NBD – Trek Procal 9.6 gen3 (2026)

Went on my first ride with my brand new Trek Procaliber 9.6 (2026 version). I love how nimble it is compared to my enduro bike (Whyte 909x).

Cycling uphill feels great overall and much faster. Having said that: on a 13 % incline I did struggle. I wanted to move into a lower gear, but had none left 🤣. My Whyte has 27.5 tyres and on that same steep section I found the Whyte easier to ride, which really surprised me. I had to do a little zigzagging on the Procal. Or maybe I was just having a tired leg day?

Going downhill at speed was surprisingly comfortable (and I didn’t run out of gears, which I always do with my Whyte). I expected the Procal to feel less confident compared to the Whyte, but I didn’t find that the case. The suspension fork did a great job. I let some air out the (tubeless) tyres before my ride. I mainly ride farm tracks, (bumpy) gravel and easy single trail.

I also love that I still have a drop seat, don’t think I could be without it now.

XC bikes are the way to go for me 🩷 Happy girl!