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First Look: 2022 Trek Roscoe Hardtail

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Trek Roscoe – Series Review

Trek’s 27.5” Roscoe hardtail MTB range is aimed at recreational riders looking to hit the dirt track and have some weekend fun in the backcountry. The series consists of three bikes ranging in price from just above $1,000 to just below $2,000, with varying specs and women’s versions. Although not intended for competitive riding, the top-shelf bikes in the Roscoe range come with some high-quality components.

Learn more about it in our Trek Roscoe review below!

TREK Roscoe 6

4.5 / 5 out of 70+ reviews

27.5 x 2.8″ / Alpha Gold Aluminum frame / SR Suntour XCM 32 fork 100-120mm / Alex MD35 TLS Wheels /  1 x 10 Shimano Deore M4100

The Roscoe 6 is the entry-level bike of the range with a Deore drivetrain, hydro disc brakes, Alex rims, and Schwalbe tires. As you can see, Trek hasn’t really cut any corners, even on the most affordable Roscoe.

The latest version of the Roscoe 6 has the same Alpha Gold aluminum frame that all Roscoe bikes have plus a few minor upgrades from 2020, including better tires and cassette. The Deore groupset is tried and trusted so no surprises with the quality there, and the Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes work well.

Key Features:

• Dropper seat post
• Suspension lockout
• Internal cable routing
• Rack, fender, kickstand mounts
• Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes
• Shimano RT26 160/180mm rotors

The Roscoe 6 feels very sturdy and handles well on a bumpy dirt track, cutting hard into corners without any wobble or slip. The upgrade to Schwalbe Rocket Ron tires on the latest model is a very nice addition and they compliment the better handling provided by shorter chainstays. This isn’t a bike designed for intense downhill riding so you might notice some struggles here but the dropper seat post is certainly appreciated on the steeper declines.

FSA Alpha Drive crank / VP-536 Nylon Pedals / 1 x 10 drivetrain

The only noticeable negative is the Suntour XCM 32 fork, which provides front suspension with 100 to 120mm of travel (depending on size) and lockout. It’s not a bad fork but it’s definitely entry-level and adds significant weight to the bike. If you aren’t pushing the bike too hard on extremely rocky terrain or big jumps you should be fine but at times it sticks and the coil springs can be noisy. Although that said, at 34.8 lbs (15.8 kg), it may raise some eyebrows with more weight-conscious cyclists.

MSRP: $1,049 (Available in-store only)

Buy on Trekbikes.com

2020 Trek Roscoe 6 – Women’s & Men’s

• Deore M6000 Shifters & derailleur
• SunRace 11-42 10-speed cassette
• Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic disc

The 2020 Roscoe series trail bikes are lighter, without a seat-post dropper and some minor differences in components.

Internal dropper-post compatible

Kenda Havok 30tpi 27.5″ x 2.8″ tires

MSRP: $1,020

TREK Roscoe 7

4.7 / 5 out of 180+ ratings

• AlphaGold Aluminum Frame
• RockShox Judy SL 100/120mm forks
• Bontrager Line 40 Rims
• SRAM Eagle 1×12 11-50T Cassette
• Shimano MT200 Hydraulic Disc Brakes

The Roscoe 7 isn’t a lot more expensive than the Roscoe 6, at only $210 more, so you might not expect a big upgrade. However, with RockShox air-sprung front suspension and an SRAM Eagle drivetrain, the minor additional cost seems like a no-brainer – spend that little bit extra!

On paper, the Roscoe 7 certainly seems like incredible value-for-money, so does it hold up in the field? Weight wise it feels nice, coming in at just under 33 lbs (14.8 kg) which is pretty average for a hardtail MTB. You feel the difference too –

It offers lighter float when leaving the ground and lands more smoothly than the Roscoe 6.

Other than the 12-speed SX Eagle drivetrain, the Roscoe 7 also has an upgraded Truvative Powerspline bottom bracket which is a nice addition. The RockShox Judy SL air-sprung forks are definitely the winner addition here though, giving the Roscoe 7 a smooth and silent downhill ride even on steep and volatile descents. The fat 2.8” Maxxis Rekon tubeless tires certainly help in this regard too, providing excellent traction.

SRAM Eagle 11-50, 12 speed

Naturally, Trek has had to keep some costs down to provide such a good price. The SX Eagle is a slightly downgraded version of SRAMs popular NX drivetrain but it still delivers smooth gearing with a barely noticeable difference. Serious riders may consider upgrading the basic saddle and nylon pedals and grips but otherwise, the Roscoe 7 is a top-quality bike ready to go straight out the box.

MSRP: $1,260

TREK Roscoe 8

4.8 / 5 out of 225+ ratings

• Alpha Gold Aluminum frame
• RockShox 35 Gold RL 100/120mm
• Bontrager Line 40 TLR Rims
• 27.5″ x 2.8″
• SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed
• Shimano MT501 Hydraulic Disc Brakes

The most notable additions on the Roscoe 8 are the fork, drivetrain, and the large price increase of $530. The upgrade to an SRAM Eagle NX drivetrain is only a minor change but the RockShox 35 Gold RL DebonAir fork is a considerable addition that serious riders will appreciate. So does it justify the price difference?

