34.7 Pounds with Motor and Battery, 26.6 Pounds (and Rideable) without - Trek's New E-Caliber XC eMTB 8

Do we need XC-light e-bikes that have a removable battery and motor for riding on non-e-bike trails? You can decide for yourself, but regardless of what you think, that bike is here. Trek announced their E-Calber lineup and provided the details below in this press release. -gordo

[Waterloo, WI] — Trek announced an all-new family of electric mountain bikes today, bolstering the brand's e-MTB lineup with a lightweight, Fazua-powered XC ride called E-Caliber.

E-Caliber is based on the design of Trek's popular Supercaliber XC race bike and is equipped with Trek's exclusive IsoStrut shock. It has an appetite for distance, a love of XC speed, and just the right suspension and power to turn up endurance on cross country trails so riders can stay stronger and cover more distance.

Whereas electric mountain bikes are increasingly designed for bigger terrain and made to power up climbs so riders can charge down them, E-Caliber offers a lightweight ride that enhances the true XC experience.

Lightweight XC performance

This is Trek's lightest full suspension electric mountain bike ever, with the top-end model weighing in at just 33 lbs./15 kg (Editor's note - this must be for size Small. Medium is claimed 34.7 pounds in their charts). It closes the gap between a user and stronger riders and erases the limits riders put on themselves, taking the hardship factor out of climbs, distance, and tricky terrain without taking away the accomplishment that comes with riding them.

Every E-Caliber in the lineup is equipped with an ultra-smart internal Fazua Evation drive system, which offers 55 Nm of torque, a range up to 43 miles/70 km, and three modes of assist activated by Fazua's all-new bX remote.

The lightweight drive system weighs just 10 lbs./4.6 kg and assists up to 20 mph/25 kph. When riders go beyond the max assist speed, they won't feel any drag or resistance—just the smooth speed of an ultra-fast XC bike.

Smart software for the trail

E-Caliber's Fazua Evation system runs on the all-new BLACK PEPPER software, which delivers power at a wider range of cadence (from 50 – 120 rpm) and is more responsive from the start. It gives immediate assistance when you start to pedal, without any lurching.

Additionally, this intelligent assist software adapts to your pedaling style and is completely customizable through Fazua's Toolbox Software 2.0, which allows you to dial in your user and power settings in an easy-to-use interface.

Through Fazua's Rider App, E-Caliber users have full access to a wide range of sensor- and system-generated data for tracking trip performance. E-Caliber is also Bluetooth-compatible for easy data transmission to a wide range of devices.

Electric XC spec

E-Caliber's geometry is dialed for an electric XC bike. Compared to Supercaliber, it's 1.5° slacker with a 67.5° head tube angle and a longer reach for maintaining extra stability while moving at a consistently higher speed. E-Caliber models are also equipped with a bigger 120mm fork.

Just like Supercaliber, E-Caliber is equipped with Trek's exclusive IsoStrut shock—a structural suspension design that pairs 60mm of damped tunable travel with unique pivotless seatstays that move with the trail to keep you smooth and fast.

One bike, two ways to love it

E-Caliber can easily be turned into an awesome analog XC bike by removing the Fazua motor and installing the included down tube cover. This creates a drag-free riding experience with the performance and handling of an XC race bike. Removing the Fazua system and installing the included cover sheds 6.4 lbs./2.9 kg. For the top-end E-Caliber 9.9 XX1 AXS, that drops the weight down to 26.6 lbs./12 kg.

The all-new E-Caliber is available in five models, ranging in price from USD $6,499 MSRP to USD $12,999 MSRP, and can be found now through Trek's wide network of retail partners and online at trekbikes.com in select markets.

Trek E-Caliber e-MTB Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

What electric assist drive system does this bike use?

E-Caliber uses the compact Fazua Evation system.

What is the range?

Range is determined by many different factors including rider weight, riding behavior, surface, assist mode, and type of terrain. For mountain biking, the range can be anywhere between 30-80 kilometers.

How many watt-hours is the battery?

250 watt-hours.

How much torque does the Fazua system provide?

55Nm.

Can the bike be ridden without the electric assist system?

Yes. You can remove the battery and replace it with the included cover. That will remove 6lbs or 2.7kg from the total weight of the bike. This allows you to have a traditional cross country mountain biking experience.

This bike looks a lot like Supercaliber. What are the differences?

E-Caliber uses the same IsoStrut technology and runs on the same 60mm of rear suspension. Up front, the bike has 120mm of travel, rather than the 100mm on Supercaliber. E-Caliber’s headtube angle is slacker at 67.5-degrees compared to the 69-degree Supercaliber. Also, the reach on the E-Caliber has increased 10-15mm for more stability at speed.

How do you turn on or “wake up” the electric assist?

In previous generations of the Fazua system, you had to drop out the battery and snap it back in. Now, there is a simple function on the remote where you can turn or “wake up” the electric assist system.

Is the Fazua system tuned for mountain biking?

Yes. Fazua has created a new tune called “Black Pepper” that improves performance for high-end bikes. With Black Pepper you get more assistance at higher cadences, more differentiation between the three assist modes, a more responsive start, and the ability to customize the support modes. The net result is an assist that works better for mountain biking and feels very natural.

Has the remote been updated?

Yes. There is a new smaller, unobtrusive remote that easily fits between the grip and brake or dropper post clamp.

Are spare keys available for the battery lock?

Yes. Every E-Caliber owner should save the key code printed on the ABUS card, as that will be required to order spare keys. There is no key info stored in the Fazua software. If the keys and key code are lost, the lock core must be drilled out and replaced.

Why do all sizes show the same standover height?

For E-Caliber, standover height is dictated by the rear triangle and strut location. All sizes use the same rear triangle and strut, so the standover height is the same on all sizes.

What is the maximum tire size?

29x2.40”

Is it compatible with other wheel/tire sizes?

No. It is only compatible with standard-width 29-inch wheels/tires.

What is the rear brake mount? What is the max rotor size?

180mm direct post mount. 203mm maximum.

What is the hub spacing?

148x12mm.

How much dropper post insertion does the frame have?

• S: 205mm
• M: 270mm
• L: 270mm
• XL: 270mm

What is the maximum chainring size? Minimum chainring size?

Maximum: 32T with 52mm chainline; 36T with 55mm chainline. Minimum: 30T.

Are these bikes tubeless compatible? What additional parts are required?

Yes. All models come completely tubeless with valves and rim strips installed. Just add the included sealant.

What is the maximum fork axle-to-crown and/or travel?

120mm or 531mm axle-to-crown.

In which Mino Link position does the bike ship?

This bike does not have Mino Link.

Is it compatible with aftermarket shocks? Which ones?

Since E-Caliber uses Trek’s unique IsoStrut suspension layout, it is not compatible with other shocks. However, if a rider desires a different spring curve, it is easy to add the included volume spacers.

Can I use a shock with a longer stroke to increase the rear travel?

No.

Does it have ISCG mounts?

No.

Is it compatible with 2x drivetrains?

No.

Visit Trek Bikes for more info on the E-Caliber

View key specs, compare bikes, and rate the E-Caliber in the Vital MTB Product Guide.