Tested: '08 Gary Fisher Procaliber

Fisher’s 5-inch travel HiFi was the first to incorporate the company’s Genesis 2 geometry, which uses a custom fork-crown offset to improve slow-speed handling without compromising high-speed performance. Now, Fisher has introduced a 3.5-inch-travel race version called the Procaliber.

The frame has a hydroformed and butted 6066 aluminum mainframe mated to Fisher’s first-ever OCLV chainstay and seatstay system that even wraps the precious black fibers around the rear main pivot. The frame is a third of a pound lighter and a claimed 29 percent stiffer than last year’s Race Day model.

Compared to HiFi trail bikes, the Procaliber’s geometry stretches riders out using a combination of a wide, flat bar, long toptube and a set-back seatpost. The bike is no sadist, though; this is just the speed prescription that many XC junkies demand.

Fisher tweaked the bike’s suspension for a racecourse- ready, stable pedaling platform. Sprint up a hill and the Procaliber responds with increased traction and forward propulsion instead of bouncing or bobbing.

The bike is very stiff for its minimal, sub-24-pound weight, making it nimble in twisty terrain, but this race thoroughbred does have some limitations on rugged trails. If you are less interested in racing and more interested in riding challenging terrain with a light bike, then take a look at the HiFi models with more travel.

Component selection on the Procaliber is top notch and elicited no complaints. Highlights include a Fox F100 RLC fork, XTR cranks and cassette, SRAM X.0 shifters and rear derailleur as well as Juicy Ultimate brakes and Bontrager Race Lite X wheels.

In the Procaliber, Fisher has created an efficient XC bike that can navigate steep and technical switchbacks or blaze lightning-fast straight-aways equally well. Keeping in mind it’s a purpose-built, no-nonsense race machine, only the serious should apply.

HIGHS: Light and fast; provides an excuse to break out the bib shorts

LOWS: The flat bars were a mite wide; a pesky (and elusive) squeak came from somewhere between the carbon seat pan and the single-bolt clamp