# Supercaliber vs. Lux **URL:** \ **Category:** Equipment\ **Tags:** bike\ **Created:** [February 11, 2020, 6:53pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/supercaliber-vs-lux/29699 "2020-02-11T18:53:31Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![russell.r.sage](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/russell.r.sage/32/36157_2.png) [@russell.r.sage](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/russell.r.sage)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2020, 6:53pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/supercaliber-vs-lux/29699/1 "2020-02-11T18:53:31Z")
I was looking at some 2020 XC mountain bikes and I noticed that both the Supercaliber and the Lux seem to eliminate the pivot at the dropout and rely on flex to provide suspension. The Supercaliber really makes a big deal about this stating that it’s unique and pedals like a hardtail and descends like a full suspension. However, the Lux doesn’t seem to get noticed for this feature and doesn’t seem to promote it. Does anyone have any thoughts on the comparisons between these two bikes and experience with either or both? Probably not likely, since they are very different bike companies. The Lux seems to be equipped better at a lower pricepoint (dropper post included) vs. the Supercaliber 9.8, but the Trek is the one that caught my eye. ---
**Author:** ![Kuttermax](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/kuttermax/32/101635_2.png) [@Kuttermax](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Kuttermax)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2020, 7:24pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/supercaliber-vs-lux/29699/2 "2020-02-11T19:24:37Z")
Both are great bikes and likely serve you well as fast XC bikes. Right now there isn’t too much info on real world performance and feel on the Supercaliber but I ended up ordering a Project One build. I races a hard tail Niner last season, so wanted to keep the fast feel but gain some of the benefits of FS. I have a great relationship with my local Trek store, and they have the best mountain bike mechanics in the area, so it was a no brainier for me to go with the Trek. If I didn’t have the local Trek support, it would have been a tougher decision. ---
**Author:** ![Stringwise](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/stringwise/32/8504_2.png) [@Stringwise](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Stringwise)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2020, 8:16pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/supercaliber-vs-lux/29699/3 "2020-02-11T20:16:19Z")
I posted this in another thread but here are my thoughts on the Lux. Oh, and I won a pretty big race on it last weekend so I’m even more of a fan… > [@Canyon Bikes Experiences?](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/canyon-bikes-experiences/15054/105): > > Here are some pics of the new Canyon Lux… > > ![IMG-2536.JPG](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/original/3X/0/8/0881c9a83a2898337d979432b8c9a1653d58196a.jpeg) > > ![IMG-2537.JPG](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/original/3X/8/0/801a032cb827df34ea2de7e36ef87277a99d1d9b.jpeg) > > ![IMG-2538.JPG](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/original/3X/1/6/16a9151d041479936993287d27949dbb246ab0e7.jpeg) > > A quick review and happy to answer questions as they arise. > > The ordering process was easy. I DID have to pay sales tax on the bike which I wasn’t expecting and it actually caused me to reconsider but eventually my desire for the bike overwhelmed by concern about paying more than I wanted 😄 > > I used their traditional shipping, no expedited shipping or anything. It took a few days for the order to go from placed to shipped but from start to finish it was 5 days (I’m in Texas). > > The box the bike came in is really a work of art. Everything is nicely packed in there with lots of instructions, about 50 reflectors on the bike and safety/warning tags and stickers everywhere. That was a bit much but I’m sure the lawyers got involved with that whole process. Unpacking and assembling was a super easy process. No damage everything was wrapped, protected and packed up nice and tight. The UPS guy didn’t even struggle getting it to the door even though the box is super sized. > > I didn’t like a couple of things on the bike. > > I hated the suspension lock out. It’s was a OneLoc I believe but I couldn’t stand it so I opted for the SRAM Twistloc. Wow what an awesome piece of kit. I know the reviews are not great but I REALLY like the twist to lock vs. using the thumb. I actually saw the idea on Pauline Ferrand Prévot’s bike and had to have it. No regrets. > > They also sent me the full carbon KS dropper post which was a nice bonus. But, I hated the KS lever. I never could get the angle right and I didn’t like the cable running over the top of everything. I ran the PNW Loam lever on my other bike and after fighting with the KS for a bunch of rides and a race I decided it had to go. The Loam lever is 1) way easier to depress and 2) in a much better location. Also the KS lever it was hard to drop things “just a little” it seemed like it was all the way up or down. It doesn’t actually work that way but the lever and travel distance are both small so small adjustments during a race were basically impossible so I just left the seat up the whole race. > > The suspension is definitely the best I have ridden. I’m not a suspension guru but that rear shock is amazing. It seems to travel a lot when you need it and not at all when you don’t. I don’t feel like I really need to lock the bike out unless I’m smashing out of the saddle on pavement. Otherwise it’s just nice and stiff and ready to mash. But when it gets choppy the travel is there, I really love it. > > The geometry and head angle make the bike insanely quick. I would say it’s twitchy but not in a negative way. It is like an arrow, it goes where you