trek roscoe vs full suspension

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Results have arrived, the best trail hardtail: specialized fuse expert 29 vs. trek roscoe 9.

The Specialized Fuse 29 and Trek Roscoe are the two most popular aluminum trail hardtails on the market. We compare the best-selling 2023 Fuse Expert 29 and Roscoe 9 models to see which mountain bike is best.

Written by: Bruce Lin

Published on: Nov 14, 2023

Posted in: Guides

What’s the best mountain bike to get if you’re on a budget? The answer is an affordable and versatile trail hardtail. Trail hardtails are simple (there’s no rear suspension) so they’re cheaper and easier to own and maintain. But with relaxed geometry and a longer travel fork, they can handle a wide range of terrain from fast flow trails to steep and gnarly downhill tracks.  

The two most popular models in the trail hardtail category are the Specialized Fuse Expert 29 and the Trek Roscoe 9. They’re best sellers and they come with decent mid-range components so they won’t need any upgrades. But how do they stack up against one another? We compare these two do-it-all hardtails to find out. 

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1. Specialized Fuse vs. Trek Roscoe: Overview

Both bikes use aluminum frames with threaded bottom brackets, internal cable routing, two bottle cage mounts, and 29” wheels. Both weigh right around 30 pounds, which is fairly standard for entry- to mid-level aluminum hardtails.

Both use TransX dropper seatposts. Other than the drivetrains, the biggest difference between the two bikes is in the forks. The Fuse comes with a 130mm Fox Rhythm 34 while the Roscoe uses a 140mm Fox Rhythm 36. The Fox 34 is lighter because it has thinner 34mm stanchions compared to the Fox 36 which uses 36mm stanchions. On the flip side, the Fox 36 is a bit stiffer and has more travel than the Fox 34, which keeps it a bit more plush feeling and composed on rough terrain. The Fox 36 caters more toward aggressive downhill riding while the Fox 34 is a bit more balanced for all-around trail riding. 

One other feature worth noting is the sliding rear dropouts on the Fuse. This gives riders the option to adjust the chainstay length or set the frame up as a single speed. 

2. Specialized Fuse Expert 29 vs. Trek Roscoe 9: Component Comparison

• Frame: Both frames are nearly identical in terms of construction and quality. I prefer the adjustable rear dropouts of the Fuse, however, because it gives riders more adjustability, plus additional options for fixing backcountry mechanicals or trying a future singlespeed build. Winner: Fuse
• Fork: Both use Fox Rhythm forks with the basic Grip damper. I tend to prefer the stiffer Fox 36 chassis because I ride more rough and technical downhills. Winner: Roscoe
• Drivetrain: SRAM GX vs. Shimano SLX/XT are both super solid and reliable. I’m a SRAM user, and I like that the Fuse has a 52t granny gear (vs. 51t) and it doesn’t use a third-party crankset (the Roscoe uses an e*thirteen crank). Winner: Fuse 
• Brakes: Both bikes have 4-piston brakes for extra stopping power. I personally prefer the feel of SRAM brakes to Shimano. Winner: Fuse
• Wheels: Both bikes use entry-level alloy wheels with 29mm internal rim widths and basic hubs. There’s really nothing to choose between these wheels, but I like that the Bontragers aren’t generic and at least have a model name… Winner: Roscoe
• Dropper: Both bikes use basic TransX droppers with similar travel for the various frame sizes. I’m going to give this to the Roscoe though because it uses the more common 31.6mm size versus the oversized 34.9mm dropper on the Fuse. It will be easier to replace or upgrade in the future. Winner: Roscoe
• Weight: With the stock build, the Roscoe is about a pound lighter. Winner: Roscoe
• Price: The Roscoe retails for $400 less. Winner: Roscoe

Final Score

• Fuse Expert 29: 3
• Roscoe 9: 5

It looks like the Roscoe beats out the Fuse by a couple of points, but keep in mind that these points are mostly based on my personal tastes and are pretty subjective.

Some features may also be more important to some riders than others. For example, the sliding rear dropout is the standout feature of the Fuse to me, and it’s the main reason I’d pick the Fuse, but many other riders likely won’t care about it. 

3.  Specialized Fuse vs. Trek Roscoe: Geometry Comparison

The Fuse and Roscoe use very similar geometry. The biggest difference between the two frames is the head angle. The Roscoe’s 65-degree head angle is 1.5 degrees slacker than the Fuse (which also gives the Roscoe a ~20mm longer wheelbase). What does this mean? In the most basic terms, the Roscoe will feel more stable while the Fuse will feel more agile. Both bikes can handle a very wide range of terrain, but if you’re regularly riding steep and fast downhill trails, the slacker Roscoe will feel a bit more confidence-inspiring. The Fuse, on the other, will feel less sluggish on climbs, and more lively on flat or rolling trails. 

Both bikes have decently steep seat angles to put riders in a good position over the cranks on steep climbs, but the Roscoe’s seat angle is slightly steeper, which some riders might prefer (though I honestly don’t think that 0.7 degrees will make that big of a difference). 

The other notable difference is in the stack height. In every size, the Fuse has 5-10mm less stack height. This can be important to riders who want to run a lower bar height for XC riding. 

Note that the Fuse has a range for chainstay length because of the sliding rear dropouts. It can be adjusted to be both shorter (more agile) and longer (more stable) than the Roscoe. 

Finally, it’s worth noting that the Roscoe is also available in an additional M/L size. This could be good for riders who feel like they are between the medium and large sizes. 

4. Concluding Thoughts 

With a lighter Fox 34 fork and slightly steeper head angle, the Fuse should appeal more to riders who lean more toward the XC side of the riding spectrum. For riders more interested in the enduro and downhill side of the spectrum, the bigger Fox 36 fork and slacker head angle of the Roscoe will be more appealing.

As for value, the Fuse Expert 29 and Roscoe 9 have very comparable specs, so the Roscoe is the better value with a retail price that is $400 less. 

What would I pick? Personally, I’d choose the Fuse. As I’ve already mentioned, I’m a SRAM fan and I like having a sliding rear dropout so I can convert the bike to a singlespeed someday in the future. What would you choose?

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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

We don’t, minor spec niggles sore ankles, leave a comment | win free stuff.

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The 10 Best Hardtail Mountain Bikes For Ripping Trails and High-Performance

Whether you want a lightweight cross-country rocket or a cheap trail ripper, one of these picks will work for you.

A “hardtail” is a mountain bike with front suspension but no rear suspension. This design can be lighter and less expensive than a mountain bike with rear suspension, as well as simpler to maintain. Think of a hardtail as the workhorse of the mountain bike world.

Sometimes hardtails are simply the best tool for the job, depending on the circumstances. For instance, those just learning to mountain bike may prefer the handling of a hardtail. Kids are often better off with a hardtail for several reasons, particularly the reduced weight. Sometimes the terrain where you ride simply doesn’t warrant a full suspension bike. Or, finally, it might be personal preference drives your desire to ride a hardtail.

Whatever the case, hardtails are alive and well, and we take a closer look at a wide range of bikes to suit your needs from the most basic to advanced racing machines.

Looking for more riding options? Check out our picks for the best electric bikes , folding e-bikes , and commuter bikes .

The Best Hardtail Mountain Bikes

• Best Overall: Specialized Rockhopper Elite 29
• Best Electric Hardtail Mountain Bike: Aventon Ramblas
• Best Trail Hardtail Mountain Bike: Trek Roscoe 7
• Best Hardtail Mountain Bike Deal: Salsa Rangefinder 29 Deore
• Best Cheap Hardtail Mountain Bike: Eastern Alpaka 29

What to Consider in a Hardtail Mountain Bike

Why you can trust us, how we tested hardtail mountain bikes, our full hardtail mountain bike reviews.

If you are looking for the best high-performance mountain bikes (full suspension and hardtail, electric and analog), check out our Bike Awards coverage. You’ll find 11 exceptional, award-winning bikes rigorously vetted by our editorial team.

If you’re in search of an efficient race machine, a carbon fiber hardtail might be the bike for you. Hardtails also make great adventure bikes for bikepacking off-road and other long-distance riding shenanigans. Build a hardtail with a longer-travel fork and wide tires and you’ll have a fun ripper for romping around your local trails —and you’ll save money and weight compared to many full suspension options.