The SRAM Eagle NX 12-speed drivetrain is undoubtedly a quality component that is complemented by a quality Truvativ crank and bottom bracket. It would have been nice to see a full SRAM groupset but the Shimano MT501 hydro disc brakes fit in well. So what else makes the Roscoe 8 a killer hardtail MTB?

At 32.3 lbs (14.65kg) it’s a bit lighter than the 7 but not enough to make it very noticeable. However, the Roscoe 8 certainly rips up the trails and not just on singletrack or gravel.

For a hardtail bike, the Roscoe could even put up some competition to dual suspension MTBs

This bike aggressively attacks downhills – helped by the dropper seat post and amazing suspension – and makes short work of uphills with smooth gearing and tight traction on the 2.8” Maxxis tires.

RockShox 35 Gold RL forks / Shimano Hydraulic Disc Brakes / Shimano RT56 180mm rotors

Overall, the Roscoe 8 may not provide the same incredible value-for-money that the Roscoe 7 does but it certainly does feel more professional. If you have the extra cash to spare and want a fully-fledged hardtail with top-quality parts in all aspects, you can’t go wrong here. You’ll struggle to find a better-specced hardtail for the price.

MSRP: $1,790

TREK Roscoe 24″ – 2020

24″ wheels / 24 x 2.8″ fat tires / 8-speed / SunRun 11-34 Casette / 25.75lbs (11.7kg)

24″ Wheel Size for kids in height – 4’3.2″ – 4’11” (130 – 150cm)

Trek MTB Size Chart

Salsa timberjack vs. trek roscoe.

The Salsa Timberjack range very closely resembles Trek’s Roscoe bikes. It also offers mid-range hardtail MTBs with quality components in a price bracket slightly above what amateur riders would spend. With similar specs and price, it may simply come down to brand or personal preference. While the Roscoe also fits 29” tires, it’s marketed as a 27.5” bike which seems more focused on rough terrain and mountain riding. The Timberjack, on the other hand, has a more relaxed frame geometry that is designed for faster singletrack and gravel trail riding.

• Related: Salsa Timberjack Review

Roscoe Series – Why You Should Buy It

Buy on TrekBikes.com

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TREK ROSCOE 9 REVIEW

Review by JP Purdom | Photos by Sam Noble

When it comes to mountain bikes, it’s no secret that a lot of people are on the overbiked end of the spectrum, or perhaps relying on their suspension to get them down a trail instead of their technical ability. Hardcore hardtails offer a solution to this, maintaining the stability required to go fast but giving a little less forgiveness that allows riders to separate out their skills from the ability of the bike and improve their riding. It shaves off the cost of a more complex frame plus a rear shock in the process, bringing this capability to a more budget-conscious demographic. The all-new Roscoe is Trek’s most recent answer to an affordable all-around mountain bike, specifically designed to get more people having fun on the trails. The Roscoe is simplicity driven, featuring dependable components, aggressive geo, and of course, no rear shock. Make no mistakes though; with 29” wheels, 2.6” tires, and 140mm of fork travel, the Roscoe is no slouch when it comes to rugged terrain. We were excited to find out how exactly how capable it was out on the trails around Bend, OR.

• 29 x 2.6″ Tires • HTA: 65° • STA: 73.1° • REACH: 470 (Large)

Price: $2,699/£2,200 Website:   Trekbikes.com

THE LAB Like most modern bikes, the Trek Roscoe follows the trend of long and slack with a relatively steep seat tube. This allows for better handling in the rough and better positioning on the climb. Roscoe’s sizing ranges from XS to XL to suit riders from 137cm to 196cm (4’5”-6’2”), with the XS size equipped with 27.5 wheels to better fit shorter riders. Quite a unique and very welcome addition to the size range is the “ML”, which forms a middle ground between the medium and large that should help to avoid quite so much deliberation between the two for riders who sit awkwardly in that size range. The reach on our Large was 470mm and pairs to a generous 644mm stack. The angles are shared across the size range, with a 65° head angle and a 74.7° effective seat tube angle. These numbers don’t take into account the fact that it’s a hardtail and therefore the angles steepen when on the bike, giving a slightly more upright climbing position but quicker steering than you may expect. A 6.1mm static BB drop (4.5mm on XS) and 430mm chainstays round out the numbers, giving a suitably all-rounded mentality.

Helping to keep the retail price down, the Trek Roscoe is only offered in their Alpha Gold Aluminum. The frame features a tapered head tube, internal cable routing with guides within the frame, ISCG 05 tabs, a threaded BB, and Boost 148 spacing. Trek paid attention to the frame protection, with good coverage on the chainstay and a generous downtube guard. Within the front triangle you can run two bottles thanks to the provided mounts. The Roscoe is offered in 4 different build kits ranging from $1149.99 to $2699.99. Trek says the Roscoe is the perfect choice for the rider who wants to get out and enjoy some gnarly terrain, without the maintenance and cost of a full suspension bike and backs it with their Lifetime frame warranty.

