New Trek ProCaliber Gen 3 Hardtail Drops Iso Velocity for Flexing Iso Bow Suspension 


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Currently, it appears we’ve been seeing fewer up to date race-hardtails. The surge of mirco-suspension bikes just like the Trek SuperCal and the Specialised Epic WC changed the necessity for a completely inflexible body. Nevertheless, nothing beats a pure hardtail’s really feel (and 0 transferring components to service). Trek feels the identical and ditched Iso Velocity for a versatile new choice on the up to date Trek ProCaliber Gen 3.  

Trek ProCaliber Gen 3 Hardtail alone
(Pictures: Trek)

Do We Nonetheless Want Hardtails?

Sure (IMO) however, most of the hardtails we’ve seen have been repurposed into drop bar LifeTime Grand Prix super-gravel racing machines. Nevertheless, there may be nonetheless a spot for the trendy hardtail. Pauline Ferrand Prevot raced her Pinarello Dogma hardtail to an Olympic gold medal this summer season. These tremendous light-weight, nimble machines are precision instruments in the proper palms.

So, how do you make a hardtail attraction to the altering urge for food of mountain bike shoppers? 

Trek ProCaliber Gen 3 Hardtail team campTrek ProCaliber Gen 3 Hardtail team camp

Trek ProCaliber Gen 3 – What’s New? 

Now in its third era, the Trek ProCaliber boasts no suspension {hardware} and is the lightest model up to now. The ProCaliber Gen 3 Hardtail leans towards large tires, suspension, and a extra relaxed entrance finish. 

Probably the most noticeable change is the “suspension,” so let’s begin there. The Trek design crew has put most of their line on a food regimen this season, and the ProCal is the newest. The body now not has Iso Velocity transferring components, elastomer suspension, or the knock block on the entrance finish. 

Trek ProCaliber Gen 3 Hardtail DHTrek ProCaliber Gen 3 Hardtail DH

Get to Know Iso Bow

Changing Iso Velocity is a brand new design Trek calls ‘Iso Bow’; you’ll perceive why while you take a look at it. The design aggressively adjustments the arch of the highest tube, however that each one performs into the suspension design. The highest tube now arcs into the skinny seat stays, with a minimal connection, decrease down on the seat tube.

The crew says it gives the identical profit as IsoSpeed (seated compliance) however is extra simple and lighter. Trek says the brand new design is so related in efficiency to Iso Velocity that in on-trail blind testing, riders couldn’t inform the distinction in seated compliance. 

Trek ProCaliber Gen 3 Hardtail full bikeTrek ProCaliber Gen 3 Hardtail full bike

How A lot Does the Trek ProCalber Gen 3 Weigh? 

  • Procaliber 9.6 Gen 3 11.08 kg / 24.43 lbs 
  • Procaliber 9.5 Gen 3: 12.13 kg / 26.75 lbs
  • Procaliber 9.7 AXS Gen 3:10.58 kg / 23.33 lbs 
  • ProCaliber 9.5 Body (painted): 1150g

*All weights are Med body, with TLR sealant, and no tubes.

Trek ProCaliber Gen 3 Hardtail AXSTrek ProCaliber Gen 3 Hardtail AXS

To place the body weight into perspective, listed here are some weights of competing hardtails with the precise tire clearance and suspension functionality. 

  • Canyon Exceed HT: 853g
  • Cannondale Scaple Hello-Mod: 895g 
  • Pivot LES SL: 1045g 
  • Trek Procal: 1150g 
  • Santa Cruz Hello-Ball: 1170g 
Trek ProCaliber Gen 3 Hardtail blkTrek ProCaliber Gen 3 Hardtail blk

120mm Suspension Replace

The ProCaliber Gen 3 makes use of a contemporary 120mm suspension, 10mm greater than the Trek SuperCaliber. This can make the transition from bike to bike simpler on athletes and provides the brand new ProCaliber Gen 3 a broader vary of driving circumstances to play in. 

Trek ProCaliber Gen 3 Hardtail in rocksTrek ProCaliber Gen 3 Hardtail in rocks

Slacker and Steeper Geometry 

With up to date suspension comes up to date geometry; this time, it’s greater than a slight tweak. To present the ProCaliber extra attraction to athletes utilizing it as their foremost bike, the design crew moved to a progressive entrance finish. The top tube angle is now at a spherical 67 levels (beforehand 68.8 levels). The efficient seat tube angle will get barely steeper, transferring from 73.8 levels to 74.3 levels. 

Trek ProCaliber Gen 3 Hardtail GeoTrek ProCaliber Gen 3 Hardtail Geo
(Picture: Bikerumor.com)

Trek additionally up to date the attain for the ProCaliber to provide the bike calmer dealing with and elevated rider confidence (which will increase pace, IMO). The ProCaliber will get a 10mm longer attain, measuring 460 mm (beforehand 450mm) on a big body. This up to date attain doesn’t match the SuperCaliber, because it measures 465mm for a big body, but it surely’s shut. 

Trek ProCaliber Gen 3 Hardtail uphillTrek ProCaliber Gen 3 Hardtail uphill

Bigger Tire Clearance / Floating Brake Mount  

Like hardtail race bikes in 2024-2025, the Trek ProCaliber suits 29 x 2.4″ tires with room to spare. 

The Trek ProCaliber Gen 3 makes use of the identical brake mount because the SuperCaliber Gen 2. It isolates braking forces from seat keep flex with an up to date floating brake mount. Trek says the design gives extra constant braking and isn’t affected by seat keep flex.

Trek ProCaliber Gen 3 Hardtail AXS whiteTrek ProCaliber Gen 3 Hardtail AXS white

One Mannequin For the US / Three for Europe

The brand new Trek ProCaliber Gen 3 is available in three completely different fashions: Procaliber 9.5, Procaliber 9.6, Procaliber 9.7 AXS, and a frameset. North America will solely see the Procaliber 9.5 and a frameset. Europe, nonetheless, will obtain all three and higher-end construct choices. 

Trek ProCaliber Gen 3 Pricing

  • Procaliber 9.5 Gen 3 : Worth: $2,499.99 CAN: $3,399.99
  • Procaliber 9.5 Gen 3 Body Set: Worth: $1,999.99 CAN $2,749.99

TrekBikes.com 

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