For decades, hardtails have appealed to riders due to the infinite ways you can build them up and for their simplicity. Here’s what you need to know about hardtail mountain bikes.

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You almost always get more bang for your buck with a hardtail. The design allows manufacturers to either reduce the bike’s overall price or include better components than you would find on comparably priced full-suspension rigs.

Hardtail frames lack rear shocks, pivots, linkages, and the associated hardware. Thus, they are generally lighter than comparable full-suspension frames. For riders who climb a lot, the weight saving can make a difference—both physically and mentally. 

Carbon fiber frames have the best strength-to-weight ratio of any material but are typically more expensive than metal-framed bikes. Despite this, there are desirable characteristics in all frame materials.

Wheel Sizes

Hardtails come with many wheel sizes and gearing options. You’ll find wheel sizes of 29- or 27.5-inches, standard tire widths (up to 2.6-inches), plus-size (2.8- to 3-inches), and fat tires (3-inches and wider). Some hardtails will accept different wheel and tire sizes, allowing you to swap out options to suit your riding needs.

Great for Kids and Tweens

The explosive growth of youth cycling programs and NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association) racing got a ton of kids onto the trail and needing mountain bikes. With their combination of lightweight, lower cost, and wheel size options, hardtails make ideal bikes for young riders starting out or teens who quickly outgrow bikes.

Maintenance and Durability

Fewer moving parts mean fewer things that could potentially go wrong, and higher-quality parts mean those parts are less likely to need fixing. The simplicity of not having a rear shock and rear suspension system increases the durability of the bike as it requires less maintenance and fewer replacement parts.

Ride Quality

A hardtail can feel more responsive than a dual-suspension bike when pedaling. The lack of rear suspension creates a more efficient-feeling pedaling platform, so acceleration feels more immediate. 

Climbers especially appreciate the extra responsiveness, though you lose some traction (especially under braking) without the rear suspension. Still, for a fast, efficient ride, nothing beats a hardtail.

Find the Right Fork

After the frame, the fork is arguably the most important part of a hardtail's build kit. You’ll find suspension forks with as little as 80mm of travel on some cross-country bikes, while trail or all-mountain hardtails may have forks with 140mm of travel or more. 

Some hardtails still use forks that lack any suspension. These rigid forks are typically the lightest weight and require no maintenance.

Build One Up

Hardtails also make an excellent second, third...or 10th bike to have around—to loan to friends, for when your primary bike is in the shop, or for dabbling into other areas of riding. 

Many brands (particularly small or mid-sized) offer frame-only options that you can build up on your own or with the help of your local shop. Perhaps you have some old parts kicking around and collecting dust. Well, hardtails are a simple and cost-effective way to put those parts to use!

Bicycling has been vetting and reviewing bikes, gear, and accessories for more than 50 years. The bike recommendations here are based on the extensive work of the test team, which includes Deputy Editor Tara Seplavy, Senior Test Editor Matt Phillips, Test Editor Dan Chabonov, and Maintenance Editor Gabe Ortiz. Together, they have more than 60 years of ride-testing experience and insight that they bring to every recommendation they make.

For hardtail mountain bikes, Tara Seplavy oversaw these selections based on the team’s collective testing experience, as well as her own extensive knowledge of the category.

Chris Case has been riding and racing all manner of bikes for over 30 years. His first “real” bikes were mountain bikes; his racing days began on the rooted trails of southern New England. Formerly the managing editor of VeloNews magazine, he now guides gravel cycling and bikepacking tours with his company Alter Exploration . His garage is filled with his family’s precious collection of bikes, neatly organized and maintained for daily riding, racing, and adventures. Follow him on Instagram at @chrisjustincase .

Many of these bikes were tested by Bicycling 's team of gear editors, which mapped out rides featuring most of the trail elements that you’ll likely encounter. Bikes were pushed hard on flow trails, up steep climbs, down pucker-worthy rocky descents, and through rock gardens. Editors rode these bikes on the terrain best suited for each bike, as well as terrain entirely unsuitable, to see how far the limits could be pushed.

The bikes that weren’t ridden by Bicycling ’s editors were carefully chosen based on their value, quality of parts, our experience riding similar models, and how the overall package meets the needs of the intended rider.

We also consulted with hardtail devotees and coaches who work with junior riders to assess the best choices for younger and beginner cyclists.

Specialized Rockhopper Elite 29

The Rockhopper has been a mainstay of Specialized’s product line longer than most mountain bikers have been alive. The brand spent decades perfecting the Rockhopper into the well-rounded mountain bike platform it is today. And that experience—paired with learnings from its World Cup-winning high-end bikes—translates into a refined quality on the trail.

“The Rockhopper Elite climbs efficiently, is quite capable on singletrack, and isn’t too nervous when descending,” said test rider Tara Seplavy, Bicycling ’s deputy editor.

That is to say, it does everything decently—a quality many buyers in this price range want and expect from a mountain bike.

While the Rockhopper’s frame lacks a tapered headtube and thru axle rear end, the bike strikes a modern and lightweight appearance. The frame has routing for a dropper seatpost (if you wish to add one), its cables route internally on the front triangle, and it has rack mounts.

The components on the Rockhopper Elite don’t jump out, but they also don’t let you down. The air-sprung RockShox Judy TK fork does not perform to the level of the higher-end Recon fork model (more flex under braking and harsher riding). But it is easy to set up for different weight riders and has a crown-mounted lockout for pavement sections.

Specialized offers a bevy of Rockhopper models between $650 and $1,400. We consider the Comp ($950), Elite ($1,150), and Expert ($1,300) models most suitable for trail riding. Specialized also has 27.5-inch wheel Rockhopper variants in these models to fit shorter-height riders.

Aventon Ramblas

With its torquey mid-drive motor, name-brand components, and $2,700 price tag, Aventon’s Ramblas hardtail looks to flip the script and change the perception of hardtail e-bikes—and it succeeds.

At the heart of the Ramblas is Aventon’s all-new A100 motor. The mid-drive unit features 250 watts of sustained power/750 watts of peak power and 100 Newton/meters of torque. It is cleanly mounted to the Ramblas’ front triangle, low-slung on the frame but with sufficient clearance for riding over rocks and logs.

“The bike felt comfortable, proportional, and balanced from the first rip around the trailhead,” Seplavy said.

The Ramblas is well-appointed for its price. Overall, the components are well-suited for a trail-use mountain bike—1x12 SRAM Eagle drivetrain, 4-piston SRAM brakes, 35mm stanchion RockShox fork, dropper seatpost, and 2.4-inch-wide tires. They are all underpinnings of a solid mid-range trail bike—and for a $2,700 hardtail e-MTB, these features are unmatched in the market.

“After riding the Ramblas and checking out other hardtail e-MTBs over the past several years, I think Aventon just reset the entire category with this bike,” Seplavy said.

Trek Roscoe 7

There is so much to love about this bike that it’s hard to decide where to start. The 12-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain (with a 30T chainring and 10-51T cassette) provides a massive range, with gearing low enough to ease the pain of climbing steep hills. Its 29-inch wheels (27.5-inch on XS size) carry speed while maintaining maneuverability on technical trails, and the 2.6-inch tubeless-ready tires offer great traction and a plush ride.

The 140mm travel RockShox Recon SL SoloAir fork has plenty of travel for getting rowdy and can be locked out for added efficiency, such as when climbing a paved road. And speaking of rowdy, a dropper post is a very cool addition and adds to the Roscoe's versatility.

Salsa Rangefinder 29 Deore

The Salsa Rangefinder is one of the least expensive bikes in this test and one of the heaviest. Neither significantly takes away from its abilities on the trail.

“I was pleasantly surprised by the Rangefinder’s performance in most situations,” Seplavy said.

The Rangefinder’s extra heft comes from its oversized aluminum frame, heavy 120mm SR Suntour XCM fork, extra-wide range cassette, and 29x2.6-inch Maxxis tires. These parts, though, also make the Salsa more confident and capable on the trail than the bike’s weight might suggest.

On dirt, the Rangefinder lumbers along. It’s also not light or race-oriented. As Seplavy put it: “The Salsa is not a ‘go fast and take chances’ style bike.”

