New Trek ProCaliber Gen 3 Hardtail Features Less Iso Speed ​​for More Compliant Iso Bow Suspension

It seems like we’re seeing fewer updated race hardtails lately. The rise of micro-suspension bikes like the Trek SuperCal and Specialized Epic WC have replaced the need for a completely rigid frame. Still, nothing beats the feel of a pure hardtail (and zero moving parts to maintain). Trek feels the same way, ditching Iso Speed ​​for a flexible new option on the updated Trek ProCaliber Gen 3.

Do we still need hardtails?

Yes (IMO), but many of the hardtails we’ve seen have been converted into drop bar LifeTime Grand Prix super-gravel race machines. There’s still a place for the modern hardtail, though. Pauline Ferrand Prevot raced her Pinarello Dogma hardtail to an Olympic gold medal this summer. These super light, nimble machines are precision tools in the right hands.

How do you ensure that a hardtail meets the changing needs of mountain bike consumers?

Trek ProCaliber Gen 3 – What’s New?

Now in its third generation, the Trek ProCaliber lacks suspension hardware and is the lightest version yet. The ProCaliber Gen 3 Hardtail leans toward big tires, suspension, and a more relaxed front end.

The most obvious change is the “suspension,” so let’s start there. Trek’s design team has put most of their line on a diet this season, and the ProCal is the latest. The frame no longer has moving Iso-Speed ​​components, elastomer suspension, or the front-end knock block.

Meet Iso Bow

The Iso Speed ​​gets replaced by a new design that Trek calls “Iso Bow”; you’ll understand why when you look at it. The design aggressively changes the arc of the top tube, but that all plays into the suspension design. The top tube now flows into the thin seat tube, with a minimal junction lower on the seat tube.

The team says it offers the same benefits as IsoSpeed ​​(seated compliance), but is simpler and lighter. Trek says the new design is so similar in performance to Iso Speed ​​that riders couldn’t tell the difference in seated compliance during blind trail testing.

How much does the Trek ProCalber Gen 3 weigh?

• Procaliber 9.6 Gen 3 11.08 kg / 24.43 lbs
• Procaliber 9.5 Gen 3: 12.13 kg / 26.75 lbs
• Procaliber 9.7 AXS Gen 3:10.58 kg / 23.33 lbs
• ProCaliber 9.5 frame (painted): 1150g

*All weights have a Med frame, with TLR kit and without tubes.

To put frame weight into perspective, below are some weights of competing hardtails with exact tire clearance and suspension capacity.

• Canyon exceeds HT: 853 grams
• Cannondale Scaple Hi-Mod: 895 grams
• Pivot point LES SL: 1045 grams
• Trek Procal: 1150g
• Santa Cruz Hi-Ball: 1170 grams

120mm suspension update

The ProCaliber Gen 3 uses a modern 120mm of suspension, 10mm more than the Trek SuperCaliber. This makes the transition from bike to bike easier for athletes and gives the new ProCaliber Gen 3 a wider range of riding conditions to master.

Slacker and steeper geometry

With the updated suspension comes updated geometry; this time around, it’s more than a minor tweak. To make the ProCaliber more appealing to athletes who will use it as their main bike, the design team switched to a progressive front end. The head angle is now around 67 degrees (previously 68.8 degrees). The effective seat tube angle gets a bit steeper, from 73.8 degrees to 74.3 degrees.

Trek also updated the ProCaliber’s reach to give the bike more composed handling and increased rider confidence (which increases speed, IMO). The ProCaliber gets a 10mm longer reach, measuring 460mm (up from 450mm) on a large frame. This updated reach doesn’t match the SuperCaliber, which measures 465mm on a large frame, but it’s close.

Increased tire clearance / floating brake mount

Like 2024-2025 hardtail race bikes, the Trek ProCaliber can fit 29 x 2.4″ tires with room to spare.

Trek’s ProCaliber Gen 3 uses the same brake mount as the SuperCaliber Gen 2. It isolates braking forces from seatstay flex with an updated floating brake mount. Trek says the design provides more consistent braking and isn’t affected by seatstay flex.

One model for the US / three for Europe

The new Trek ProCaliber Gen 3 comes in three different models: Procaliber 9.5, Procaliber 9.6, Procaliber 9.7 AXS, and a frameset. North America only gets the Procaliber 9.5 and a frameset, while Europe gets all three plus more expensive build options.

Trek ProCaliber Gen 3 Prices

• Procaliber 9.5 Gen 3 : Price: $2,499.99 CAN: $3,399.99
• Procaliber 9.5 Gen 3 Frameset: Price: $1,999.99 CAN $2,749.99

TrekBikes.com