18/02/2002
The Calibre Bossnut isn't just another mountain bike; it's a phenomenon that has consistently challenged perceptions of what an affordable trail bike can achieve. Crowned 'MTB of the Year' and lauded by publications like Dirt magazine as a 'hugely important mountain bike', the Bossnut has carved out an outstanding legacy in the UK cycling scene. It's a bike that doesn't just hold its own against competitors costing four times as much, but often surpasses them in capability and sheer riding enjoyment. For years, it's been the go-to recommendation for anyone looking to get into mountain biking or return to the trails, proving that high-quality performance doesn't have to come with an eye-watering price tag.
The Bossnut Legacy: A Trailblazer's Journey
The original Calibre Bossnut was nothing short of a game-changer. Before its arrival, the sub-£1000 full-suspension market was often plagued by compromises: outdated geometry, flimsy components, and a ride quality that left much to be desired. The Bossnut shattered this mould. It offered handling and geometry that felt remarkably similar to bikes in a much higher price bracket, making it one of the very few full-suspension bikes at its price point we'd recommend over a hardtail. This initial success saw the Bossnut evolve through five iterations, each one building on the last and cementing its reputation for exceptional value.
However, like many things, production of the Bossnut ceased in 2020 due to the global challenges of Covid. But the story didn't end there. For over four years, Calibre's engineers and designers have been tirelessly working, redeveloping, testing, and refining. The result is what they proudly declare to be the best entry-level performance mountain bike on the market – a bike designed not just to get you hooked, but to join you on your entire mountain biking journey.
Calibre's Ethos: Affordable Performance Without Compromise
The Calibre Bossnut perfectly encapsulates Calibre's core philosophy: producing bikes that provide affordable performance. This isn't just a marketing slogan; it's deeply ingrained in the bike's DNA. The Bossnut was conceived to open up mountain biking to a wider audience, eliminating excuses and barriers to entry. It's about delivering a fast, fun, and incredibly capable trail bike that allows riders to experience the thrill of the sport without breaking the bank.
What became clear to Calibre was the profound connection riders formed with their Bossnuts. It wasn't just a bike; it was an extension of their passion, much like how VW Transporter owners cherish their 'Buses'. This led to a strong desire among owners to upgrade, personalise, and show off their machines. This insight was crucial for the new Bossnut's development. It meant the latest model needed to be built around an even more solid frame, one worthy of significant upgrades, designed to stand the test of time and truly accompany riders on their progression.
The Latest Incarnation: Engineered for Excellence
The redeveloped Calibre Bossnut is packed with features and components typically found on bikes far exceeding its price point. It's a testament to four years of dedicated refinement. Here's a closer look at what makes the new Bossnut a standout performer:
- Frame: The heart of the new Bossnut is its 29” 6061 Aluminium frame. It boasts modern boost spacing, 135mm of rear travel, and practical tool and bottle bosses. The updated geometry, informed by years of feedback and development, ensures a stable, confidence-inspiring ride.
- Suspension: Upfront, the bike features a RockShox Recon Silver RL fork with 140mm of travel, providing excellent bump absorption and control. At the rear, a RockShox Deluxe Select R shock delivers responsive and efficient 135mm of travel, working in synergy with the frame's linkage-driven, single pivot design.
- Drivetrain: Power is delivered via a reliable Shimano Cues 32T chainset with 170mm cranks, paired with a Shimano 10-speed, 11-48T cassette and Shimano Cues shifters and rear derailleur. This setup offers crisp, reliable gear changes and a wide range for tackling diverse terrain, from steep climbs to fast descents.
- Brakes: Shimano MT401 brakes with 180mm rotors front and rear provide consistent and powerful stopping performance, ensuring you're always in control, even on challenging trails.