The Rangefinder's slightly upright positioning, steep seat angle, and low gearing allow you to sit and spin up climbs, despite the bike’s weight.

The Rangefinder is capable, though not fully confident when descending. The wide Maxxis Rekon tires and thru axle fork provide extra grip over roots and precision when picking a line through rocky sections of trail. But the Tektro Gemini brakes with 160mm rotors are insufficient at higher speeds or when the gradient pitches steeply downward. The fork’s lack of damping adjustment also made the fork ping-pong off of rocks when they came in quick succession.

Salsa provides options for riders seeking a Shimano-equipped Rangefinder or one with plus-sized wheels. It offers three other Rangefinder models between $900 and $1,500. Each model has 27.5+ or 29-inch wheel variants. There are Shimano Deore 10 -, 11 -, and 12-speed drivetrain Rangefinder models.

Eastern Bikes Alpaka 29

The Alpaka boasts features that try to emulate a high-end experience at an entry-level price. The aluminum frame is paired with a 100mm travel spring coil fork with a mechanical lockout feature. Stopping power comes from 160mm hydraulic disc brakes with adjustable reach levers.

The 9-speed X-Gear drivetrain is compatible with Shimano and SRAM aftermarket parts. But the 11-34-tooth cassette matched with a 32-tooth chainring up front will limit your ability to climb the steepest pitches.

While the bike‘s quick release hubs are not as secure or fashionable as thru axle wheels, they get the job done at the price. And though the Kenda 2.2-inch tires provide ample traction, the frame is designed to accommodate up to 2.4-inch rubber if you need more cushion and grip.

The cockpit comprises Eastern-branded contact points along with a Velo saddle and grips, completing the package with a touch of comfort not often seen at this price.

Giant Talon 29 1

The Giant Talon 1 is the biggest sleeper in our testing. The Talon’s frame doesn’t have an aggressive trail bike silhouette. It does not look oversized and burly. The plain black paint and blue logo also help to subdue the Giant. Appearances and first looks are often deceiving.

“Once on the trail, the Talon 1 surprised me with its capabilities. It rides like a bike that should cost a couple of hundred dollars more,” Seplavy said.

The Giant’s good ride feel comes down to its fork. The house-brand 100mm travel SXC-32-2 RL fork features 32mm aluminum stanchions, an alloy steerer, and an air spring. These shave weight off the bike while improving stiffness and steering precision. The fork’s rebound adjustment and air spring help you tune the fork for your weight and local trails—a big plus for a bike at this price.

The Tektro M275 brakes on the Talon 1, however, were underwhelming. They slowed the bike down but lacked modulation and a good feel at the lever. The Deore 10-speed drivetrain shifted smoothly but was over-geared for steeper hills compared to the other bikes tested.

Giant offers three models in the Talon range, with the Talon 1 as the most expensive and best equipped for trail riding. For a more premium Giant hardtail trail bike, check out the Fathom 29 models . Starting at $1,500, the Fathoms have longer travel forks, tubeless tires, and dropper posts.

Liv Lurra 2 27.5

The Lurra 2 is Liv’s latest creation for the value-minded hardtail fan.

Designed for performance-minded trail riders who want to rip singletrack, the Lurra offers dedicated frame geometry for the XS and S frame sizes which boast 27.5-inch wheels. Up front, the 130mm Giant fork and 2.6-inch Maxxis tubeless tires offer grip and comfort for roots, rocks, and ruts, and the Giant Contact 100mm dropper seatpost is a nice touch, allowing you to get low and ride with more control. Equipped with a Shimano Deore drivetrain and Tektro disc brakes, the pair offer dependability rather than flash.

The Lurra is generously adorned with multiple water bottle mounts: a set underneath the top tube allows for secure mounting of a small gear pack to fill with snacks or tools or other small items, while a trio on the downtube and another set underneath the downtube allow for multiple mounting positions of two water bottles.

Zize Yonder

While most brands make bikes rated for riders up to 200 or 250 pounds, Zize exclusively focuses on bikes for heavyweight riders. With its chromoly frame and fork, heavy-duty wheels, and Clark's hydraulic disc brakes, the Yonder accommodates riders up to 550 pounds.

The Yonder also features a 100mm wide bottom bracket shell and 3-inch wide 26-inch WTB tires for added rider stability. The bike has a dependable Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrain, but the gear range is not low enough for optimal riding up steep hills. Though the Yonder is expensive, consider this bike if you're a heavier rider looking to get into off-road riding.

Specialized Riprock

The Riprock 24 is an excellent bike for kids who want to take their riding skills off-road. Designed to accommodate riders between 3-foot-11 and 4-foot-8, this bike comes with 24-inch wheels, a 1x9-speed MicroShift group, and hydraulic disc brakes.

While many mountain bikes for kids use a suspension fork, the Riprock 24 features an aluminum rigid fork. Most bikes at this price use heavy suspension forks that don't work for lightweight riders, but the Specialized’s rigid fork saves weight and looks great. This makes the Riprock 24 well-equipped for young riders' trail riding adventures. Offered in four colors, this bike is also available with 20-inch wheels for riders between 3-foot-5 and 4-foot-4.

Cervélo ZHT-5 GX

Yes, you’re reading that right: Cervélo makes mountain bikes. Though the brand may be more famous as the bike sponsor of the Tour de France-winning Visma-Lease a Bike race team, Cervélo has created this podium-worthy ride for ripping on the dirt.

Sporting a 907-gram (claimed) carbon frame, 69-degree head angle, and long reach top tubes, the ZHT-5 is made for speed. This SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed equipped model also comes standard with a 100mm travel RockShox Sid SL Select fork, e.thirteen TRS Race tubeless wheels, and a RaceFace cockpit.

Expert Chris Case On When to Go Full Suspension Versus Hardtail And Whether to Choose Aluminum Or Carbon.

Is full suspension better than a hardtail.

It depends on the application and terrain. Of course, there are certain types of riding when a full suspension bike is going to provide a faster, safer, and more enjoyable experience—for example, on rockier, more technical downhills. 

Conversely, some situations and locations are better suited to hardtails, for instance, in places where non-technical trails are abundant. If bikepacking is your thing, hardtails can be easier to load up with gear since the opening of the main triangle is easier to fill with a frame bag. But that’s not to say a full-suspension rig won’t work for bikepacking.

Much of the time it’s either personal preference or budget.

Aluminum or carbon?

There are pros and cons to every frame material. Carbon is typically lighter, can dampen more vibrations, and so forth, but if you’re hard on your equipment or crash often, the chances of causing irreparable damage to a carbon frame are higher than with metal frames.

Aluminum is often heavier, and some will say it offers a stiffer, less comfortable ride. But when you factor in saddle choice, tire size and pressure, and the comfort of other touchpoints, it’s hard to isolate the variable of the frame as the only factor on how a bike feels.

I prefer riding metal bikes (titanium) because we have enough disposable stuff in this world already. And carbon is ultimately disposable. Eventually, there will come a time when it is either outdated or broken, and you can either dispose of it or hang it on your wall. I look forward to the day when I can give my titanium bike to my daughter for her to ride.

What do the pros ride?

It used to be that XC racers wanted the lightest machine possible, which was often the hardtail model. Now, however, though many of them still care about weight, there are incredibly light full-suspension race bikes, and having suspension is helpful on the manufactured and natural courses that pros tend to race on (at World Cups, for example).

Chris Case, former managing editor of VeloNews magazine, has been riding, racing, and adventuring by bike for nearly 30 years. His cycling pursuits have taken him to destinations across the U.S. and Europe, Taiwan, Costa Rica, Israel, and beyond. He has stood on the podium at several cyclocross national championships, and is a silver medalist at master’s cyclocross worlds. Today he guides adventurous gravel cycling and bikepacking tours through his company, Alter Exploration.

As Deputy Editor, Tara Seplavy leads Bicycling’s product test team; after having previously led product development and sourcing for multiple bike brands, run World Championship winning mountain bike teams, wrenched at renowned bicycle shops in Brooklyn, raced everything from criteriums to downhill, and ridden bikes on six different continents (landing herself in hospital emergency rooms in four countries and counting). Based in Easton, Pennsylvania, Tara spends tons of time on the road and trail testing products. A familiar face at cyclocross races, crits, and bike parks in the Mid Atlantic and New England, on weekends she can often be found racing for the New York City-based CRCA/KruisCX team. When not riding a bike, or talking about them, Tara listens to a lot of ska, punk, and emo music, and consumes too much social media.  

