2023 Calibre

BOSSNUT

The affordable mountain bike market has never had more excellent, new, or 'old stock sold cheap’ options than it does now. So is the all-new Calibre Bossnut a straight to the top comeback? Guy Kesteven has been putting the hours in to tell you exactly what you need to know about this awesome affordable all-rounder

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After a four year hiatus the Calibre Bossnut is back. It’s got bigger 29in wheels, more travel and now comes with a dropper seat post fitted as standard. Yup, the price has crept up to £1,500, but as I found out, it’s still worth every penny. 2025 Calibre Bossnut need to know: Sleek alloy frame with modern geometry and 135mm travel Fork travel is now 140mm Five frame size: XS is 27in, S to XL 29in 29in bikes, also MX compatible with aftermarket MX link Two tool mounts under top tube External cable routing for rear brake and drivetrain Boost bolt-thru axles front and rear Spare parts, made in Sheffield Frame and geometry One look at the new Bossnut frame and it’s crystal clear that Calibre had upped its game. Now, I’m not implying that the old bike wasn’t cool, it’s just that the new Bossnut looks a lot more like something, say, Cannondale would produce, and not what you’d expect from what’s essentially an outdoor equipment supplier. That new aesthetic is a direct result of Calibre switching production facilities, and having a desire to move the needle once again in the entry-level full suspension category. And move the needle it has. Which is impressive given how many generations of Calibre Bossnut we’ve tested and highly rated since it came out in 2015. Let’s take a quick look at the geometry and sizing for example. Yes, it’s longer, lower and slacker than before, but more importantly it’s vital stats are right up there with cutting-edge trail bikes like the Canyon Spectral and Specialized Stumpjumper 15. Albeit a 16.84kg version. There’s simply no avoiding the weight penalty on more affordable bikes, especially if they are built to be ridden hard. And in this instance, entry-level doesn’t mean dumbed down. The Bossnut gets a 64.4º head angle for improved steering stability. A steep 77.1º seat tube angle to put you in a better position for climbing and a longer reach and short stem to improve the overall fit. In fact, it’s got all the numbers you are looking for in a modern trail bike. It’s also got external cable routing, so swapping out parts and upgrading is super easy for the home mechanic. Granted it’s not as clean or as sleek as having internal cable routing, but the second major plus point is there’s zero cable rattle. And because the Bossnut is designed as a trail bike, Calibre has made the switch to full 29in wheels, even though every previous generation Bossnut rolled on 27.5in wheels. It hasn’t forgotten its roots, however, or shorter riders, so the XS size rolls on smaller 27.5in wheels for a better overall fit. Calibre also appreciates that some riders may need more tyre clearance, so it’s also producing a longer MX shock extender, right on its doorstep in Sheffield, for correcting the geometry when converting to an MX setup. MX links will be sold separately. So, to recap. Calibre offers the Bossnut in five frame sizes, …Continue reading »

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Though designed as a trail bike, Calibre say it's built to last, with redesigned tubes intended to strengthen every part of the frame.

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