- Wheels & Tyres: The Bossnut rolls on 29-inch wheels with 30mm internal diameter, tubeless-ready rims. These are shod with a Maxxis 2.5” Minion DHF (front) for incredible grip in corners and a Maxxis 2.4” Forekaster (rear) for fast rolling speed and predictable traction.
- Cockpit & Finishing Kit: A 780mm wide handlebar with a 45mm stem provides precise steering and a confident riding position. Calibre lock-on grips ensure comfort and control. Crucially, the new Bossnut comes equipped with an X-Fusion Manic LC dropper post (125mm-170mm travel depending on size), a feature often reserved for much pricier bikes, allowing for quick saddle height adjustments on the fly.
Evolution of Excellence: A Look Back at the V2
To truly appreciate the current Bossnut, it's worth a brief look at its predecessor, the 2017 Calibre Bossnut V2. This iteration was a significant step forward from the original, incorporating lessons learned and evolving with contemporary mountain biking trends. The V2 featured a longer reach, a shorter stem, increased tyre clearance, and a stiffer rocker linkage. These changes addressed common criticisms of budget bikes at the time, such as old-fashioned geometry and narrow handlebars, making the V2 feel even more like a premium bike. While the V2 maintained its sub-£1000 price point, it delivered a ride quality that was truly remarkable for the money. It also improved tyre clearance and came with wider WTB tubeless-ready rims, laying the groundwork for the current model's advanced wheelset. The continuous pursuit of improvement is a hallmark of the Bossnut's development.
The Riding Experience: Conquering the Trails
So, how does all this sophisticated engineering translate to the trail? The Bossnut delivers an incredibly versatile and forgiving ride. While it might not be the lightest bike on the climbs (at around 14.5 kg for the V2, the new model is competitively weighted for its components), it's far from a slouch. The suspension system is designed to be efficient, allowing you to preload and 'ping' over obstacles or simply 'batter through' rough sections with confidence. The modern geometry, with its slacker head angle and longer reach, ensures stability at speed and makes rolling through ugly, choppy terrain feel remarkably composed.
For novice riders, the Bossnut is exceptionally forgiving. Its fairly high and upright stock riding position instils an instant feeling of control. The generous bottom bracket clearance, combined with the 170mm cranks, significantly reduces the likelihood of pedal strikes on roots or rocks. Furthermore, the inclusion of a 2x10 drivetrain (on previous models, the new one is 1x10) for its target market made perfect sense, offering a wide gear range and durability. The new 1x10 Shimano Cues setup simplifies shifting while still providing excellent range.
Value That Defies Expectation
The Calibre Bossnut's value proposition remains unparalleled. While the RRP might seem theoretical at first glance, the true magic happens with the GO Outdoors discount card, which brings the price down significantly. This pricing structure, coupled with the bike's high-quality components and award-winning performance, makes it an astonishingly good deal. It challenges the notion that you need to spend thousands to get a genuinely capable and enjoyable mountain bike.
Moreover, Calibre offers fantastic support for bikes purchased online. While they are delivered boxed and require assembly, you can get your Bossnut assembled for FREE at any GO Outdoors store with a bike servicing department. This commitment to customer service, including a FREE 6-week safety check, further enhances the bike's overall value.
Upgrades and Longevity: A Bike for the Journey
The Bossnut has fostered a cult-like following, with owners keen to personalise and upgrade their bikes. The new Bossnut's robust 6061 aluminium frame is designed to be a solid foundation for future enhancements. While the bike comes incredibly well-specced out of the box, for those looking to further tailor their ride, common upgrades might include: tubeless conversion for the rims and tyres (the rims are already tubeless-ready), or perhaps a different tyre compound for specific riding conditions. The fact that the new model includes a dropper post from the factory is a massive leap forward, eliminating one of the most common early upgrades for budget bikes.