The Roscoe 9 we tested came equipped with some of the industry’s most reliable, robust, and affordable parts. The Fox Rhythm 36 comes equipped with the easy-to-tune GRIP damper, as well as the tried-and-true EVOL air spring. The XT derailleur and SLX shifter provide seamless shifting across the SLX 10-51t 12-speed cassette. E*Thirteen supplies a Helix crank with 30t steel chainring and a discrete upper chainguide to keep the chain firmly in place. The Roscoe 9 features quad piston Shimano M6120 Brakes, which should provide plenty of power, especially when matched with a 203mm rotor up front and a 180mm in the rear. Trek chose the TranzX Dropper post, which ranges from 100-150mm, depending on frame size – a 150mm length for sizes ML and above. The rest of our Roscoe 9 came outfitted with Trek’s own Bontrager components, most notably the grippy XR4 tires and Line 30 wheels.

THE DIRT As a staunch downhill and enduro rider, I was very skeptical of the way an aggressive hardtail would handle the trail. After spending a few weeks on board, the Roscoe, all I can say is, “wow”. The Roscoe’s reasonably slack head angle, healthy reach and 140mm fork make this bike extremely capable of tackling everything from flow trails to rock shoots. There were times when I completely forgot I was riding a hardtail because of how comfortable the body positioning is on this bike. The cornering ability is next level, thanks to the balanced geometry and aggressive 2.6” tires. I never found myself washing around in a turn, even in the dry, dusty conditions here in Bend. In the air, the Roscoe is balanced and predictable, even at high speeds.

It was obvious to me that the Roscoe was much more capable downhill than I would have ever imagined; then, when I finished a lap and turned around to pedal back up, I was pleasantly surprised by the comfort and efficiency of the Roscoe’s climbing position. The 74.7-degree effective seat tube angle makes the Roscoe a joy to pedal, and with the large size build weighing in at just under 30lbs, it gets up the hill without any issues. The XR4’s does a good job at clawing their way up terrain that seems impossibly loose, finding unexpected traction on a number of occasions.

The spec sheet on the Roscoe 9 was also impeccable. The shifting was perfect throughout, the brakes suitably powerful, the tires offered incredible traction, and the price seems pretty spot on given the quality components all round. For an experienced rider, based on Trek’s build sheet, I probably wouldn’t shoot for the Roscoe 6 (which is designed for beginner riders anyways); however, the 7 level and above offer parts more suited for an experienced rider and are available at extremely reasonable prices.

The only real qualms I had with the Roscoe were the grips and the bars – items riders will often look to swap out anyway to get that customised fit. The angles on the bars put a strain on my wrists, causing them to hurt after a good bit of saddle time. The back-sweep, combined with notoriously stiff 35mm aluminum construction, made a bit of discomfort on my first ride. The grips weren’t a significant complaint for me, but I don’t like to wear gloves when I ride, and the Roscoe grips aren’t necessarily suited for sweaty palms. That said, these are minor details on an otherwise dialled ride.

The Wolf’s Last Word

Price: – $2,699/£2,200 Weight: 29.6 lbs Website:   Trekbikes.com

SPECIFICATIONS

CHASSIS Frame: Alpha Gold Aluminum Fork: Fox Rhythm 36, Float EVOL, GRIP | 140mm

COCKPIT Brakes: Shimano M6120 4-piston Handlebar: Bontrager Line, 35mm, 27.5mm rise, 780mm Stem: Bontrager Elite, 35mm, 0 degree, 45mm length Headset: FSA IS-2 Saddle: Bontrager Arvada Seatpost: TranzX JD-YSP18 | 150mm

WHEELS Rims: Bontrager Line Comp 30 Hubs: Bontrager alloy Tires: Bontrager XR4 Team Issue | 29×2.6″

DRIVETRAIN Bottom Bracket: Shimano SM-BB52 Cassette: Shimano SLX M7100, 10-51, 12 speed Cranks: E*thirteen Helix, 30T | 170mm Shifter: Shimano SLX M7100, 12 speed Derailleur: Shimano XT M8100, long cage

Surprisingly capable Balanced geometry Comfortable climbing position Reasonable price

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The Trek Roscoe is a serious hardtail trail bike for those of us with other bills to pay. You'll love the quality suspension, plus sized tires, legit droppper post and one by drivetrain.

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Trek Roscoe 7 review

The all-new Roscoe promises thrills for all abilities

Andy Lloyd / Immediate Media

Luke Marshall

Lots of frame sizes to choose from; Shimano Deore gears work well; Best frame protection on test

Wide tyres can feel vague and roll at high speeds; Weak brakes compared to others; TranzX dropper post was sticky

Earlier this year, Trek revamped its Roscoe range with a significant geometry update and a move to 29in wheels, from 650b+.

The changes were intended to take it from an entry-level cross-country bike to a confident trail ripper.

With a focus on providing fun and thrills for all levels of riders, does the new Roscoe deliver a better riding experience? And how does it compare to the best hardtails we've tested?

Trek Roscoe 7 frame details

At the heart of the Roscoe 7 is Trek’s Alpha Gold aluminium. The mid-spec aluminium construction features butted tubes for a better strength-to-weight ratio and smoothed-out welds.

In addition, the frame's parallel seatstays and top tube give it an almost dirt-jump bike appearance.

There’s plenty of frame clearance for the Trek’s wide 2.6in tyres.

