2021 Trek

E-Caliber 9.8 Gen 1

Almost zero negative transition when pushing the E-Caliber past the motor cut-off.

The combined low weight and non-invasive nature of the Fazua motor system creates a marvellously natural feeling e-bike.

Front and rear end offer different performance characteristics.

Range is disappointing.

You could buy a Supercaliber or a Slash, and a Rail e-bike for less than the cost of the E-Caliber 9.9 XTR.

One of the lightest and fastest full suspension cross country ebikes available today, weighing just 36.6lbs with pedals. Carbon frame, crank arms, seat post, handlebar, and rims, the bike comes in four sizes. Designed around Boost hub spacing with 15mm and 12mm thru-axles for improved stiffness and support for wider tires. The battery and motor are built into a removable drivepack that can be swapped for an empty storage box so you can ride as a lightweight acoustic bike at just 30.1lbs.

High quality Fox Factor air shocks front and rear. Unique single pivot strut design in the rear eliminates chain length changes and kickback while keeping weight as low as possible. Both shocks deliver remote lockout through a single lever near the left grip, which allows for efficient transitions from smooth to rough terrain. The bike ships with an additional lever that mounts at the dropper module for an optional seat post dropper.

Quiet Fazua motor is lighter than most competing products but still provides good torque for steeper climbs, up to 55 newton meters. Exceptional 12-speed Shimano XTR drivetrain with enormous 10-51 tooth cassette and narrow-wide chainring to reduce drops on bumpy terrain. The XTR shifters perform very well and the rear hub has additional pawls for near instant pickup when you begin pedaling.

Limited 252 watt hour battery capacity compared to other current-generation products, and the battery must be removed from the frame every time you wish to charge. The locking core for the battery uses the preferred ABUS Plus Code keys (to match with locks) but is on the non-drivetrain side of the bike, which is difficult to reach if the bike is laid down. Relatively high price tag for this premium model, but four other builds give you lots of choice. Very basic display but there's an optional mobile app for more feedback.