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Which Trek mountain bike is right for you?

• Benjamin Haworth
• October 3, 2017

Get to know your Remedy from your Fuel

We have a look over the 2018 range of Trek mountain bikes to see who suits what in a range featuring the Fuel EX, Remedy, Marlin and Powerfly models.

>>> All our recent Trek mountain bike reviews

Getting to grips with 2018 Trek mountain bikes

If you pop over to Trek’s website and click on ‘mountain bikes’ more than 120 bikes appear in front of you. It’s rather daunting. Choice is good but can be bewildering. So we’ve boiled Trek’s MTB range down to the basics to get you started.

>>> Trek road bikes: which model is right for you?

What type of bike do you want?

We think it’s best to split the whole range into three categories and then go from there: hardtail , full suspension and electric .

What type of riding will you be doing?

Once you’ve chosen one of the three categories you can refine it to the type of riding you want to do: cross-country, trail or downhill.

With those two category types chosen you’ll be left with a much smaller pool of Trek models to consider.

We’re going to assume that you already know the type of mountain bike you want. We’re not going to go into any debates or theorising (hardtail vs full suspension, 27.5 vs 29 , Plus vs Fat etc etc).

Trek hardtails

There are five hardtail models in Trek’s range: Marlin, X-Caliber, Roscoe, Procaliber and Stache.

Trek use their own proprietary frame materials. Their aluminium stuff is called Alpha. Their carbon stuff is called OCLV.

Some of their high end hardtails have the ‘IsoSpeed Decoupler’ configuration where the seat tube is designed to flex for compliance.

The Trek Marlin is an entry level cross-country focussed hardtail ranging from £370 up to £550. Thee are four models in total (the Marlin 4, 5, 6 and 7). The frame is Trek’s ‘Silver Alpha’ aluminium.

The Trek X-Caliber cross-country range starts from £650 and tops out at £1,150. The frame is Trek’s ‘Gold Alpha’ aluminium. The frames have internal routing for stealth dropper seatposts. The components are of a higher quality than the Marlins.

The Trek Roscoe range of Plus-tyred trail hardtails running from £800 to £ 1,250. The frame has internal routing for dropper posts and is made from Trek’s ‘Alpha Gold’ aluminium.

The £1,300 to £6,500(!) Trek Procaliber cross-country race bike range can look a a bit confusing; there are aluminium Procalibers, OCLV carbon Procalibers and Super Light OCLV Procalibers. Although the frame material varies the intent of Procalibers is the same: xc racing. The geometry remains the same. All Procalibers have the ‘IsoSpeed Decoupler’ feature of deliberate flex.

The Trek Stache bikes are rather unique in that they are 29er Plus bikes. They roll on some seriously large rubber! Monster trucking hardtails. Price: £1,300 to £3,500.

Trek full suspension bikes

There are five Trek full susser types: Fuel EX, Remedy, Top Fuel, Slash and Session.

All Trek full sus bikes use a version of the ‘ABP’ suspension design. ABP stands for Active Braking Pivot. The rear wheel axle is also the rear pivot. The idea is to prevent the suspension from locking up during rear braking.

Fuel EX, Remedy and Top Fuel bikes also have RE:aktiv rear shock damping. This damping design claims to ‘know’ which forces are coming from the pedals/rider and which forces are coming from the trail, and it reacts accordingly.

The Trek Fuel EX 130mm travel, full sus, all-rounder, trail bikes come as either 29er or as 27.5 Plus. They can be run with either wheel size but are initially purchased with one or the other. Starting from £1,800 for aluminium versions they top out at £6,500 for the top end carbon version.

>>> Trek Fuel EX Plus 9.8 27.5 (2017) review

The Trek Remedy is the 150mm travel trail-cum-enduro bike. Prices range from £2,300 to £6,000. There are aluminium Remedy models and carbon fibre Remedy models. For 2018 they are all 27.5in wheel.

The Trek Top Fuel bikes are full suspension XC race machines. 100mm of travel at either end. Begins with the aluminium Top Fuel 8 for £2,400 and goes up to the £7,800 carbon Top Fuel 9.9 RSL.

>>> Trek Top Fuel 9 (2017) review

2018 Trek Slash

The 160mm travel enduro racing Trek Slash range is all 29in wheels and carbon only for 2018. It’s a bold move by Trek but one that makes the Slash arguably the most defined model in their range.

>>> Trek Slash 9.9 29 RSL (2017) review

The Trek Session is the downhill bike. Aluminium or carbon. And now available as a frameset as a 29er with 190mm of travel. Complete build Sessions are all 27.5in wheel and deliver 210mm of rear travel.

Trek electric mountain bikes

There are three electric mountain bike types: Powerfly, Powerfly FS and Powerfly LT Plus.

The Trek Powerfly hardtails start at £2,300 and go up to £3,300. Aluminium frames with 100mm travel forks up front. The motors come from Bosch. There is also a £4,200 Powerfly Plus with 2.8in tyres.

On the Trek Powerfly FS bikes the ‘FS’ stands for Full Suspension, 130mm of suspension to be precise. The Powerfly FS bikes are aimed at cross-country riding with a bit of rougher stuff every now and then. All but the entry level £3,500 Powerfly 5 FS come with Plus tyres.

Trek Powerfly Launch in Verbier, Switzerland

The Trek Powerfly LT Plus models have more travel (150mm) and fatter tyres (2.8in Plus tyres). These e-bikes are up for a bit more aggro riding and technical trails. Prices: £4,200 to £5,250.

>> Trek Powerfly 9 LT (2018) first ride

Trek Women’s mountain bikes

Even as stalwarts of the whole Women’s Specific Design thang, Trek (along with most other bike brands) are now seemingly moving away from design theories that assume that women’s body proportions are different to men’s.

Bikes fit humans, not genders. Rider height is the only thing you should really be factoring in when choosing a bike. It really is only saddles that need to be a bit different to men’s.

It’s fine to opt for a supposedly ‘men’s’ Trek model if it fits your height. Get the saddle swapped out for a ladies saddle at time of purchase. Sorted.

Having said that, if you want a Women’s bike because you prefer the different colourway and decals, fair enough.

• Trek Skye – entry level cross-country hardtails
• Trek X-Caliber Women’s –  lighter and fancier cross-country hardtails
• Trek Roscoe Women’s – Plus tyred trail hardtail
• Trek Procaliber Women’s – XC racing hardtail
• Trek Fuel EX Women’s – 130mm travel full suspension all-rounder
• Trek Remedy Women’s – 150mm trail/enduro full susser
• Trek Powerfly Women’s – entry level e-bike hardtail
• Top Fuel Women’s – XC racing 100mm travel full suspension

Race Shop Limited models

You may spot some Trek mountain bikes with ‘Race Shop Limited’ (or ‘RSL’) in their model name. These are essentially super high spec models. Often limited edition. And sometimes with slightly tweaked designs (a bit more travel, slacker geometry etc etc).

Mark Webber’s Top Fuel Project One

Trek’s Project One

This is Trek’s custom paint and decals option. Yep, if you have the funds and are prepared to wait a bit for your bike, then you can get a Trek in pretty much any colour scheme you want.

Be warned: you can waste hours (days!) tinklering away with the online Project One dream bike builder.

It’s only available on a few mountain bike models: Top Fuel, Fuel EX and Procaliber.

• 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

Giant Stance 29 1

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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 8 Review: Will This Work for You?

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If you are in the market for a new mountain bike, my Trek Roscoe 8 review is going to show you the ins and outs of this hardtail bike and what it can handle.

Made by Trek who is one of the biggest bike brands and has been for a number of years, you’ll find out just how good this bike really is and decide if you think it’s the right bike for you.

I’ll go through the main features of the Roscoe 8, who it is suited for, what alternatives are out there, and finally if it is worth the money or not.

Bottom Line Up Front: The Trek Roscoe 8 is a fantastic hardtail bike that can handle a number of environments. For the price it has a wide range of features and combines this will stellar performance from responsive braking, control, a lightweight design and decent speeds too.