Also, there’s space for two water bottles in the frame.

Finally, it features some of the best frame protection for a hardtail we’ve seen, with decent chainstay cover and a down tube fender to help see off rock strikes.

You get semi-internal cable routing through the down tube, plus it comes with boost hub spacing.

Trek Roscoe 7 geometry

The geometry updates give the Roscoe a capable 65-degree head tube angle and up-to-date 74.7-degree effective seat tube angle.

Trek has modernised the reach numbers too, and the size large tested comes with a fairly lengthy 470mm reach. Chainstay lengths are a short 430mm across all sizes.

There are six sizes available and sensible seat tube lengths, so you should be able to choose between sizes depending on your reach or wheelbase preference.

For example, suppose you prefer a nimbler bike. In that case, you can select a smaller size, or, if you prefer something more stable, you should be able to size up and still not run into issues with the seat tube being too long.

Our large test bike came with a 450mm seat tube. On paper, the Roscoe’s geometry looks future-proofed.

Trek Roscoe 7 specifications

For this price, at £1,400, Trek hasn’t made too many compromises to the Roscoe’s spec.

You get a RockShox Recon Silver RL fork with 140mm travel, which features an air spring, external compression and rebound adjustments that mean you can set up the fork for your weight and riding style.

The drivetrain is Shimano’s 1x12 speed Deore range , a capable performer with a wide-range 10-51t cassette.

This is matched to a 30-tooth chainring, so there’s plenty of gear range to winch up the steepest climbs, and the smallest 10-tooth sprocket should prevent spinning out on fast descents.

The most noticeable downgrade is the brakes. Shimano’s MT 200 series use a less sophisticated level.

However, they still feature reach adjustment to help setup for your hand size.

Otherwise, most of the remaining kit is from Bontrager, Trek's in-house brand, including the Line Comp 30 wheels with a 30mm internal rim width. These support the wide 2.6in XR4 Team Issue tyres.

The cockpit's 780mm bar and 50mm stem are from Bontrager also, and it’s good to see Trek speccing wider bars and shorter stems for better control and handling.

The dropper post is from TranzX, and our size large test bike uses a 150mm drop.

Trek Roscoe 7 ride impressions

I tested the Roscoe at several of my favourite riding spots around the Forest of Dean, and my local woods, in both rain and shine.

Trails ranged from flowing blues to steep off-piste tech and everything in between, with the majority spent on natural singletrack.

Setup was pretty simple being a hardtail, but I found that I needed more air pressure in the forks than recommended.

Trek Roscoe 7 climbing performance

For the most part, the seated pedalling position on the Roscoe is good, and it’s a comfortable bike to ride.

The 74.7-degree effective top tube puts you in an efficient pedalling position, and I never felt the pedals were too far in front of me, even with my clipless cleats slammed as far back as they can go in my shoes.

I felt I was in a strong position to put the power down when needed.

The weight distribution between the wheels is okay. However, on steeper climbs, the short 430mm chainstay and longer 470mm reach on the size large meant I did have to shuffle forwards on the saddle to keep the front wheel tracking well.

I noticed with the Trek how big the tyres are, especially compared to other bikes in a similar category.

Even though they measure at 2.5 inches (63mm) wide, they have a large volume, especially compared to the 2.6in Vee Snap tyres on the comparable Saracen Zenith Elite that measure just 2.35in (60mm).

It gives the Trek a tractor-like character, which has pros and cons. The bigger volume offers excellent comfort and additional puncture protection, so you can get away with running slightly lower pressures.

This is great for helping smooth out trail chatter and finding traction on climbs, and it sure makes the Roscoe one of the comfier hardtails out there.

I had zero complaints about Shimano’s 1x12 Deore drivetrain, which worked with the feeling of more expensive parts.

The gear range was ample, the shifting felt crisp and I was confident and happy with their performance when shifting under load.

Trek Roscoe 7 descending performance

Overall, the Trek was a fun bike to ride. The 140mm forks, the cushioning of the tyres and 65-degree head tube angle meant it smoothed out the trails impressively and gave confidence to its handling in all but the highest-speed turns.

The low-slung top tube gives you space to move the bike side-to-side underneath you, and the 150mm dropper post keeps the saddle out of the way.

The short rear end does help liven the ride up and makes the Roscoe more agile, but it’s not the most poppy hardtail out there.

I’d say it prefers to carve through the corners instead of being thrashed around, although quick changes of direction aren’t a hindrance.

However, when pushed hard on faster downhill trails, the wide tyres tend to squirm and have a vague feeling. It’s not a lack of grip, just that you can feel the tyres roll on the rim, which is unnerving.

I wasn’t too impressed with the TranzX dropper post, which had a little more friction than other cheaper posts I’ve used. It got the job done when needed but isn’t as refined as other posts.

The brakes were adequate for mellow trails but became overwhelmed on steeper sections and in wet conditions.

I did find the RockShox Recon fork needed higher air pressures than recommended. However, the performance was still admirable, with good progression while remaining sensitive enough off the top.

The 32mm stanchions can become out-gunned, but this only becomes noticeable when pushing harder down technical descents.

