The so-called light electric mountain bikes (e-MTB) seem to be one of the current year trends that will see significant growth as a segment. Specialized started lightning the full suspension electric MTB with its Levo SL model, and other manufacturers have followed suit.
With the latest launch, Trek will join the club. The company has launched the all-new E-Caliber, the lightest full suspension electric mountain bike ever, weighing under 16 kg. It features a removable Fazua Evation electric drive that separates itself from the hard-hammering downhill e-MTBs to offer a light, nimble cross-country ride.
The electric drive consists of a 250-watt motor, the bottom bracket gear, and a 250 Wh battery integrated into a detachable module that fits into the down tube and connects to a gear in the crankset. The drive system is easily removable. Just take it out, pop on the included cover, and you’ll have a standard mountain bike that weighs 2.9 kg less than before.
The Evation delivers a torque of 55 Nm, providing speeds up to 32 km/h (20 mph), while the battery provides up to 70 km (43 miles) of range with the least intensive assistance mode.
The Trek E-Caliber is based on a carbon frame, which also helps to save weight. Even the crank is made of carbon. The bikes’ weight is 15.77 kg in the E-Caliber 9.9 XX1 AXS version. On the suspension side, the E-Caliber 9.9 XX1 AXS uses a 120mm RockShox SID Ultimate fork and a 60mm IsoStrut FOX Factory shock. Besides, it features SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS wireless electronic drivetrain, a Bontrager XXX carbon seat post, and Kovee XXX 30 carbon wheels.
The Trek E-Caliber comes in a full range of models, starting at $6,499, while the lightest and most expensive model in the series costs $12,999. The differences lie in the components used, but not in the drive system – which is the same everywhere.
