It’s here! Trek’s new lightweight electric assist XC whip has landed. So what’s it all about, who’s it for and why is it potentially a quiver killer? Here’s your overview.

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What is it?

E-Caliber is the brand’s first lightweight electric-assist mountain bike. Trek has slotted this bike into the Cross-country / Endurance riding genre. With that positioning, it’s no surprise to see the award-winning IsoStrut Suspension platform from their Supercaliber employed here. Other than the 60mm rear suspension layout, this is an entirely new package. Upfront there is a 120mm fork, the head angle is pegged at 67.5-degree, and the frame’s reach and wheelbase is a little longer too. The build kits, geometry and overall spec is all very XCish.

Sitting between 15.8 and 17.7kg (weight varies through the lineup) the E-Caliber is about 6kg or 25% lighter than the full support electric-assist Trek Rail we tested here. That kind of weight saving will make a significant impact on the useability of the package and likely broaden its appeal. E-Caliber is only available as an all-carbon chassis and all the models in the lineup use the well-established Fazua battery and motor.

The Drive System

What makes this bike unique and potentially a quiver killer, is you can remove the entire drive system, dropping 2.7kg in the process and ride the bike as an analog (standard or non-electric) machine. It’s pretty quick to remove the battery and motor, and replace it with the hollow downtube insert that is supplied with the bike. As easy as that you’re on a full analog setup. Cleverly, with the battery and motor removed, the open compartment doubles up as storage capacity for tools, tubes, clothing, biltong or banquettes.

The Fazua system has three support modes (Breeze, River and Rocket) that are fully customizable. You’ll be able to tweak things like maximum power, support relation and ramp-up to suit the way you like to ride. Additional functions like GPS navigation, tracking, trip information, motor power, remaining battery capacity, distance to empty, speed, cadence, rider power, rider torque and a post-ride analysis are available through the Fazua App.

The ride feel of the Fazua drive system is described as a very natural feeling with smooth power delivery. We hear the decoupling of the system is of the smoothest out there and with the assist off, the motor is completely disconnected from the drivetrain.

As a mid-level support eMTB, the E-Caliber is designed to fit somewhere between a full power eMTB like the Rail and an analog bike like the Supercaliber we tested here. In their communications to us, Trek has stressed that this is not a full-throttle style of eMTB and that fitness is most definitely required.

How Far Will It Go?

By the numbers, the Fazua drive system on the E-Caliber has a 250Wh battery and a motor that produces a maximum torque of 55Nm. By comparison, the Bosch system on the new Trek Rail runs a 750Wh battery, with up to 85Nm of torque on tap. Now, the range of any electric-assist machine is impacted by many factors including terrain, weight, tyres, the support modes used, rider input and so on. According to Trek, using continuous assist, the E-Caliber has range capabilities that sit as high as 70km and 1200m elevation gain from a rider putting in 200w. That’s a five-hour ride. Naturally, adding in sections of zero assist will bump that range up even more. We’ve got a long-term test bike arriving soon so we’ll run some of our own big days and see how she goes, then update you.

 

 

Who Is It For?

E-Caliber is designed to equalize fitness levels making group rides more enjoyable. It is also a fitness enhancer, enabling riders to explore a little further or higher than they previously might have been able to. Understanding those scenarios, the E-Caliber is likely suited to a wide range of riders. Considering it is really two bikes in one, it makes a lot of financial sense too. Stay tuned for a more detailed review.

 Learn more at trekbikes.com

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