point it and it goes fast. For tight switchback turns it’s the best I have ridden. Every bike I have ridden on a particular piece of local trail wanders out of one very off camber switchback. Regardless of how many times I’ve ridden that turn and how many different ways I’ve ridden it I end up wandering out of the perfect line. This bike just rails this corner like no other. It’s honestly like a digital camera, point and shoot! > > The pics above show the bike fully loaded and ready to race. Tubeless, Quarq XX1, XTR pedals, cages, multi tool and head unit attached. I think it was around 22 lbs before I added those accessories. I run an S-Works Toupe’ saddle so not sure if that’s heavier or lighter than what came on it but not a consideration for me either way. > > The last thing I will say, I have ridden and raced a lot of mountain bikes and to me I thought they were all race bikes. Mainly because I was racing them. This bike however, this bike KNOWS it’s a race bike. It comes with a 34 front chainring right out of the box and is truly the most race ready bike I’ve had the pleasure to ride. > > It’s much faster than me and will give me more than enough bike to grow into for the foreseeable future. > > Definitely a big thumbs up to Canyon for the ordering process, packing process and mostly the design on one bad ass bike. ---
**Author:** ![russell.r.sage](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/russell.r.sage/32/36157_2.png) [@russell.r.sage](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/russell.r.sage)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2020, 9:27pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/supercaliber-vs-lux/29699/5 "2020-02-11T21:27:38Z")
I have a Canyon road bike so I’m familiar with the process. If it’s in stock, it’s nice. Just not sure I trust their expertise in mountain bikes fully. But MVP riding them is a big endorsement. ---
**Author:** ![timmah](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/54ee81/32.png) [@timmah](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/timmah)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2020, 9:51pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/supercaliber-vs-lux/29699/6 "2020-02-11T21:51:55Z")
Damn dude that’s a nice gym. ---
**Author:** ![mike091979](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/mike091979/32/13211_2.png) [@mike091979](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/mike091979)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2020, 12:01am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/supercaliber-vs-lux/29699/7 "2020-02-12T00:01:37Z")
Don’t rule out the Scott Spark RC. It has the flex pivot also. Been on one for a while. Stiff and supple if that makes sense. ---
**Author:** ![GilbertsGrapes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e9c0ed/32.png) [@GilbertsGrapes](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/GilbertsGrapes)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2020, 12:20am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/supercaliber-vs-lux/29699/8 "2020-02-12T00:20:44Z")
I think the main benefit being touted on the Supercaliber isn’t so much the flex stays (which is common across most XC bikes these days including hardtails), but rather the larger stanchion and pivot hardware in the shock location. That being said, I haven’t ridden one and there are only a few reports of ride impressions. Most people say that it performs closer to a hardtail than a full suspension bike. ---
**Author:** ![Benjamin\_Reynolds](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/benjamin_reynolds/32/20651_2.png) [@Benjamin\_Reynolds](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Benjamin_Reynolds)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2020, 2:45pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/supercaliber-vs-lux/29699/10 "2020-02-12T14:45:20Z")
The cool thing with the Supercaliber, is that when you push down on the rear suspension and watch the rear seat stays you can actually see them flex! They’re actually kind of flat looking from the top down view, like a leaf spring! This doesn’t come across in photos like how it does in real life. ---
**Author:** ![mwglow15](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/mwglow15/32/28576_2.png) [@mwglow15](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/mwglow15)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2020, 3:12pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/supercaliber-vs-lux/29699/11 "2020-02-12T15:12:02Z")
I always wonder what the benefit is with the additional travel from the flex vs stanchion travel. It seems to me that having the damping and adjustability of a more traditional shock travel would be beneficial. While the leaf spring design would rebound too quickly and have the potential to unsettle the bike. But maybe there is something I am missing. ---
**Author:** ![russell.r.sage](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/russell.r.sage/32/36157_2.png) [@russell.r.sage](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/russell.r.sage)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2020, 3:44pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/supercaliber-vs-lux/29699/12 "2020-02-12T15:44:59Z")
For those with experience on the Supercaliber, do you think it has enough rear travel? 60mm seems like enough for XC lines. I’m coming from a hardtail, but am not looking for a hardtail feel, but also not needing to huck anything either. ---
