Trek Takes the Stage in 2021 With a Carbon Frame XC Hardtail for Just $2,000

Luckily for the kid of that family I just made up, he’s just going to have to show his parents Trek's newest video (found at the bottom of this page) in order to avoid an argument. What this is all about is the freshest lineup from Trek, the 2021 Procaliber series.

Now, the range includes three bikes, but for the sake of getting to know each one independently, we’re going to be starting off with the least expensive of them, the Procaliber 9.5.

Like its bigger siblings, the 9.5 is a hardtail MTB. But for just $2,000, you will receive a bit more than you would expect. Usually, bikes in this price range are equipped with trusty aluminum frames; not the 9.5. What sets the Procaliber series apart from other lines we’ve seen recently is that its frame is composed of OCLV carbon.

That’s right, folks. You can own a full carbon frame from one of the biggest names in biking for just $2,000. I wonder if this frame also includes Trek’s famous lifetime warranty. To keep it clean and snag-proof, the frame is also equipped with internal cable routing, so don’t worry about how tight you run that next corner.

One neat feature the team decided to include in this design is the IsoSpeed decoupler. Just to get a quick understanding of what this is, the decoupler allows the seat tube to move independently from the top tube just enough to smooth out bumps and vibrations without, I repeat, without losing any pedal power.

Another option placed on the frame to make sure you finish your ride is something known as Knock Block. The Knock Block is a method and system installed into the frame to keep your handlebars from twisting in case of an accident. This keeps your components safe so that you fork doesn’t damage the downtube or rip your cables out.

Speaking of forks, this puppy is equipped with a RockShox Judy SL with 100 mm (3.9 in) of travel. It may not feel like the kind of fork that can take a drop like the bigger guns, but then again, the bike seems to be a cross country favorite already (according to client reviews).

As for the drivetrain and secondary components like brakes, shifters, cassette, chain, and rear derailleur, they all come from powerhouse Shimano. Honestly, who else did you think can put together a 12-speed setup that won’t fail when you need it most? Just so you understand the reliability we're talking about, the setup is from the Deore line that Shimano cranks out.

The cockpit and stem come from Bontrager, a favorite among the Trek family; actually, the hubs, rims, tires, seat, and seat post are all from Bontrager.

Now, if you take a look at the video below, you’ll see a bunch of kids riding this bike. Personally, even as an adult, I would still take a spin on those 29-inch tires and see what Trek has to offer me for two thousand dollars.