A part of this will be down to the tyres, but I never felt the ride was overly harsh or fatiguing. The frame feels stiff and direct but doesn’t compromise comfort.

The frame protection for a bike at this price is impressive, and it does help to quieten the bike down, which is a bonus.

Trek Roscoe 7 bottom line

For the money, the Trek is a capable performer and can be pushed harder than you might expect. It takes the buzz out of the trails and is happy pedalling for all-day epics or blasts around the local woods.

The brakes and dropper post are the biggest flaws, but these can be upgraded over time, and the Roscoe’s new geometry should keep it relevant for a while.

So if you’re looking for a fun mountain bike experience without breaking the bank, the new Roscoe is worth a second take.

How we tested

The £1,500 mark has become a highly competitive price point for hardtail mountain bikes in recent years, with many brands offering versatile builds that pack in a solid spec for the money.

We put four trail-focused hardtails around the £1,500 mark to the test to see which came out on top.

All four of the bikes on test are built tough to withstand some abuse, so while they may not be as fast over the roughest terrain as a more expensive full-suspension rig, they shouldn’t be any less fun to ride.

While the hardtails tested here all serve a similar purpose, individual brands often prioritise different ride characteristics, giving each machine its own feel. These reviews and our in-depth buyer’s guide to the best hardtail mountain bikes should help narrow down the choice.

Other bikes on test

• Merida Big.Trail 600
• Saracen Zenith Trail Elite LSL
• KTM Ultra EVO DiM

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• Trek Roscoe 9 review

by Daz Hall February 3, 2022 2

• Price: £700 frame only, £2,300 as tested
• From: trekbikes.com
• Tested by: Darren Hall

The Trek Roscoe 9 features in our ‘Going to unextremes’ bike test

The Roscoe comes in three flavours, the 7, 8, and top spec 9 on test here. All three models share the same Alpha Gold aluminium Boost frame featuring ISCG mounts, a threaded BB, and internal routing for both gear and dropper cables. It’s a shame all colours aren’t available across the models as the splattered Matte Quicksand/Olive Fade/Black colour reminds me of a particularly horrific paint job my parents did on our kitchen in the ’80s, and it would be good to have more than the crimson alternative. The lack of colour options is more than mitigated by 12-speed SLX/XT/e*thirteen drivetrain and 4-piston Shimano brakes, and at £2,300 this won’t break the bank either. I know there’s a big debate around what represents good value in these inflation-fuelled times, but it doesn’t take much effort to find similar bikes at higher prices, and if this is too much then the lower spec 7 and 8 models provide excellent opportunities for saving money at £1,400 and £2,000 respectively.

At 5ft 9in tall I often suffer from frame size anxiety as a result of straddling medium and large sizes so it’s good to see that the Roscoe adds a M/L size to the standard small, medium and large. The very short and very tall are also catered for with XS and XL versions, although the XS has 27.5 wheels to keep everything in sensible proportion. We’re testing a large here, which is slightly beyond Trek’s recommendations for my height, but those used to longer bikes will not find any issues with opting for the larger size, and this is made easier by the low-slung top tube which provides loads of standover clearance. Shorter riders may find it a little less obvious which size to choose, due to the significant overlap in recommended height between the M and M/L. I would always go for the larger size in this case, but a careful decision may be required if you’re in this range.

The frame itself is something of a beast. The oversized downtube and thick rear triangle provide a stiff and supportive base for ploughing through rocks and roots and maintaining control through the roughest of terrain, although this suggests the rider will need to cope with the physical demands of such a direct and unforgiving platform. If this isn’t a problem though and you’re up to the job of pushing the Roscoe to its limits, then the double side chainstay and downtube guards provide protection from flying rocks to prevent any damage. The rear brake caliper is also partially protected by what can only be described as a rather radical bend in the left chainstay to enable the caliper to be placed on the inside of the frame, although this does raise the possibility of interference with pedalling at the rear of the stroke. There was just enough clearance with my size 9 shoes to avoid any unwanted impacts or rubbing, but larger-footed riders might want to check this out.

If the geometry and overall burliness of the frame left any doubts as to the gnarly intentions of this bike, those can quickly be dispelled on consideration of the rest of the spec. It’s not unusual for trail bikes at around the 140mm travel category to opt to save some weight with 34mm forks so it’s good to see that Trek have resisted this with the addition of the thicker and stiffer Fox 36 Rhythms. Combined with the 30mm internal Bontrager Line Comp rims and bulky 2.6in XR4 tyres, the rider is left with little doubt that this bike wants to be ridden hard. All this meat does come with a weight penalty however, and at 13.9kg this can hardly be called lightweight for a hardtail. That really shouldn’t matter though for a trail bike which is clearly aimed at the more aggressive rider, and thankfully Trek seems to have considered this with the addition of the higher power four-pot Shimano M6120 brakes, and a twiddly 30T chainring to winch you to the top of the hill.