**Author:** ![coke](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/coke/32/50976_2.png) [@coke](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/coke)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2020, 4:21pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/supercaliber-vs-lux/29699/13 "2020-02-12T16:21:59Z")
60mm is enough for XC and the occasional drop or jump. It’s definitely more compliant and capable than a hardtail or even a plus or fatbike. I have a Funk La Ruta which has 60mm of rear travel and I’m running a 120mm Fox 34SC up front. The bike is balanced really well. I initially had issues bottoming out on small drops and jumps, but adding a volume spacer resolved that issue. ![20190522_183004](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/original/3X/b/c/bcca1fe7bcbb2422bbe616dcd0fe6a21f04cecbd.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Kuttermax](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/kuttermax/32/101635_2.png) [@Kuttermax](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Kuttermax)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2020, 4:27pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/supercaliber-vs-lux/29699/14 "2020-02-12T16:27:07Z")
Hopefully I’ll be able to give so good feedback onceine arrives. I currently have a Niner Air 9 RDO JY that has a similar build to what the Supercaliber will have including Eagle AXS. I’ll be using the same Enve M525 wheelset, but the Supercaliber will have a SID upfront vs a Fox SC 32 on the front. I also have a Niner RKT 9 RDO which has 90mm of rear travel but has a 120mm Fox SC 34 on it as well as an ENVE riser bar. This is more of my “trail” bike despite only 90mm rear suspension. The Supercaliber is going to split the difference between these both in terms of suspension travel but also for weight. It will be interesting to see how it feels and performs on trails that I’ve ridden extensively on the other bikes. ---
**Author:** ![t3070](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/t3070/32/7721_2.png) [@t3070](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/t3070)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2020, 4:30pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/supercaliber-vs-lux/29699/15 "2020-02-12T16:30:00Z")
> [@coke](#): > > 60mm is enough for XC and the occasional drop or jump Keep in mind how much of this is marketing. ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/original/3X/7/5/7503c004bc2bd6a80a09aea4f0ad8bd2df514d74.jpeg) You don’t need suspension to jump. ---
**Author:** ![coke](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/coke/32/50976_2.png) [@coke](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/coke)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2020, 4:37pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/supercaliber-vs-lux/29699/16 "2020-02-12T16:37:55Z")
@t3070 I just meant it can handle small jumps without harshly bottoming out. A lot of jumps I’ve seen on xc courses are jumps to flat or mostly flat landings, so it’s nice to have some forgiveness. ---
**Author:** ![Kuttermax](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/kuttermax/32/101635_2.png) [@Kuttermax](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Kuttermax)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2020, 4:52pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/supercaliber-vs-lux/29699/17 "2020-02-12T16:52:13Z")
I was rewatching the Nove Mesto XCO race from last year where Neff debuted the Supercaliber. Fun watching her fly the bike off the drops and scream down the descents. Of course she could probably do that on a Huffy as well, but still fun to go back and watch. ---
**Author:** ![russell.r.sage](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/russell.r.sage/32/36157_2.png) [@russell.r.sage](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/russell.r.sage)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2020, 11:14am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/supercaliber-vs-lux/29699/18 "2020-02-13T11:14:00Z")
I believe they argue it adds some progressive loading ---
**Author:** ![russell.r.sage](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/russell.r.sage/32/36157_2.png) [@russell.r.sage](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/russell.r.sage)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2020, 11:54am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/supercaliber-vs-lux/29699/19 "2020-02-13T11:54:28Z")
I have a hardtail now. I’ve been riding single speed for years but starting to get tired of it. ---
**Author:** ![russell.r.sage](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/russell.r.sage/32/36157_2.png) [@russell.r.sage](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/russell.r.sage)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2020, 6:55pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/supercaliber-vs-lux/29699/20 "2020-02-13T18:55:11Z")
when do you get it? ---
**Author:** ![Kuttermax](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/kuttermax/32/101635_2.png) [@Kuttermax](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Kuttermax)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2020, 7:06pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/supercaliber-vs-lux/29699/21 "2020-02-13T19:06:48Z")
It’s estimated at 30 - 50 days (order placed last weekend). When the shop puts the order in on the Project One site, it gives an estimated lead time. Interestingly, the week before it was showing 70 - 90 days, so it actually went down. I will post pics once it arrives. I ordered the “Cosmos” paint. ---
**Author:** ![Passista](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/4bbf92/32.png) [@Passista](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Passista)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2020, 3:18pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/supercaliber-vs-lux/29699/22 "2020-02-14T15:18:08Z")
few weeks ago i posted a head to head test with Lux and Supercaliber here: [https://www.trainerroad.com/forumt/2020-trek-supercaliber-xc-mtb-race-bike/20578/64](https://www.trainerroad.com/forumt/2020-trek-supercaliber-xc-mtb-race-bike/20578/64) its german, but numbers are numbers 🙂 and easy to translate with Google (even as a picture) [Next page](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/supercaliber-vs-lux/29699.md?page=2)