{"id":46824,"date":"2023-03-03T14:01:57","date_gmt":"2023-03-03T13:01:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=718602"},"modified":"2023-03-03T14:34:33","modified_gmt":"2023-03-03T13:34:33","slug":"exclusive-calibre-bikes-is-back-and-the-550-rakes-geometry-looks-better-than-ever","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/exclusive-calibre-bikes-is-back-and-the-550-rakes-geometry-looks-better-than-ever\/","title":{"rendered":"Exclusive | Calibre bikes is back and the \u00a3550 Rake\u2019s geometry looks better than ever"},"content":{"rendered":"

New hardtail with 100mm RockShox Judy fork is first launch from revived brand <\/p>

By Nick Clark\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Friday, 03 March 2023 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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After struggling with supply issues during the pandemic, Calibre has re-entered the market, kicking off with its new Calibre Rake.<\/p>\n

The new hardtail mountain bike<\/a> is available in either 29in or 27.5in wheel sizes, both featuring a 100mm RockShox Judy<\/a> fork.<\/p>\n

The brand says it has tried to provide an affordable entry point to mountain biking, pricing the Rake 29 at \u00a3550 and the Rake 27 at \u00a3500.<\/p>\n

The new frame features modern geometry, with the Rake 29 sporting a 66-degree head angle.<\/p>\n

Calibre says we can expect to see the Rake 29 in stores this weekend, with the Rake 27 to follow soon.<\/p>\n

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The Rake will be available with 27.5in wheels for the first time.<\/span><\/figcaption> Calibre<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The Rake is the first release in Calibre\u2019s revived range, with more bikes, including a revamped Bossnut<\/a> \u2013 one of the best budget mountain bikes<\/a> \u2013 in the pipeline.<\/p>\n

What happened to Calibre bikes?<\/h2>\n

For those unaware of the brand, Calibre is an in-house bike brand for GoOutdoors, which is in turn owned by JD Sports.<\/p>\n

It has been producing well-specced budget bikes for some time, but left the spotlight during the pandemic due to supply chain issues.<\/p>\n

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It\u2019s unusual to see a RockShox fork at this price level.<\/span><\/figcaption> Calibre<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The brand says the main factory it was working with cancelled all its orders once restrictions were in place, meaning it couldn\u2019t produce any bikes.<\/p>\n

Worse still for the brand was the fact it couldn\u2019t supply any replacement parts, such as bolt kits, rear triangles and bearings for existing customers\u2019 bikes<\/p>\n

Calibre says it had to diversify by manufacturing parts in the UK, though this process took eight months to complete.<\/p>\n

The brand says it continues to get a majority of its spare parts manufactured in the UK to avoid future difficulty.<\/p>\n

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The new Rake\u2019s geometry looks up to date with modern trail requirements.<\/span><\/figcaption> Calibre<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Alongside the Rake, Calibre has said it is working on the return of its cult-classic full-suspension bike, the Bossnut, and there will be new Line hardtail models arriving in summer, ranging from \u00a3750 to \u00a31,000.<\/p>\n

Revival of the Rake<\/h2>\n
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The Calibre Rake 29 features trail-ready components.<\/span><\/figcaption> Calibre<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The new Calibre Rake\u2019s frame is made from 6010 aluminium tubing and has been designed around modern mountain bike geometry trends<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Rake 29 features a 66-degree head angle with a 445mm reach in a size medium, while the Rake 27 has a 67-degree head angle and a 450mm reach.<\/p>\n

Calibre says it has steepened seat angles over the previous model to increase climbing ability, with the Rake 29 having a 74.5-degree seat angle compared to 74 degrees on the previous model.<\/p>\n

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A quick-release on the seat collar enables quick adjustment of saddle height.<\/span><\/figcaption> Calibre<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Clarks M2 hydraulic disc brakes<\/a> feature and seem like good a option for trail riding.<\/p>\n

Calibre says it has designed the bike with UK trails and weather in mind, with the Rake featuring full-length external cable routing. This should make maintenance easier, as well as minimising water ingress into the gear cables.<\/p>\n

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A double chainring should give plenty of range.<\/span><\/figcaption> Calibre<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The brand says it decided to spec the bike with Shimano\u2019s Alivio groupset, which has a double chainring, in order to keep the price down and focus spending on parts of the bike that make it better on the trails. Highlights include WTB\u2019s Trail Boss tyres and lock-on grips.<\/p>\n

The Rake 29 is available in a grey colourway, while the Rake 27 will be available in orange.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve got the new bike en route for testing, so look out for a full review in the near future.<\/p>\n

Calibre Rake spec and price<\/h2>\n

Calibre Rake 29<\/h3>\n
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The Rake 29 features a grey colourway.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
  • Fork:<\/strong> RockShox Judy QR 100mm<\/li>\n
  • Drivetrain:<\/strong> Shimano Alivio 9-speed<\/li>\n
  • Brakes:<\/strong> Clarks M2<\/li>\n
  • Wheels:<\/strong> Shu Feng hub, 29in rim<\/li>\n
  • Tyres:<\/strong> WTB Trail Boss Comp, 2.25in<\/li>\n
  • Price:<\/strong> \u00a3550<\/li>\n<\/ul>