Roscoe 8 is a trail hardtail for anyone looking to have some serious fun out in the dirt. Its 27.5+ mid-fat tires, a wide-range 1x12 drivetrain, and 120mm suspension fork make it a blast on every trail, from packed singletrack to the loose stuff. It's a laid-back trail mountain bike dressed in a high-quality spec that's ready to party.

Table of Contents

How does Trek stack up against other companies?

Trek are one of the biggest bike brands in the market and they have been trading for nearly 50 years now – they were created in 1975.

Based in Wisconsin but with a global reach, they have evolved into a massive manufacturer of mountain bikes across the world. They’ve even sponsored many individuals and biking teams over the years too. They have a wide range of bikes ranging from hardtail bikes, gravel bikes, triathlon bikes and have even branched out into the electric bike market.

What kind of bike is the Roscoe 8

The Trek Roscoe 8 is a hardtail bike . This means that it has no rear suspension but instead relies on a front suspension. They are made to handle difficult terrain and generally have a tougher architecture overall than some other bikes.

The lack of a rear suspension means that the overall weight of the bike is reduced which can help with control while the design helps durability. These types of bikes tend to pick up speeds quicker too and given their performance, they often cost less than many other bikes for what you get.

We’ll look at the price of the Trek Roscoe 8 later on but even though it isn’t the cheapest bike you can buy, it is very affordable.

The Main Features of the Roscoe 8

What is the Roscoe 8 made from?

The frame on the Roscoe 8 is made from aluminum – Trek’s Alpha Gold aluminum to be exact – and it is one of the sleekest and best frame designs I’ve seen.

It’s understated but stylish at the same time. The bike also comes in a variety of sizes such as 13.5, 15.5, 17.5, 18.5, 19.5, 21.5, and 23 inches so you should be able to find one to suit your height, riding style, and comfort level.

The aluminum frame will mean that it is a bit heavier than bikes made from carbon. The overall weight of the Roscoe 8 is about 14.5 kg however it means that it is less expensive than carbon bikes. In the old days, aluminum bikes had a reputation for being harsh and even though it might have been warranted then, the tech has come a long way and they perform very well compared to their carbon counterparts.

What are the wheels like?

The bike comes with 27.5 plus size tires which have been designed to help with grip and to cushion those bumps and rough terrain that you’ll likely be using the Roscoe 8 on. They have a feeling of being ‘glued’ to the surface which will undoubtedly raise your confidence of tricky trails.

The standard mountain bike tires that it comes with are the Maxxis’ Rekon 27.5×2.8 tubeless tires. Using tubeless tires means you can run these are a lower pressure which will improve contact with the surface and aid performance. They are also less susceptible to flats when out on the trail which is a big bonus.

What other features does it have?

As I mentioned above, the Trek Roscoe 8 hardtail bike comes in a variety of sizes that range from 13.5, 15.5, 17.5, 18.5, 19.5, 21.5 to 23 inches. The air spring fork means you can adjust the air pressure to match your weight and offer better performance than coil springs.

The Roscoe 8 uses an SRAM NX Eagle, 12-speed drivetrain while there is also a Bontrager Arvada saddle at 133 mm width. The bike has Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes which provide great stopping power and control.

The default color of the Roscoe 8 is matte back with red and a marigold fade however we’ve seen lighter colors such as grey too. Either way, the design of the bike means it looks great regardless of its shade.

How does the Trek Roscoe 8 perform?

Down to the part you really want to know – how does the Roscoe 8 actually perform when out on the trail?

In a couple of words – very well.

The bike can handle tough terrain and trails easily. Its light frame means you have a large degree of control over where you are riding while the brakes make for quick stops and slow descents if you need them.

The suspension makes bumpy roads and trails a breeze to drive on and the drivetrain means you can shift easily to pick up speed. It might not be the ideal for consistent and long road journeys as you’ll hit maximum speed quicker than you think but for mountain hiking and trails, it is more than ideal.

What are the specs of the Roscoe 8?

These are the main specs that you need to know about with the Trek Roscoe 8.

What warranty will I receive if I buy it?

Trek bikes come with a lifetime warranty for the original owner for the frame sets (frame and rigid fork) while there is between a 1 and 4 year warranty on other parts. Trek also provides warranty on other mountain biking gear and accessories if you buy these extra.

What’s the price range of the Trek Roscoe 8?

As far as affordable bikes go, the Roscoe 8 fits firmly in the category of being a bit of a luxury bike with higher performance but also very affordable for most people.

It costs $1789.99 for the bike. It is a bit steeper than some other hardtail mountain bikes that I’ve reviewed in the past, however, it makes up for it with great performance. If you have a bit of cash to splash out on the Roscoe 8 then you’ll be getting a superior bike than many other models that are cheaper and also in the same price range.

You probably won’t need to remortgage the house to buy it but it isn’t necessarily in the category of purchasing on a whim for most people.

Trek Roscoe 8 is suited for people who…

• Want a superior hardtail bike for a decent price
• Enjoy riding on tough terrain
• Also, need a bike for occasional road use
• Prefer aluminum frames over carbon
• Want good control and speeds

Trek Roscoe 8 is not suited for people who…

• Prefer carbon frames to aluminum
• Want a cheaper entry-level bike
• Do a lot of road biking rather than mountain biking

What do users think of Trek Roscoe 8?

Overall the Roscoe 8 has been very well received by those who enjoy mountain biking and riding on rough trails. The brakes provide very good stopping power and are responsive too so you get a great deal of control. While the aluminum frame is a bit heavier than a carbon frame, many people prefer this extra bit of weight.

Its smooth ride and easily shifted gears means it is not only at home on a trail but also on normal road surfaces as well. There are reports that you’ll need to fine-tune the drivetrain to get the most out of it.

You might not get the same speeds in an urban environment as other bikes out there but that isn’t its primary purpose. While it can be a versatile bike its main role is on tough terrain.

The Pros and Cons of the Trek Roscoe 8

• Strong and durable bike for taking off-road
• Great hardtail bike that can handle tough environments
• Responsive brakes and a good level of control and traction
• Offers a comfortable ride across various terrain
• Affordable price for what you get
• Drivetrain needs to be fine-tuned for the best performance
• The aluminum frame might put some people off

FAQs About Roscoe 8

The Roscoe 8 frame is made from aluminum which is slightly heavier than carbon.

The Roscoe 8 can accommodate 27.5″ x 2.8″ or 29″ x 2.4″ tires.

If you want, yes. It doesn’t have the same speeds as come bikes that are made for road riding but it offers a comfortable ride on smooth surfaces.

While there are some differences between a gravel bike and a hardtail bike, the Roscoe 8 can perform well for both purposes and across various terrain.

There is a lifetime warranty for the original owner for the frame sets (frame and rigid fork) while there is between a 1 and 4 year warranty on other parts.

The bike is available in 13.5, 15.5, 17.5, 18.5, 19.5, 21.5 and 23-inch sizes.

What are the best Trek Roscoe 8 alternatives?

#1 trek marlin 6.

The Trek Marlin 6 is a good bit cheaper than the Roscoe 8 so if you’re on a budget then this bike is a good alternative.

The Marlin 6 also has an aluminum frame similar to the Roscoe 8 so while it won’t be as light as a carbon bike, it certainly won’t feel heavy or a drag to get around the trail. The aluminum frame is durable too.

The bike has Bontrager Connection 32-hole double-walled wheels which can fit 27 inches or 29-inch tires giving you a couple of options. The tires on the bike are the Bontrager XR2 which are a reputable mountain bike tire and favored by many riders.

Other Features

With the Marlin 6, you’ll get Tektro M290 disc brakes as well as a 24-speed drivetrain so you’ll be able to find the right balance when out on the trail. Some people have said that the bike can be a bit stiff and unresponsive at times however overall it is a worthy competitor to the Roscoe 8. Not only is it cheaper but it performs well across various terrain as well although without the same level of performance as the Roscoe 8.

The Marlin 6 is a GREAT budget pick to get started. An excellent all-around mountain bike, with room for plenty of cusomizations and upgrades later. Only if you need it.

Bonus: If you want to find more about Marlin bikes, check all about the Marlin 4 , Marlin 5 , and Marlin 7.

#2 Diamondback Overdrive

Another alternative that you can consider if you want to save a bit of money is the Diamondback Overdrive.

