Trek Precaliber
80/100
BikeRide Score
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Facts
Release Year
Brand
Gearing Type
Weight
15.08, 17.56, 20.34, 23.62, 24.61, 26.59 lb
Brake Type
Frame Material
Summary of Reviews
We have read all expert and user reviews on the Trek Precaliber. In summary, this is what cyclists think.
13 reasons to buy
- Trek offers the Precaliber in six builds with 12”, 16”, 20” or 24” wheels. The Precaliber 20 and 24 are available with rigid or suspension forks and one, seven, or eight gears.
- Parents and children praise the Precaliber's ergonomics.
- Testers say the Precaliber's handling and low center of gravity inspire confidence in young riders.
- The Precaliber 12 and 16 come with tool-free training wheels.
- The V-brakes (Precaliber 20 and 24), though older technology, prove sufficient for urban and light off-road use.
- Testers and owners agree the chunky 2.25” tires (all builds) provide good grip and stability.
- Reviewers applaud the Precaliber's quality frame, clean welds, and durable build.
- The Precaliber is lighter than competing models.
- An expert describes the Precaliber 24 as the best light-duty mountain bike they have tested.
- The Precaliber 24’s 45mm suspension fork takes the edge off bumps and helps kids lift the front wheel.
- Though mostly unbranded, the components on the Precaliber are deemed solid choices that elevate the bike's overall quality.
- The Precaliber 12’s long geo provides a roomy riding position and stable handling.
- The Precaliber 20 7-speed and Precaliber 24 accept aftermarket suspension forks up to 50mm.
6 reasons not to buy
- The brakes and basic suspension forks of the Precaliber 20 and 24 aren't up to the demands of true mountain biking. The Precaliber 20's 35mm fork bottoms out for a 50lb rider.
- Parents say the plastic pedals of the Precaliber 20 and 24 lack grip, and kids complain that they don’t look like real MTB pedals.
- Most kids find the Tourney twist shifter (Precaliber 20 and 24) too bulky for comfort.
- An owner complains that the Precaliber 20’s big tires increase wheel diameter so much that standard training wheels don’t fit.
- Trek states a seat height range of 24″ to 30.5″ for the Precaliber 20, but the handlebars are too high for anything under 26″ to be practical.
- One expert complains that coaster brakes (Precaliber 12 and 16) prevent backpedaling to regain balance. There's also no braking ability if the chain drops, and the pedals can't easily be placed in the 'start' position for learners.
Bottom line
Trek's Precaliber is a kids' bike aimed at those "getting into off-road riding". It's available in four sizes and six builds for ages 3 to 12 or heights from 36" to 59". The low weight, confidence-inspiring handling, practical geometry, chunky tires, and build quality impress testers. Though not true mountain bikes, the Precaliber 20 and 24 can handle light trails and be upgraded to 50mm forks. However, the stock suspension forks disappoint reviewers. Other complaints include the bulky Tourney shifter, slippery pedals, and lack of hand brakes on the Precaliber 12 and 16. But overall, parents agree the Precaliber is very good value.
Expert Reviews
80/100 based on 2 rated expert reviewsTrek Precaliber 24 Kids Bike Review
Trek Precaliber 12 Kids’ Bike Review
Trek Precaliber 7 Bike Check and Review
Trek Precaliber 20 Bike Review
Trek 20” Precaliber vs Raleigh Rowdy 16” Bike Review. Why We Upgraded to a Trek 2020
Kids Bike – New Bike Day! Trek Precaliber 20 First Impressions. Ditch the Training Wheels.
Trek 12″ Precaliber
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Personal Choices for Our Family Mountain Biking Adventures
Rankings
Compared to other bikes
#70
Best Kids
#34
Best Toddlers
#11
Best Trek Bike
#609
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Bike Comparison
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Forum Discussions
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