The first thing you notice when sitting on the Roscoe is that the uber-trail characteristics suggested by the geometry and the specs are even more in evidence when meeting it in person. This doesn’t quite qualify for the hardcore hardtail category, but the slack head angle, upright position and fat tyres have you instantly thinking about where the closest steep and rowdy trails might be. This isn’t a bike to be riding around forest roads or reservoirs with the family. Although if you were to do that, you’d possibly spend most of your time looking for cheeky unmarked trails and random opportunities to huck it off contrived drops and other obstacles. In fact, it’s so robust and confidence-inspiring you can probably ride it anywhere you like whether a trail exists or not. It’s quite literally a bike that can get you into trouble, in more ways than one.

When you do find some trails worthy of the Trek Roscoe, you’d best be ready to commit to them because the ride is somewhat unforgiving. On rough rocks and roots your thighs and core will receive a proper workout as they as they absorb the shocks that at the front are being sucked up by the excellent fork. For any skiers out there, it’s a bit like the first day on the slopes after a long lay-off. The large tyres compensate a little if you run the pressures low (< 20psi), but then you run the risk of dinging the rims so tyre inserts might be an advisable first upgrade. The stiffness does have its benefits though if you have the physique and athleticism to take the hits. Trail obstacles and debris are no match for the Roscoe, and the 36mm forks, tyres and frame combine to provide a bulldozer-like character if you have the confidence to take advantage. On the very steepest trails the 36 forks and head angle come into their own and the front wheel maintains traction very well if you don’t hang off the back, but it could possibly benefit from a longer dropper to keep the saddle out of the way and encourage you to keep the front wheel weighted.

On tamer terrain, the Trek Roscoe is no slouch either, and I was torn as to whether it prefers man-made or natural terrain. Hardtails are often my go-to option for trail centres and places where I know there’s a smoothish hard-packed surface, and the Roscoe excels in this environment as well as it does on the rougher stuff, albeit with a very different character. Here the wide tyres and the active Fox Rhythm forks smooth out bumps very effectively, providing a fast and flowing ride with little sign of the bone-jarring stiffness exhibited on more technical trails. It’s probably a little vague in the steering due to the head angle and length on the tight and twisting courses you’ll find at manmade areas, but a little effort in wrestling it around corners compensates for that and encourages you to ride the bike rather than acting as a passenger.

Given the previous comments about the Trek Roscoe aggressive and bulky character while going downhill, it won’t come as any surprise that I haven’t talked much about its climbing ability. Not that it’s terrible at going uphill. The stiffness of the frame, the weight and grip offered by the XR4 tyres, and the stable climbing position provided by the 74.5° seat angle will get you up pretty much anything, and the more technical the better. But you’ll need the power and fitness to do it with any type of speed. Most riders will take advantage of the twiddly 30×51 bottom gear, and that’s fine for most uses. The comfortably upright riding position will even facilitate long days in the saddle or marathons/enduros – just don’t expect to be breaking any records in the process.

As the most gnarly trail shredding bike in this test, it won’t surprise anyone that the Trek Roscoe is biased in favour of the rowdier type of riding. Aggressive, strong and physical riders are perfectly placed to get the best out of this bike, and it will reward those who like a full-body workout rather than simply testing their legs on fire road climbs and then recovering on descents. It also does just enough of the milder type of riding to make it an all-rounder in a loose sense of the word. Ride this bike enough, though, and those from the tamer end of the spectrum probably won’t stay there for very long as the Roscoe will either amplify or bring out the inner thug.

Check out all our mountain bike reviews

• Frame: Alpha Gold Aluminium
• Fork: Fox Rhythm 36, Float EVOL air spring, 140mm travel
• Hubs: Bontrager Alloy, Boost 110/148mm
• Rims: Bontrager Line Comp 30
• Tyres: Bontrager XR4 Team Issue 29×2.6in
• Chainset: e*thirteen Helix, 30T
• Rear Mech: Shimano XT M8100
• Shifter: Shimano SLX M7100, 12-speed
• Cassette: Shimano SLX M7100, 10–51, 12-speed
• Brakes: Shimano 4-piston hydraulic disc
• Stem: Bontrager Elite, 35 mm, 0-DEG, 45mm
• Handlebars: Bontrager Line, alloy, 35mm, 27.5mm rise, 780mm width
• Grips: Bontrager XR Trail Comp, nylon lock-on
• Seatpost: TranzX JD-YSP18, 150 mm travel
• Saddle: Bontrager Arvada, hollow chromoly rails
• Size Tested: L
• Sizes Available: XS, S, M,ML, L, XL
• Weight: As Tested 13.9kg/30.6lb

See the complete data set for this model (Members only)

Trek Roscoe 9

Cotic RocketMAX Trail / Silver SLX

Jamis dakar a2 – the data, trek roscoe 9 – the data, geometron g1 – the data, cotic flaremax gen4 – the data, santa cruz tallboy r / aluminum / 29 – the data, review info, spread the word:, if you liked this article you might like these.

Daz got into mountain biking by accident, quite literally. After falling off a cliff in the Peak District while climbing and nearly killing himself, he decided something safer was probably a good idea, so bought a mountain bike some time around 2004. It sat in his flat unused for about 6 months until a mate bought one too, when a whole new world of excitement was discovered by pushing it up unrideable climbs, and falling off unrideable descents in the Peak District. In the rain. Fast forward 10 years, several bikes, countless injuries and scrapes, and a lot more fitness and skill later, his Mrs told him if he wanted any more bikes he had to buy a bigger house in which to put them. At which point he moved to Todmorden, and randomly bumped into a bunch of magazine types who have the good fortune to do this sort of thing for a living. Somewhere along the way he also acquired a masochistic love of winter endurance racing, and as a result can be found riding his bike on ‘training’ rides in the dark and the drizzle, when everyone else is huddled in front of their wood burner. This provides excellent bike and kit testing/breaking opportunities and we try to keep him busy doing just that.