Another aluminum-framed bike, the Overdrive has a 29″ Butted 6061-T6 Aluminum frame. The design alone is really nice and it is a stylish bike. OK, it isn’t a carbon model but if you are after an aluminum frame to cut down on the cost it is a good bike.

The Diamondback Overdrive comes with 26” MTB style tires that will give you decent control on a number of different terrain from off-road trails to urban riding. They don’t perform as well as the Roscoe 8 but again you’re sacrificing some performance and quality for the cost.

Other features

You’ll get a Diamondback Seatpost and trail saddle which is fairly comfortable while the 21-speed gears gives you several options for speed. Overall this is a good bike and for the price, it is one of the best in the market. If you can afford to spend a bit extra you should but for a tight budget, this is a good hardtail bike.

The classic returns this year with 27.5” wheels, 24 speeds, a plush four-inch Suntour suspension fork, and powerful disc brakes. Big knobby tires grip every root and rock, keeping you confident and in control as you explore the trail. Whether you're a diehard hardtail aficionado or looking for a solid starter mountain bike, the Overdrive doesn't disappoint.

Conclusion – is the Trek Roscoe 8 worth buying?

The Trek Roscoe 8 is a fantastic bike to ride whether you are tackling some hard terrain on a mountain trail or heading off on an afternoon ride on flat roads.

It isn’t as versatile as some other mountain bikes that are on the market however if you want a truly versatile bike that can handle anything you throw at it then you’d be better off looking at the Ibis Hakka but you’re going to pay more money.

The Roscoe 8 performs really well when out on the trail. I like its control and traction and it offers responsive brakes that work great across a number of surfaces. You’ll get comfort from bumps and shocks while the frame is durable too.

Some parts do need a bit of fine-tuning such as the drivetrain and you’ll top out in speed on normal surfaces a bit quicker than many people would want but it does perform admirably in most situations. It isn’t the cheapest bike out there in its category but what you pay that bit extra for is performance and the Roscoe 8 brings that and more.

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First Look: 2022 Trek Roscoe Hardtail

Cool Features

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.

(descending)

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

TESTED: Trek Roscoe 9

The latest edition of the roscoe, a model dating back to 2019, has developed in conjunction with the rest of their off-road range, providing slack modern geometry, more clearance for wider tyres, and updated components..

Photographer: Georgina von Marburg

Tester : Georgina von Marburg

Riding Experience: Ridden and raced nearly all forms of two wheels across my young ‘career.’

Generally Rides: Trek Slash 9.9

Height: 172cm

Weight: 72kg

Bike Test Track: All the popular and not-so-popular trails at Mystic Mountain Bike Park. 

Trek have progressed their mountain bike range in leaps and bounds over the past few years, including the introduction of a super light eMTB and the down-country Top Fuel . Producing incredibly capable dual suspension bikes with increasingly light frames, you’d expect their hardtail range to be placed on hold if not entirely phased out. However, the US brand still values the role of the hardtail in its range as exemplified by the new Roscoe 9. The latest edition of the Roscoe, a model dating back to 2019, has developed in conjunction with the rest of their off-road range, providing slack modern geometry, more clearance for wider tyres, and updated components. If you’re still in the mind set that hardtails lack personality and panache, the Roscoe is here to write a fun new chapter. 

The Roscoe 9 is the most premium model in the range selling for $3699.99, and the highest specced of Trek’s alloy hardtail offerings. The Roscoe 7 shares the same frame for $2399.99, and the Roscoe 8 sits between the two at $3199.99. Each price junmp gets better components, and the more you'll ask of the Roscoe, the more it's worth getting a better model. I tested a size M/L which, being 172cm tall, is the size I usually ride in the Trek range. The Roscoe’s relaxed 65 degree headtube give it the “trail hardtail” title, while it’s 73 degree seat tube and short 430mm chainstays promise to keep the handling tought and agile. Years ago I owned a Trek Procaliber, but have since predominantly ridden dual suspension bikes; I was eager to board the Roscoe and see if it could cross that bridge between a cross-country workhorse and an everyday trail pony.  

Initial Impressions

Out of the box, the most noticeable asset of the Roscoe 9 is its brilliant paint job. You typically won’t find unique paint jobs on sub~$6k mountain bikes, but Trek have made an effort to reflect the Roscoe’s playful nature. The black paint splatter against the fading sand and olive background already made this hardtail stand out from the rest. 

The Roscoe 9 comes with a Fox Rhythm 36 fork with 140mm travel – an impressively capable fork on this humble hardtail. I put my usual air pressure in, minus a couple PSI as hardtails require you to naturally ride a little lighter, and a little less aggressive. These forks can be fully locked out via the GRIP damper, and the only dial to adjust will be your rebound. 

The drivetrain is a mix of Shimano SLX, XT, and Deore 12 speed. The non-series Shimano brake calipers were the only disappointing component, as I felt they should have reflected the rest of the group set with some highly regarded SLX calipers; of course, all of this would add cost and is a very upgradable feature for the dedicated hardtail owners. 

The Roscoe comes with a whopping 203mm front rotor and 180mm rear rotor. Combine the top braking power with a 150mm dropper post, these specs are begging to be ridden downhill. The Bontrager XR4 2.6” tyres are provided to give the rider even more confidence and give the Roscoe its famously burly aesthetic. It should be noted that these tyres do not make the Roscoe a ‘fat bike.’ They are only 0.1” wider than a typical 2.5” enduro tyre, providing slightly more traction and confidence to help compensate for the lack of a rear shock. 

After setting up the tubeless tires and shaving down the 780mm handlebars, the Roscoe was ready to shred! With my Shimano Saint M821 pedals attached, the bike came in at a smidge over 14kg.  

On The Trail

I’m used to riding a Trek Slash, and the Roscoe has some surprising similarities. The head angle and trail are nearly identical, as is the chainstay length; so while the wheelbase is 5cm shorter than its dual-suspension cousin, I immediately felt right at home on the Roscoe. Heading onto the trails and up the main climb at Mystic, I instantly appreciated the efficiency and responsiveness of the rigid rear. There’s no doubt that hardtails in general encourage you to climb more and explore further. And with its 30T front chainring, the Roscoe will happily be your shuttle buddy up the steepest of climbs. 

But the climbing is merely a means to an end for the Roscoe, as this thing is really built to go downhill. With the long dropper in action, the seat post nearly disappears completely. I gingerly tipped the Roscoe down one of my favourite black trails and anticipated a bumpy ride. But the Roscoe held its own brilliantly. It plowed through the rooty mess with its oversized tyres, allowing me to hook in and out of corners with ease. The steep sections were hardly an issue for the Roscoe thanks to its relaxed geometry and a fork which at times felt like a lot more than 140mm. Of course, I didn’t take some of my usual lines and gaps because the landing on a hardtail is much less forgiving. But I was nonetheless surprised at how comfortable the ride was. My hands were more tired than usual by the end of each run, but that’s to be expected; I was particularly grateful for the 203mm/180mm rotors for this reason.

But the real beauty of this kind of mutant hardtail is its versatility across disciplines. After devouring the fire roads and tackling technical descents, the pump track and dirt jumps were calling. This is a post-ride ritual that many riders will find themselves lured into with the growth of pump tracks and dirt jumps across various locations. However, if you’re riding a heavy dual-suspension bike, this section of the bike park can be a chore – few pump track challenges have been won while lugging a rear shock around! But the Roscoe was in its element here, allowing me to get more out of my ride than I usually would. It’s hard to believe that a trail hardtail such as this is actually more liberating than it is limiting. Regardless of the terrain, the Roscoe was ready to have fun deep into the afternoon.  

While thoroughly enjoying my time on the Roscoe, the question was constantly lingering as to who this bike is for. Of course, it’s fun, versatile, and cheaper than a dual-suspension bike – but is that enough to warrant ownership? It’s not a bike that will excel in racing either XC or enduro, so that cancels out anyone wanting to compete. And it’s also not a bike that you can just take anywhere, so that cancels out Maydena holidaymakers. But as a hardtail, it does have a place in the advanced rider’s stable; nothing checks your skills like a hardtail, or offers a reprieve from hauling big bikes up climbs. And as a very capable hardtail, it also has a place in the beginner’s stable. For someone just getting into the sport, I couldn’t recommend the Roscoe enough; its modern geometry and impressive specs will inspire confidence while encouraging growth and advancements in skill. Yes, it’s a more premium price point than your typical ‘first mountain bike,’ but it will be giving back to its owner for years to come. 

