Trek Supercaliber 9.9 XX1 AXS Review
- Price: $11,499
- Frame: Carbon
- Tires: 29″ Carbon
- Gear: 1 × 12 Electronic
What we like about it: Lightweight, top-of-the-line carbon fiber frame combined with premium components for an ultimate off-road riding experience.
What we didn’t like about it: High price point, not the best fit for budget-conscious riders.
Rating: (4.9/5)
The Trek Supercaliber 9.9 XX1 AXS is Trek’s fastest, lightest, and most powerful cross-country racing bike. Its unique IsoStrut integrated shock is the cornerstone of the efficient suspension system in the Supercaliber, allowing riders to move swiftly and easily at high speeds through rugged terrains.
Next, we will delve into the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other versions of the Trek Supercaliber 9.9 XX1 AXS. In the latter part of this article, we will also make comparisons with several other bikes. If you want to explore more bike reviews, be sure to follow us.
Riding Experience
Upon receiving the Trek Supercaliber 9.9 XX1 AXS, I noticed that its overall geometry closely resembles that of an XC mountain bike. However, the IsoStrut suspension design gave me great confidence in its climbing ability and stability during descents.
Climbing
The Trek Supercaliber 9.9 XX1 AXS excels in uphill climbs, thanks to its ultra-lightweight full OCLV Mountain Carbon frame. With every pedal stroke, the bike exhibited impressive speed in ascending. The excellent suspension design minimized energy loss, ensuring a smooth and efficient climbing experience.
Moreover, the SRAM XX1 AXS top-tier drivetrain, featuring a 1×12-speed configuration, provided rich gear options with rapid and precise responsiveness. The wide range of speeds allowed me to efficiently manage my energy during uphill climbs.
Lastly, the outstanding geometry maintained my stability and distributed weight effectively between the bike’s front and rear ends. My riding posture remained optimal, and I experienced smooth power delivery, resulting in a fast-paced ride.
Descending
The Trek Supercaliber 9.9 XX1 AXS maintained stability and speed during descents. It featured a 100mm RockShox SID Ultimate fork and an exclusive IsoStrut FOX Factory shock designed for the Supercaliber. These components absorbed all road vibrations, enhancing overall comfort during descents.
On rocky and uneven surfaces, the 29-inch large wheelset demonstrated exceptional traction. Small bumps on the road were easily ignored, allowing me to maintain high speeds.
When I felt the need to slow down, the SRAM Level Ultimate hydraulic disc brakes provided powerful braking. A gentle squeeze of the brake lever instantly engaged the brakes, allowing me to rapidly reduce speed and ride safely.
Navigating through trails was a breeze due to the bike’s lightweight carbon fiber frame. The high-quality tires delivered superior grip, enabling me to maintain speed while cornering.
Specifications
The Trek Supercaliber 9.6 comes in five different sizes of ultra-lightweight carbon fiber frames suitable for riders ranging from 5’1″ to 6’5″. In other words, it caters to riders of almost all height sizes.
With the RockShox SID SL Ultimate fork and Trek IsoStrut design, this bike features a front and rear suspension travel of 100mm and 60mm, providing greater stability during descents compared to typical XC bikes.
The top-of-the-line SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS drivetrain is lightweight, offering crisp and efficient gear shifting. The electronic version of the gear shifting is straightforward and user-friendly.
The SRAM Level Ultimate hydraulic disc brakes ensure reliability in all conditions, delivering efficient braking performance throughout the day.
Video
Other Versions
The Trek Supercaliber 9.9 XX1 AXS is a top-tier full-suspension cross-country bike with an XC bike’s geometry. It offers fast climbing and enhanced shock absorption for stability during descents.
However, this bike comes at a premium price, making it less appealing for budget-conscious riders. To address this, there are other versions of the bike with the same carbon fiber frame but featuring lower-tier components. These alternatives maintain reliability and are suitable for riders with tighter budgets.
Trek Supercaliber 9.6
The Trek Supercaliber 9.6 also boasts the same lightweight carbon fiber frame. A quality frame serves as the foundation of an excellent bike and offers strong upgrade potential.
While this bike features components that may not be top-tier, they are reliable. The RockShox Recon Gold RL suspension fork and Shimano drivetrain and brake components are of high quality, ensuring dependable riding performance. Therefore, if your budget is not exceptionally high, the Trek Supercaliber 9.6 is a good choice with significant upgrade potential.
What do we like about it?