• This topic has 2 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 1 year ago by weeksy .

Proper boost at last! I liked the look of previous ones but not the weird 141QR rear spacing they went for.

Anyone ever buy a Roscoe ? I’ve got one on my HMMM list currently for local stuff. Not sure if i’ll press the button but i was looking at a few HTs and this is enough i terms of travel/fun, but a better weight than the others i’d shortlisted (Orange Crush and Ragley Blue PIg).

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Trek Roscoe 7

• AUS $ NZD $ USD $ CAD $ GBP £ EUR €

Weight / M - 14.71 kg / 32.43 lbs (with tubes)

At a glance

Roscoe 7 is a mid-fat trail hardtail for riders who favor a fun and lively ride. Confidence-inspiring 27.5+ wheels and plus-sized tires, a plush suspension fork, and a wide-range drivetrain with plenty of gears make Roscoe 7 stable enough for new riders, and playful enough to make even the most experienced shredders smile.

Where To Buy

"Ready to rumble"

"Has the chops to squeeze every last drop of fun from local park trails, plus the talent to conquer black diamond terrain on the weekends."

"Intuitive handling. Just right."

"The perfect choice for anyone new to the sport or veterans looking to add a plus-size hardtail to their quiver. Roscoe is so nimble, it made any terrain and any speed into a carnival."

"5 out of 5"

"One of the best we've ever tried at this price. So fun and capable it makes boring trails interesting and difficult trails manageable. "

Specifications

• Frame Alpha Gold Aluminum, tapered head tube, internal derailleur & dropper post routing, rack & kickstand mount, Boost141, 5mm QR
• Fork Size: XS RockShox Judy SL, Solo Air spring, TurnKey hydraulic lockout, tapered steerer, 42mm offset, Boost110, 15mm Maxle Stealth, 100mm travel Size: S, M, M/L, L, XL, XXL RockShox Judy Silver, Solo Air spring, TurnKey hydraulic lockout, tapered steerer, 42mm offset, Boost110, 15mm Maxle Stealth, 120mm travel
• Wheel Size 27.5"
• Tires Size: XS, S, M, M/L, L, XL, XXL Maxxis Rekon, tubeless, 60 tpi, 27.5x2.80'' Size: XS, S, M, M/L, L, XL, XXL Bontrager XR3 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewall, aramid bead, 120tpi, 27.5x2.80''
• Chain SRAM SX Eagle, 12 speed
• Crank Size: XS, S SRAM SX Eagle, GXP, 30T steel ring, Boost, 170mm length Size: M, M/L, L, XL, XXL SRAM SX Eagle, GXP, 30T steel ring, Boost, 175mm length
• Bottom Bracket Truvativ Powerspline, 73mm, threaded cartridge, 118mm spindle
• Rear Derailleur SRAM SX Eagle
• Shifters SRAM SX Eagle, 12 speed
• Brakeset Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc
• Handlebar Size: XS Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 15mm rise, 720mm width Size: S, M, M/L, L, XL, XXL Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 15mm rise, 750mm width
• Saddle Bontrager Arvada, steel rails, 138mm width
• Seatpost Size: XS, S TranzX JD-YSP18, 100mm travel, internal routing, 31.6mm, 361mm length Size: M, M/L, L, XL, XXL TranzX JD-YSP18, 130mm travel, internal routing, 31.6mm, 425mm length
• Stem Size: XS, S, M Size: M/L, L, XL, XXL
• Headset Semi-integrated, cartridge bearing, 1-1/8'' top, 1.5'' bottom

Q: How much is a 2020 Trek Roscoe 7?

A 2020 Trek Roscoe 7 is typically priced around $1,260 USD when new. Be sure to shop around for the best price, and also look to the used market for a great deal.

Q: Where to buy a 2020 Trek Roscoe 7?

The 2020 Trek Roscoe 7 may be purchased directly from Trek .

Q: How much does a 2020 Trek Roscoe 7 weigh?

A 2020 Trek Roscoe 7 weights M - 14.71 kg / 32.43 lbs (with tubes).

Q: What size wheels does the 2020 Trek Roscoe 7 have?

The 2020 Trek Roscoe 7 has 27.5" wheels.

Q: What size 2020 Trek Roscoe 7 should I get?

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• Rider Notes

2024 Trek Roscoe 6

A 27.5″ / 29″ aluminum frame hardtail trail bike with mid-range components. Compare the full range

Manufacturer Price

Biloxi Bicycle Works

In Stock: SM & MD

For This Bike

View more similar bikes →

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Similar Bikes

(descending)

Add custom gearing

Based on build material and quality level of the frame, fork, wheelset, groupset, suspension system, and more.

