

@@ElevationEveryWeekend Yes… but thats not a “pinch flat”. A “pinch flat” is when you have tubes… thats just a plain old flat tire…

[@mcragosta]

@@jonzylka9474 "a plain old flat tire" that got flat because it got "pinched" between the rim and the ground. Hence, still a pinch flat.

[@mickeytollison]

@@jonzylka9474Uh, no. It is still called a pinch flat.