Despite being a budget-friendly option, the Bossnut is built for durability. Minor niggles like occasional creaks or loose mech hanger screws, easily fixed with a quick tighten, are common across all price points. The wheels, while adding a bit of heft, are tough and ding-resistant, and their conventional spoking makes them easy to true. The Bossnut is a bike that's meant to be ridden hard, upgraded over time, and enjoyed for many years, proving its longevity and excellent return on investment.
Why Choose the Calibre Bossnut? A Quick Comparison
Let's look at some key aspects that highlight the Bossnut's appeal:
| Feature | Calibre Bossnut (Latest Model) | Typical Entry-Level Competitor |
|---|---|---|
| Frame Material | 29" 6061 Aluminium, Boost Spacing | Often less modern geometry, non-boost |
| Front Suspension | RockShox Recon Silver RL 140mm | Lower-tier coil or air fork, less travel |
| Rear Suspension | RockShox Deluxe Select R 135mm | Basic air shock, limited adjustability |
| Drivetrain | Shimano Cues 1x10 (11-48T) | Often 2x or 3x, lower-tier components |
| Brakes | Shimano MT401 (180mm rotors) | Mechanical disc or lower-end hydraulic |
| Dropper Post | Included (X-Fusion Manic LC) | Rarely included, often an expensive upgrade |
| Tyres | Maxxis Minion DHF / Forekaster | Generic or less capable tyres |
| Wheel Size | 29 inches | Often 27.5 inches or mixed |
| Price-Performance | Exceptional, industry-leading | Often compromises on key areas |
Frequently Asked Questions About the Calibre Bossnut
Q: Is the Calibre Bossnut suitable for complete beginners?
A: Absolutely. The Bossnut's forgiving geometry, robust components, and comfortable riding position make it an ideal choice for new riders. It's designed to build confidence on the trails and provide an enjoyable introduction to mountain biking.
Q: Can I upgrade parts on my Bossnut?
A: Yes, definitely! The Bossnut's frame is built to be a solid platform for upgrades. Common modifications include converting to tubeless tyres (the rims are ready for it), or personalising components like handlebars or pedals. The fact that it now comes with a dropper post is a huge bonus, as that was previously the most common upgrade for older models.
Q: How does the Bossnut compare to more expensive mountain bikes?
A: While it won't out-perform a top-tier, several-thousand-pound bike on every metric, the Bossnut punches significantly above its weight. Its modern geometry and quality components allow it to handle trails that bikes many times its price would struggle with. It offers a level of performance and confidence that truly blurs the lines between budget and mid-range machines.
Q: What are the key differences in the new redeveloped Bossnut model compared to previous versions?
A: The latest Bossnut features 29-inch wheels, updated 6061 aluminium frame geometry with boost spacing, RockShox Recon Silver RL forks (140mm) and Deluxe Select R shock (135mm), Shimano Cues 1x10 drivetrain, Maxxis Minion DHF and Forekaster tyres, and, crucially, an X-Fusion Manic LC dropper post as standard. These are significant upgrades over older iterations like the V2, which had 27.5-inch wheels and no dropper post.
Q: Does the Bossnut come assembled when purchased online?
A: Bikes purchased online are delivered boxed and require some assembly. However, GO Outdoors offers a free assembly service at any of their stores with a bike servicing department, and they also provide detailed guides and videos to assist you if you prefer to build it yourself.
Conclusion
The Calibre Bossnut is more than just a bike; it's a statement. It proves that exceptional mountain biking experiences don't have to be exclusive to those with deep pockets. With its award-winning legacy, continuous innovation, and an unwavering commitment to performance and affordability, the redeveloped Bossnut stands as the ultimate entry-level full-suspension mountain bike on the market. Whether you're taking your first tentative pedal strokes on the trails or looking for a capable and durable machine that can grow with your skills, the Bossnut is ready to exceed your expectations. It's a bike that not only gets you into mountain biking but encourages you to fall in love with it, offering a ride that is fast, fun, and capable enough to tackle nearly anything you throw at it. The Bossnut truly is your companion for the journey.
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