The front derailleur cable is routed internally through the top tube for a clean look: - David Rome / Immediate Media Meanwhile the wide, well-swept Bontrager handlebar offers plenty of leverage for confident control of the bike. Factor in the relatively short rear end and you've got a comfortable riding position with easy manoeuvrability when the terrain requires. The spacious top tube, short stem combination means your weight sits evenly between the wheels, making for balanced handling. Out on the trail, the ride from the X-caliber's geometry shines Out on the trail, the ride from the x-caliber's geometry shines well above its price : - Colin Levitch / Immediate Media While smaller frame sizes will undoubtedly experience some difference in handling owing to their 650b wheels, our 17.5in-framed test bike immediately – and reassuringly – felt similar to the X-Caliber 7.

Borrowing the geometry from Trek’s popular and World Cup-proven Superfly range, the 29in wheeled 7 rides like a performance bike, rather than the entry-level model that it is.

The handling qualities of the last year’s X-Caliber 7 were a major factor in the praise we showered on it. So is the new model worth the extra outlay? Ride and handling: pro-level trail character with superb balance

Given our near perfect experience with last year’s X-Caliber 7, the sight of a RockShox branded fork on the new immediately had us smiling – although a corresponding price rise also has to be factored in. Just a year on, it's undergoing further changes, thanks to what Trek calls ‘Smart Wheel Sizes’ – that means smaller 650b hoops for the two smallest frame sizes, and 29in ones for every other size. In 2014, Trek's X-Caliber (Skye for women) was re-born as a range of entry-level 29er hardtails. Without any reinforcing bridges, the X-Caliber's frame affords plenty of tyre clearance - David Rome / Immediate Media

Trek x calibre 7