- The unique IsoStrut shock absorber provides adjustable damping suspension, allowing for smooth and efficient riding without the weight of a full suspension.
- Internal cable routing not only enhances the bike’s aesthetics but also makes it easier to clean for everyday maintenance, with quieter cable routing for a peaceful ride.
- The OCLV carbon fiber RSL integrated handlebar and stem are incredibly lightweight and comfortable, while offering a fantastic look.
- The SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS transmission system is intelligent, smooth, and completely wireless, delivering high transmission efficiency with easy adjustments.
- The SRAM Level Ultimate hydraulic disc brakes offer powerful performance, ensuring reliable braking capability in any environment.
- The wider Kovee RSL wheels provide enhanced tire support, allowing you to run lower pressures and gain greater traction.
What don’t we like about it?
- High price point, not the best fit for budget-conscious riders.
FAQ
- What is the rider weight limit for this bike?
The maximum total weight limit (bike, rider, and cargo) is 300 pounds (136 kilograms).
- What is the weight of this bike?
It weighs 21.6 lbs.
- How do I choose the right size?
We provide a size chart here for your reference. However, the best way to find the perfect size is to take a test ride.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 5’1″ – 5’5″ | S |
| 5’5″ – 5’9″ | M |
| 5’8″ – 5’11” | M/L |
| 5’10” – 6’2″ | L |
| 6’2″ – 6’5″ | XL |
Specs
Build
| Frame | OCLV Mountain Carbon main frame & stays, IsoStrut, tapered head tube, Knock Block, Control Freak internal routing, Boost148, 60mm travelBB Standard: BB86/BB92, Press FitTire Clearance: 2.2″Colors: Matte Raw Carbon / Gloss Trek Black; Yellow to Coral Fade |
| Fork | RockShox SID SL Ultimate, DebonAir spring, Charger Race Day, damper, 44mm offset, Boost110, 15mm Maxle Stealth, 100mm travel |
| Rear Shock | Trek IsoStrut, Fox Factory shock, air spring, DPS 2-position remote damper, Kashima Coat, 235mm x 32.5mm |
| Bottom Bracket | SRAM DUB, 92mm, PressFit |
| Headset | Knock Block Integrated, 62-degree radius, cartridge bearing, 1-1/8” top, 1.5” bottom |
| Handlebar | Size: S, M, Bontrager RSL Integrated handlebar/stem, OCLV Carbon, 0 mm handlebar rise, 750 mm width, -13-degree stem rise, 70mm length; Size: M/L, L,… Bontrager RSL Integrated handlebar/stem, OCLV Carbon, 0 mm handlebar rise, 750 mm width, -13-degree stem rise, 80mm length; Size: XL, Bontrager RSL Integrated handlebar/stem, OCLV Carbon, 0 mm handlebar rise, 750 mm width, -13-degree stem rise, 90 mm length |
| Saddle | Bontrager Verse Pro, carbon rails, 145mm width |
| Seatpost | Size: S, Bontrager XXX, OCLV Carbon, 31.6mm, 0mm offset, 330mm length; Size: M, M/L, L, XL, Bontrager XXX, OCLV Carbon, 31.6mm, 0mm offset, 400mm length |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS |
| Crank | Size: S, SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS Carbon, DUB, 34T alloy ring, Boost, 52mm chainline, 170mm length; Size: M, M/L, L, XL, SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS Carbon, DUB, 34T alloy ring, Boost, 52mm chainline, 175mm length |
| Shifters | SRAM Eagle AXS, wireless, 12 speed |
| Cassette | SRAM Eagle XG-1299, 10-52, 12 speed |
| Chain | SRAM XX1 Eagle, 12 speed |
| Brakes | Size: S, M, M/L, L, XL, SRAM Level Ultimate hydraulic disc, carbon levers; Size: S, M, M/L, L, XL, SRAM Level Ultimate 4-piston hydraulic disc, carbon levers |
Wheels
| Rims | Front: Bontrager Kovee XXX, OCLV Mountain Carbon, Tubeless Ready, centerlock, Boost110, 15mm thru axle, Rear: Bontrager Kovee XXX, OCLV Mountain Carbon, Tubeless Ready, DT Swiss 54T engagement, centerlock, SRAM XD driver, Boost148, 12mm thru axle |
| Tires | Bontrager XR1 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewall, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 29×2.20” |
| Disk Rotors | SRAM CenterLine X, centerlock, round edge, 160mm |
Comparison Table
| Bikes | Click view | Travel | Frame Material | Brake Type | Drivetrain |
| Pivot Mach 4 SL Team XX1 AXS | Click View | 100mm rear, 100mm front | Carbon | SRAM Level Ultimate | 1 × 12 Electronic |
| Ibis Exie XX1 AXS | Click View | 100mm rear, 120mm front | Carbon | Shimano XTR M9100 | 1 × 12 Electronic |
| Yeti SB115 T3 | Click View | 115mm rear, 130mm front | Carbon | SRAM G2 ULTIMATE | 1 × 12 |
| Cannondale F-Si Hi-MOD World Cup | Click View | 100mm front | Carbon | SRAM Level Ultimate | 1 × 12 Electronic |
Trek Supercaliber 9.9 XX1 AXS vs. Pivot Mach 4 SL Team XX1 AXS
These two bikes both feature carbon fiber frames. However, the latter has a longer suspension travel, allowing it to handle more intense and rugged riding terrains. The former, on the other hand, excels in climbing ability thanks to its geometry and suspension design.
