Return Trek X-Caliber 8 for X-Caliber 9?
10-14-20, 06:08 AM
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Return Trek X-Caliber 8 for X-Caliber 9?
Hi all. I just picked up a lightly used 2021 Trek X-Caliber 8 from my local bike shop for a great (to me) deal. I'm not particularly excited about the SRAM SX Eagle groupset and other components that it came with - although they are probably ok for the light trail and street riding I do. I just feel like the SX Eagle is slow and sloppy. And the more I read on the forums, I'm more convinced the SX Eagle is junk. So I was going to upgrade the components to Shimano XT. However, I have found another lightly used X-Caliber 9 that is Shimano XT and am considering returning the 8 and getting the used 9. The difference will cost me about $600. I'm assuming upgrading the 8 to the XT groupset will cost me more than $600. Should I return the 8 and get the 9? I do light trail, gravel, and street riding. Below are the specs for both:
10-14-20, 06:31 AM
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You have a nice bike. Quit looking at the internet and go ride.
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10-14-20, 10:25 AM
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If the money is not big deal, get the upgraded (9) if you don’t like the shifting on the (8).
If it bothers you enough now, and there are no setup issues than can be resolved, it will always bother you.
John
If it bothers you enough now, and there are no setup issues than can be resolved, it will always bother you.
John
10-14-20, 02:08 PM
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SX is not junk. It's heavier in the crankset, but the steel chain ring will last forever. The shifting bits are upward compatible with all the other Eagle stuff.
Spend your money on a nicer fork. The fork on the 9 is exactly one and no more steps better. But it does not function any better, having basically the same innards. They've added a remote lockout lever you don't need unless you are actually racing XC. It's easy enough to reach down and turn the lever on the fork, certainly no harder than shifting an old 10-speed.
Get a dropper and some better tires that are really tubeless while you are at it.
Better yet, get a Fuse. Hardtail Party gave it a glowing review. I'd say get a Stache but they don't seem to be making it any more.
Spend your money on a nicer fork. The fork on the 9 is exactly one and no more steps better. But it does not function any better, having basically the same innards. They've added a remote lockout lever you don't need unless you are actually racing XC. It's easy enough to reach down and turn the lever on the fork, certainly no harder than shifting an old 10-speed.
Get a dropper and some better tires that are really tubeless while you are at it.
Better yet, get a Fuse. Hardtail Party gave it a glowing review. I'd say get a Stache but they don't seem to be making it any more.
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Last edited by Darth Lefty; 10-14-20 at 06:52 PM.
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10-15-20, 08:26 PM
#5
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No. $600 is way to much for basically just a drivetrain upgrade. If you really aren't happy upgrade your shifter to GX or higher which will be way cheaper.