Want more agro hardtails? Check out the Norco Torrent here ! 

SPECIFICATIONS

Brand: Trek

Model: Roscoe 9

RRP: $3699.99 

Weight: 14.1 kg (as tested)

From: trekbikes.com.au

Available Sizes:  XS, S, M, M/L, L, XL

Frame: Material Alloy

Fork: Fox Rhythm 36, 140mm, 44mm offset

Shifter: Shimano SLX M7100 12sp

Derailleur: Shimano XT M8100 12sp

Crank: E*Thirteen Helix, 30T 170mm

Bottom bracket:  Shimano SM-BB32, threaded  

Chain: Shimano Deore M6100 12sp

Cassette: Shimano SLX M7100, 10-51T, 12sp

Hubs: Bontrager Boost alloy hubs, 6 bolt

Spokes Steel, J bend 

Rims: Bontrager Line Comp TLR, 28 hole

Tyres: Bontrager XR4 Team Issue, 29 x 2.6”

Brakes: Shimano M6120 hydraulic 4-piston, 203/180mm rotors

Stem: Bontrager Elite, 35mm

Handlebars: Bontrager Line, 27.5mm rise, 780mm wide

Seatpost: TransX JD-YSP18, 150mm travel (size M/L), 31.6mm

Saddle: Bontrager Arvada, 138mm wide

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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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Sam Millers

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Trek Roscoe?

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So I went and test ride some bikes, and I really like the Roscoe 8 better than the SLX Timberjack I rode, but it may have just been the better parts package as the Salsa felt kinda cheap in comparison. The Trek feels like it’s great at corners which is why I really want a modern bike, and I’m thinking that I’d like the Roscoe 9 as there are hardly any parts I’d want to replace, (RS 35 and HG driver for two) am I crazy thinking a $2800 hardtail is a legit choice? I’m on the ledge!  

I don't think the Roscoe 9 would be a bad choice, if you like the geo and feel better. My partner and I both own Timberjacks, and I would consider them more XC/bikepacking bikes, vs the "all-mountain hardtail" that is the Roscoe. The thing that bugs me about the Roscoe 9 is that it's an even less honest "XT" build than the Timberjack XT Z2. I think the principle to keep in mind is that, as long as you can reasonably afford it, it's better to buy something with parts that you aren't immediately going to want to replace. Also, as far as the cost is concerned - full suspension bikes below $3500 are hardly worth looking at from a spec standpoint these days, but spending that kind of money on a hardtail will get you a really good bike.  

Thanks for the opinion — I’ve pretty much concluded the same thing as this bike is the only one I’ve considered so far that needs no immediate upgrades. The 8 is ok but I feel I would want a new fork right away. Also the 9 has Microspline and the 8 is HG… hopefully the Bontrager 28 spoke wheels are strong. The Salsa felt eager to go but it did seem like a pretty stiff rear end, I wish I could have tried the XT build one. It does seem more XC/bike packing oriented than the Trek, which felt like it will be excellent for hooning around the pump track, BMX jumps and skatepark which is what I love most.  

The Roscoe 9 is a great choice, and they are finally available online to purchase any day of the week. The Hardtail party guy on YT, gives them a great review. All components are great, no upgrades needed for a long time. Great geo for all around riding and the paint scheme looks really cool, and no way overly priced. I tried to buy one in 2020, but none were to be found.  

93M500 said: The Roscoe 9 is a great choice, and they are finally available online to purchase any day of the week. The Hardtail party guy on YT, gives them a great review. All components are great, no upgrades needed for a long time. Great geo for all around riding and the paint scheme looks really cool, and no way overly priced. I tried to buy one in 2020, but none were to be found. Click to expand...

There's a Roscoe 9 L on pinkbike for $1999. Probably negotiable because of bike sales slowdown. I'd negotiate for a new one with a manager only. Cash at 2500+ tax out the door with cash. Good luck.  

Saw that, I’m a Medium 🙃 The 9 would be special order only but I’ll try and see if they will negotiate — cash deal may sway them?  

Buy once cry once. You can’t go wrong with the Roscoe 8 or 9 but if you love the package on the 9 spend the extra $400 up front and just ride. I made a similar decision when I was trying to decide between the Top Fuel 8 or 9.7. The 9.7 had everything I wanted on it with no upgrades needed. Although $500 out of my budget, I got the 9.7 and don’t think about that extra $500 any more. The Fox Rythm is just a great performing fork that has been very reliable for me. I’ve had 2 and they’re easy to live with. Microspline is a bit better than HG as far as gouging, but it does limit you to Shimano cassettes only, if that’s a concern for you.  

Do not buy the 2023 Trek Roscoe 7 Have some more fun with it... the thread if not the bike. =sParty  

oh boy I had completely forgotten this one 🤦🏼‍♂️  

I wonder if by any chance Trek bikes will be going on sale soon? With my luck probably a week after I buy 🥴  

Buy what floated your boat on the test ride! New Thread? Is the Test Ride Coming Back?!?!  

Yeah, best to try as many as you can and get the frame that feels best to you. Later on if you feel the need you can always upgrade parts. I’ve never ridden a Norco either, they do look like fun bikes!  

jond63 "I wonder if by any chance Trek bikes will be going on sale soon?" They are always available at a lower price. Only a manager can negotiate on price. Sales guys are trained to say no. I see lots of stock and expected low sales ahead. Figure the price you want to pay out the door with tax. Say you're a cash buyer now at that price. You're shopping and looking to get a deal done. You'd also want 20 off any parts the shop orders for you going forward. You'll give 60% no refund down if the shop doesn't have stock. The bike can be added to a regular order for no special shipping. 20% off plus tax on a 9 You'd be a buyer at 2240 + tax. Use the full amount. You may have to phone 5 or so store managers to find the one who'll work with you to get a deal done. The RL 35 fork on the 8 is a Recon with a junk Motion Control damper you can't upgrade. Add a new fork to the price. The 9 can use a XT shifter for multiple up and down gear shifts the SLX doesn't have. And a XT chain.  

What do you think is a realistic expectation for a percentage off MSRP?  

With cash, which saves the shop 3%, 20% off right now seems like a shot I'd take.  

Big Finn Hill!  

Sweet ride. Air those tires down to just above rim hit level. That's why you have wide rims. Start at 15f 18r. A gauge and small frame pump in your pack.  

Thanks! I had high expectations and they all were exceeded! I hadn’t been on these trails for awhile and there are some tight and twisty root and rock infested ups and downs and this bike made it almost seem easy! It just rolls… and turns, and jumps, and climbs — great bike!  

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Trek Marlin vs Trek Roscoe, which Trek hardtail is right for you?

Comparing Trek's two latest hardtail mountain bikes

Katherine Moore

Choosing which bike to buy, whether it’s your very first mountain bike, an exciting upgrade or you’re looking to try something different, is always a task worth taking your time over.

While on the face of it, some bikes may seem similar, when you dig down into the bike’s geometry, frame design, suspension setup and specs, there are often key differences that go hand-in-hand with their intended use.

Take two of Trek’s most popular hardtail mountain bikes : the best-selling Marlin and the more aggressive Roscoe. On the face of it, they look very similar, but understanding the differences will help you work out which is best suited to you.

What type of riding are you doing?

Forget drool-worthy paintjobs, detailed geometry figures and component choices to start with – the most important thing to consider when choosing the best mountain bike for your needs is to align the type of bike with the style of riding that you’re likely to be doing.

Mountain biking is a broad church, after all, covering everything from multi-day cross-country stage races to four-minute downhill runs, and everything in between.

Bikes intended for these different mountain biking disciplines are designed accordingly; cross-country bikes are best for pedalling and downhill bikes are best for descending. Those in between, including downcountry bikes , trail bikes and enduro bikes , are typically built to balance pedalling efficiency and trail capability on a sliding scale between them.

The Trek Marlin is a beginner-focused hardtail that sits at the cross-country end of the mountain biking spectrum, with a 100mm short-travel suspension fork.