Moving on to the drivetrain components, both of these bikes utilize the top-of-the-line SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS components, providing precise and responsive gear shifting.
In terms of braking components, the SRAM Level Ultimate hydraulic disc brakes are the preferred choice for both of these bikes. They offer powerful and aggressive braking capabilities, allowing for swift deceleration.
Therefore, between these two bikes, I would prefer the Trek Supercaliber 9.9 XX1 AXS for its lighter weight and superior climbing abilities.
Learn More: Is Pivot Mach 4 SL Team XX1 AXS Splendid – [Pivot Mach 4 SL Team XX1 AXS Review]
Trek Supercaliber 9.9 XX1 AXS vs. Ibis Exie XX1 AXS
In terms of suspension, the latter bike boasts a longer travel, offering superior performance on rugged terrains and handling drops more effectively. However, the former’s suspension components are lighter, providing better initial sensitivity and a stronger advantage in climbing scenarios.
Regarding the drivetrain components, both of these bikes feature top-of-the-line SRAM XX1 AXS components, ensuring crisp and responsive gear shifting. These are among the best mountain bike components available.
Lastly, both of these bikes are equipped with high-end braking components. The former comes with SRAM brakes, delivering powerful and immediate braking, while the latter features Shimano brakes, offering a more linear braking feel.
Therefore, these two full-suspension mountain bikes are both excellent options, and your choice can be based on your specific riding style and preferences.
Learn More: Is Ibis Exie XT Worth Buying? – Ibis Exie XT Review
Trek Supercaliber 9.9 XX1 AXS vs. Yeti SB115 T3
Between these two bikes, we have the top-of-the-line full-suspension mountain bikes from their respective brands.
The former is equipped with a RockShox suspension fork, which is lightweight and offers excellent initial rebound sensitivity. Meanwhile, the latter features a Fox suspension fork, providing better support to handle more aggressive off-road riding conditions.
Both of these bikes share top-of-the-line SRAM components for the drivetrain and brakes, delivering exceptional performance, reliability, and trustworthiness.
In summary, if you’re looking for speed in your off-road adventures, the Trek Supercaliber 9.9 XX1 AXS is the faster choice. However, the Yeti SB115 T3 shines on rougher terrains with its superior performance.
Learn More: Is Yeti SB115 T3 a Good Choice? – [Yeti SB115 T3 Review]
Trek Supercaliber 9.9 XX1 AXS vs. Cannondale F-Si Hi-MOD World Cup
Between these two bikes, the latter is a hardtail bike with no rear suspension design, making it lighter in weight. However, the former’s 60mm rear wheel suspension travel gives it an advantage in downhill riding, providing better comfort.
Both bikes are equipped with SRAM XX1 AXS components for the drivetrain. The gear shifting is crisp and smooth, as these components are top-of-the-line. They are lightweight, reliable, and trustworthy.
In this price range of mountain bikes, both are top-tier options. Your choice will depend on your personal preferences and the strengths each bike brings to your riding style.
Summary
Above is my review of the Trek Supercaliber 9.9 XX1 AXS. In our view, it’s an excellent full-suspension mountain bike with an extremely lightweight frame and components, suitable even for some mountain bike competitions. This is why we’ve awarded it a rating of 4.9.
Of course, if you’re interested in other full-suspension mountain bikes, we also review a wide range of bikes at various price points, making it an exciting world to explore. Feel free to check out our other reviews.
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