4'9" – 5'2"

5'0" – 5'6"

5'4" – 5'10"

5'8" – 5'11"

5'9" – 6'3"

6'1" – 6'5"

Do you have this bike? Help other riders make a decision about which size will work for them by sharing your own size and fit notes. Report your fit

Aug 2023 · Pat Donahue

The Trek Roscoe 7 is an adaptable and well-rounded hardtail mountain bike that is competent in most of situations. Climbing abilities were rock solid and...

Read Review

The Trek Roscoe 7 is a solidly priced, Deore M6100 equipped hardtail with an awesome appearance in any of its three livery choices.

Sep 2022 · Guy Kesteven

Roscoe looks great on paper but it’s disappointing on the trail

Super wide size range

Dropper post

Tapered head tube

Potential plus tire gains

Outdated frame

Cable rattle

Numb brakes

Wet hating, tubed plus tires

Aug 2022 · Alan Muldoon

Launched back in 2019, the Trek Roscoe 6 is definitely showing signs of ageing. Yes, it’s had a fresh lick of paint and some specification updates since then, the biggest change being the addition of a dropper seat post. Other than that though, it’s essentially the same bike that now costs £1k rather than £675. But is it good enough to be added to our best hardtail mountain bikes guide? Trek Roscoe 6 need to know: Massive 2.8in Kenada tyres on smaller 27.5in rims boost confidence and control The Trek Roscoe 6 gets a 130mm dropper post as standard Shimano Deore 10sp drivetrain and 11-46t cassette The wider 141mm Boost quick release dropouts provide extra tyre clearance But it’s not the jump in price or the front derailleur mount that instantly date the Roscoe 6. It’s the 27.5in wheels shod with voluminous 2.8in tyres. Every other bike in this category has made the switch to 29in wheels with narrower tyres, so has Trek simply backed the wrong horse? Frame Before we answer that question, let’s take a closer look at the frame. Manufactured from Trek’s Alpha Gold aluminium the Roscoe comes in six unique sizes, XS though to XXL. Dig into the number though and again the Roscoe looks dated with an elevated BB height and relatively steep head angle. It’s a good thing then that the generous reach and short chainstays have stood the test of time. Yes, the seat angle is a little too laid back to provide an optimum position for seated climbing, but it does open up the top tube measurement so the bike feels roomy in every other situation. Suspension Fatter tyres need fatter forks to provide the necessary clearance, so the Roscoe 6 comes with a SR Suntour XCM 32. It’s coil sprung and listed as having 120mm travel, but grease marks on the chrome steel upper tubes indicated that we never managed to get more than 100mm travel out of it. No bad thing, as the firm spring rate helped prop up the front end and maintain better overall geometry for shredding. The Suntour fork also has no rebound damping adjustment, so limiting its movement with a firmer spring is a crude, but effective way to maintain control. On the plus side, we welcomed the additional stiffness and security of the 15mm bolt-thru axle. Components Like Specialized, Trek has its contact points dialled. The Bontrager Arvada saddle is firm but comfy and we can’t emphasise enough how good it is not having to stop and fiddle with a dodgy quick release seat collar every five minutes. Yes, the action of the 130mm TranzX post feels a little crude, and it also adds at least half a kilo to the overall weight of the bike, but it’s worth it. The balloon-like 2.8in Kenda Havok tyres, and especially the fatter inner tubes, increase the overall weight too, so combined with the wider 35mm rims the Roscoe 6 weights in a portly 15.57kg, making it the …Continue reading »

Plus size tyres

Rattly Suntour fork

Feb 2022 · Daz Hall

As a gnarly trail shredding bike, it won’t surprise anyone that the Trek Roscoe is biased in favour of the rowdier type of riding.

Nov 2021 · Luke Marshall

The Roscoe’s a well-rounded package that delivers an engaging ride, but with a few compromises

Lots of frame sizes to choose from

Shimano Deore gears work well

Best frame protection on test

Wide tyres can feel vague and roll at high speeds

Weak brakes compared to others

TranzX dropper post was sticky

Sep 2021 · JP Purdom

The Trek Roscoe 9is a killer offering for riders wanting an all-around hardtail ripper with a balanced geo and solid build spec.

Surprisingly capable

Balanced geometry

Comfortable climbing position

Reasonable price

Minor spec niggles

Sore ankles

Jul 2021 · Beta

We know trickle-down technology, but trickle-down geometry is far too rare. the new Trek Roscoe brings the shred to the masses.

First added November 4

Last updated June 22

Not listed for 63 days

• Roscoe 8 - 2023, Medium/Large

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How tall are you?

To measure your height, stand straight up, barefoot, with your back, heels, shoulders and head all touching a wall. While looking straight ahead, place a book or straight edge on your head and slowly push it against the wall. Your straight edge should be parallel with the floor. Mark the spot where the bottom of the book is touching the wall. The distance from the marked spot to the floor is your height.

What is your inseam?

How to measure: Stand barefoot with your back straight and against a wall. Tuck a ruler or something that extends to the floor between your legs. Using both hands, and keeping it level, pull the ruler up into your crotch as if you were sitting on the saddle. Measure the distance from the top edge of the ruler to the ground to find your inseam measurement. Your inseam is very important to your final bike size so please measure carefully.