However, the third-generation Marlin has been updated with a number of features that make it both more trail-friendly and upgradeable.

Cleverly, the Marlin also boasts some additional mounts that make it a versatile choice beyond mountain biking, with the capability to fit a kickstand, pannier rack and bags. This enables it to double up as a rugged tourer or urban commuter for cycling to work .

With a greater level of suspension on offer (140mm on most models), more trail-focused geometry, mountain-bike specific frame features and larger tyres, the Trek Roscoe, on the other hand, is a dedicated trail hardtail built for more rugged terrain.

Both the Marlin and Roscoe are alloy hardtails, which helps to keep the prices towards the budget end of the spectrum. Expect to pay more for a lighter carbon fibre frame if you cast your eye at the Procaliber family, designed with fast-paced cross-country racing in mind.

We’ll take a look at the specific features of the Marlin and Roscoe in turn. Key to weighing up which of these hardtails is best for you is deciding what you want to do with it, whether you’re looking to push yourself on challenging trails or are looking for something that’ll help you get about town just as easily as it takes on a local off-road loop.

Because the frame design is so key to how bikes feel to ride, geometry is a good place to start when comparing bikes. You can read BikeRadar’s full guide to mountain bike geometry for more; we’ll focus on the key numbers when comparing the Trek Marlin and Trek Roscoe here.

In terms of head tube angles, while the Marlin’s geometry, updated on the newest third-generation models, has recently been slackened to 66.5 degrees, the Roscoe hardtail is designed around an even slacker 65-degree angle.

Essentially, the slacker the head tube angle, the further forward the front wheel is placed in front of you, and the more capable the bike becomes over rougher terrain.

In combination with the greater level of suspension travel, the slacker head tube angle of the Roscoe means you have to shift your weight further forwards on the bike to weight the front wheel. This results in a more aggressive riding position compared to the more upright position of the Marlin.

Seat tube angles are similar across the Marlin and Roscoe, at 73.4 and 73.1 degrees respectively, steepened to enhance pedalling efficiency for flatter gradients, pedal ups and linking sections of trail.

Both the Roscoe and Marlin offer a wide range of frame sizes, including Trek’s extra size option sitting between medium and large. However, it’s the Marlin that can accommodate the widest range of riders, catering for teens as well as adults with the XXS option.

Another point of difference between these two hardtails is the handlebar width, with the Marlin using 690/720/750mm bars (dependent on frame size), while the Roscoe is fitted with wider 750/780mm handlebars, again for added control on steeper and trickier off-road descents.

With a cross-country-oriented design for efficient pedalling, the Marlin uses a short-travel 100mm fork.

For a more trail-ready ride, the new third-generation Marlin can accept a 120mm-travel fork on all frame sizes from XS up, if you fancy upgrading your ride as you gain confidence and start to tackle larger trail features.

With a hefty 140mm suspension on offer, the Roscoe is positioned firmly in the aggressive hardtail category, best suited for trail riding.

The budget Roscoe 6 is the only exception, retaining a shorter-travel 120mm fork.

Frame features

With a more moderate level of suspension, the Marlin can double up for urban duties as well as hitting the dirt, so Trek has added a number of frame features with the commuter in mind.

You’ll find a mount for a kickstand as well as pannier rack mounts, so you can kit out your Marlin to carry luggage, whether that’s using it as a commuter bike around town or on a longer bike touring adventure.

The updated, third-generation Marlin frame also boasts internal cable routing for a dropper post, should you wish to add one later down the line. A rubberised chainstay guard comes pre-fitted to all Marlin models, to protect the frame from chain slap and minimise any noise.

As a more dedicated dirt shredder, the Roscoe doesn’t include the same rack and kickstand mounts, streamlining the frame.

Instead, you’ll find an in-built down tube guard in addition to the chainstay protector, designed to take the impact of stones and other trail debris.

You’ll also find ISCG mounts around the bottom bracket on the Roscoe, allowing you to fit a chain guide or bash guard.

Wheels and tyres

While most of the Marlin and Roscoe models on offer use modern 29er wheels , they do vary by frame size to offer the best fit for shorter riders.

For the Marlin, size XXS uses 26in wheels, sizes XS and S both use 27.5in wheels (also known as 650b ), while the larger sizes use 29er wheels.

There are slightly fewer sizes on offer with the Roscoe, starting with XS, which uses 27.5in wheels. With the exception of the Roscoe 6, which is built with 27.5in wheels across all sizes, the rest of the Roscoe models and sizes use 29in wheels.

While we’re talking rolling stock, one of the main differences between the Marlin and Roscoe is the tyre clearance, hence the width of tyres they are fitted with.

The new Marlin can accommodate up to 2.4in-wide mountain bike tyres with 29in wheels, whereas the Roscoe is fitted with plus-size 2.6in rubber, also with 29in wheels, for added traction. This wider rubber is fairly typical of trail hardtails, yielding extra grip in lieu of rear suspension .

To drop or not to drop

A dropper post is a key component when it comes to tackling trail features and steeper off-road terrain. You’ll find a dropper post included on some, but not all Trek hardtail mountain bikes.

A standard seatpost saves on both cost and weight, so with the exception of the top-tier Marlin 8, the Marlin family isn’t specced with a dropper. The good news is that internal cable routing means you can easily add one later though – a popular option when it comes to upgrading a mountain bike .

All Roscoe models are equipped with a dropper post from the get-go, correlating to their design for rowdier off-road pursuits.

With five models on offer, starting from a budget-friendly £475 / €599 for the Marlin 4 up to £1,230 / €1,349 for the Marlin 8, the Trek Marlin makes for an accessible entry to mountain biking. Third-generation Marlin models start from £760 / €849 with the Marlin 6.

The Roscoe starts at £1,160 / €1,299 / $1,199.99 for the Roscoe 6, though bikes from the Roscoe 7 (£1,620 / €1,799 / $1,899) onwards feature the latest frame, with the range topping out at £2,550 / €2,799 / $2,799.99 for the Roscoe 9.

You can expect to find an improvement in component choice and performance as you increase the amount you spend. For example, the base-level Marlin 4 is kitted out with Tektro M280 mechanical disc brakes, whereas the top-spec Marlin 8 uses more powerful Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes.

It’s worth noting that Trek’s recent overhaul to the Marlin frame only applies to models 6, 7 and 8, whereas models 4 and 5 retain the previous frame design to help keep these entry-level options priced competitively.

Another good example of how the components differ between models is the wheel and tyre setup. The entry-level Roscoe 6 uses tubeless-ready rims but not tubeless-compatible tyres, the Roscoe 7 features both tubeless-compatible rims and tyres, though set up with tubes, and the top two Roscoe 8 and 9 models are set up tubeless from the get-go.

The quality and configuration of drivetrains change significantly as you move up through the models. All of the third-generation Marlin hardtails, and all Roscoe models, use modern 1x drivetrains , while the second-generation Marlin 4 and 5 use a triple chainring and double chainring respectively.

Trek Marlin vs Trek Roscoe, so which should you choose?

Despite initial appearances as fairly similar alloy hardtails, the Trek Marlin and Trek Roscoe are actually very different machines.

Choosing between them largely comes down to what sort of riding you’re planning, and whether you’d like to prioritise versatility or are seeking all-out trail capability.

Want something that’ll make for a great first mountain bike for teens and adults alike, with the added versatility to take you across town to work and back, as well as to the trailhead? The do-it-all Marlin is the smarter choice.

Looking for a ride that’ll level up to meet you as you progress over larger, steeper and techier trail features? Kitted out with a dropper post, progressive frame geometry, wide, grippy tyres and a beefy 140mm fork, the Roscoe is Trek’s dedicated trail option. There’s a reason it’s dubbed the ‘hardcore hardtail’.

Once you’ve worked out which sounds most like you, then you have a choice of four or five models, each with their own component options. Spending more as you work up through the models will give improved performance, as well as a lighter build, which will only help to widen your grin once you swing a leg over.

Can’t afford the top model from the outset? The good news is that both the Marlin and Roscoe have been designed to be upgrade-ready when the time comes.

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"I'm stoked"

"I think it's the best looking bike in it's price range, the fit works great for me, and the drivetrain is excellent."

"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."

"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."

"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. "

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