Trek X-Caliber 8 Frame L – 27.5″ x 2.8″ Tires for Bikepacking

Hello,

I own a trek X-Caliber 8 with a large frame size where I use it for bike packing. Last winter I cycled the south island portion of New Zealand’s Tour Aotearoa (1,400km/868miles) and I had an absolute fantastic time with no bike issues.

This winter I now plan to do the Baja Divide bike packing route which is much more rugged and sandy and the recommended optimal tire width is 3″ for this route but people have done it as small as 2.2″ and as wide as 4″.

[https://bikepacking.com/routes/baja-divide/](https://bikepacking.com/routes/baja-divide/)

So I my factory tires and wheel-set is 29″ x 2.35″ and I am opting to swap them out for 27.5″ x 2.8″ for this route. I would’ve preferred to keep my 29″ wheelset, however that will not fit if I am to widen the tires to 2.8″. Let me know your thoughts on this – I believe the 27.5″ x 2.8″ wheels are compatible with the bike per the links below. Is there anything I should be aware of before I go ahead for this wheel swap?

Bike – [https://www.trekbikes.com/ca/en\_CA/bikes/mountain-bikes/cross-country-mountain-bikes/x-caliber/x-caliber-8/p/35069/](https://www.trekbikes.com/ca/en_CA/bikes/mountain-bikes/cross-country-mountain-bikes/x-caliber/x-caliber-8/p/35069/)

Fork – [https://www.sram.com/en/rockshox/models/fs-jdys-tk-a3](https://www.sram.com/en/rockshox/models/fs-jdys-tk-a3)

Also, what 27.5″ wheelset and 2.8″ tires do you recommend? (tubeless of course) I need something pretty durable and robust as there is a lot of cactus thorns on route and tiny punctures are inevitable. I don’t mind spending some hefty cash to get the right product

(Note if it means anything for product availability, I am Canadian)

Let me know your thoughts on this everyone!

Cheers.

by Gregey