Calibre Bikes are on the case again with the Calibre Rake, a mountain bike that looks bob-on for value, spec and performance.

Only a month or so ago they released their £750 27.5in wheeled hardtail – the Calibre Line 10 – which we’ve did a first ride review of and liked a lot.

Calibre Rake

Now they’ve released the Calibre Rake. The wheels are bigger but the price tag is smaller. It’s a 29in wheel hardtail with a price of just £449.00 (unless you refuse to sing up to their discount card scheme in which case it’ll cost you £550.00)

We saw one of these in the flesh at the recent NEC Cyle Show and it looked like a very appealing prospect. We haven’t slung a leg over one in anger yet though.

>>> Check out this gloriously OTT Calibre Bossnut makeover

As with most Calibre bikes there’s only spec of the model available. The size range is also modest with S, M or L as your options (geometry charts below). The spec is typically impressive: RockShox TK30 100mm suspension fork, Shimano hydraulic disc brakes and WTB tyres being the standouts. Decently wide 760mm bars and acceptably short 60mm stem too.

Calibre Rake spec

Frame: Lightweight 6061 hydroformed alloy frame with one piece wishbone seat stays
Fork: RockShox XC30 Turn Key Lock Out
No. of Gears: 27
Gear Details: Shimano
Gear Shifters: Shimano Altus
Front Derailleur: Shimano Altus
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Acera
Chainset: Prowheel Flint 22x32x44T
Brakes – Type: Hydraulic Disc
Brakes – Details: Shimano M315
Brakes – Levers: Shimano M315
Rims: Calibre Trail Rim
Tyres: WTB Vigilante 2.3″ front and WTB Trail Boss 2.25″ rear
Front Hub: Shimano TX505 Centre Lock
Rear Hub: Shimano TX505 Centre Lock
Stem: Calibre Trail 60mm
Saddle: WTB Volt Sport
Handlebar: Ritchey MTN Trail 760mm width, 20mm rise
Head Set: FSA
Pedals: Alloy platform pedal
Recommended Use: Cycling
Gender: Mens
Cassette/Freewheel: Shimano HG200 11-36T
Seatpost: Calibre trail 30.9mm 400mm length
Weight (kg): 14.5

Calibre Rake geometry

The 69° head angle isn’t slack but it’s better than other 29er bikes in this price range. The seat angle is nicely steep at 74° and the effective top tube lengths appear sufficiently roomy.

We’re looking forward to giving one a proper testing as soon as we can.