trek 6 roscoe

Trek Roscoe 6 review

• Alan Muldoon
• August 8, 2022

With chunky tyres and a dropper seatpost, the Trek Roscoe certainly inspires confidence and boosts control

Trek Roscoe 6 Credit: Roo Fowler

Product Overview

Overall rating:, trek roscoe 6.

• Plus size tyres
• Rattly Suntour fork

Manufacturer:

Price as reviewed:.

Launched back in 2019, the Trek Roscoe 6 is definitely showing signs of ageing. Yes, it’s had a fresh lick of paint and some specification updates since then, the biggest change being the addition of a dropper seat post. Other than that though, it’s essentially the same bike that now costs £1k rather than £675. But is it good enough to be added to our best hardtail mountain bikes guide ?

Trek Roscoe 6 need to know:

• Massive 2.8in Kenada tyres on smaller 27.5in rims boost confidence and control
• The Trek Roscoe 6 gets a 130mm dropper post as standard
• Shimano Deore 10sp drivetrain and 11-46t cassette
• The wider 141mm Boost quick release dropouts provide extra tyre clearance

But it’s not the jump in price or the front derailleur mount that instantly date the Roscoe 6. It’s the 27.5in wheels shod with voluminous 2.8in tyres. Every other bike in this category has made the switch to 29in wheels with narrower tyres, so has Trek simply backed the wrong horse?

Before we answer that question, let’s take a closer look at the frame. Manufactured from Trek’s Alpha Gold aluminium the Roscoe comes in six unique sizes, XS though to XXL.

Dig into the number though and again the Roscoe looks dated with an elevated BB height and relatively steep head angle. It’s a good thing then that the generous reach and short chainstays have stood the test of time.

Yes, the seat angle is a little too laid back to provide an optimum position for seated climbing, but it does open up the top tube measurement so the bike feels roomy in every other situation.

Fatter tyres need fatter forks to provide the necessary clearance, so the Roscoe 6 comes with a SR Suntour XCM 32. It’s coil sprung and listed as having 120mm travel, but grease marks on the chrome steel upper tubes indicated that we never managed to get more than 100mm travel out of it.

No bad thing, as the firm spring rate helped prop up the front end and maintain better overall geometry for shredding. The Suntour fork also has no rebound damping adjustment, so limiting its movement with a firmer spring is a crude, but effective way to maintain control. On the plus side, we welcomed the additional stiffness and security of the 15mm bolt-thru axle.

Like Specialized, Trek has its contact points dialled. The Bontrager Arvada saddle is firm but comfy and we can’t emphasise enough how good it is not having to stop and fiddle with a dodgy quick release seat collar every five minutes.

Yes, the action of the 130mm TranzX post feels a little crude, and it also adds at least half a kilo to the overall weight of the bike, but it’s worth it.

The balloon-like 2.8in Kenda Havok tyres, and especially the fatter inner tubes, increase the overall weight too, so combined with the wider 35mm rims the Roscoe 6 weights in a portly 15.57kg, making it the heaviest bike in test by quite some margin.

Performance

With its off trend wheel size and heavy overall build, you could be forgiven for thinking that the Roscoe 6 couldn’t hang with the cool kids. And while it’s never going to be Semenuk’s first choice in the Trek range, this bike can clearly hold its own.

With a much larger footprint, the semi-slick 2.8in Kenda Havok tyres provide tons of traction, up or down. And when you factor in the additional comfort of the bigger tyres, especially on the rear, we think bike manufacturers were too quick to turn their backs on the Plus size standard, especially for entry-level hardtails.

Granted there’s no escaping the overall weight of the bike on the climbs, but on flowing single track the reduced rolling resistance of the wider tyres more than makes up for it, by providing a faster, smoother ride with increased control, especially on more rowdy descents.

So the bigger tyres give us the confidence to ride around any shortcomings in the frame design, but there was simply no escaping the cacophony coming from the front end of the bike.

We’re not sure if it was loose bushings in the Suntour fork or the spring rattling inside the fork legs, probably a combination of both, but when combined with the cables rattling inside the downtube, there was no need for a bell as everyone could hear you coming from miles away.

• Best hardtail mountain bike: classic trail shredding machines
• What does the mountain bike of the future look like?
• Best mountain bike tyres: all-rounders and terrain-specific rubbers

Dated it may be, but we had a total blast shredding the Trek Roscoe 6. The Plus size tyres give you the confidence to charge hard on the descents, and also manage to find traction where others falter on the climbs. Best of all, with the 130mm dropper post fitted as standard, the optimum saddle height is never more than a thumb press of a lever away. The Roscoe 6 is not without shortcomings though. It’s heavy, and the SR Suntour fork sounds like a sack of spanners from new, so we don’t hold much hope for its reliability long term. Maybe it’s time for the Roscoe to go mullet?

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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

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Trek Roscoe 6, 7, 8, and 9 Compared: Which One to Choose?

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I’ll help you navigate the Trek Roscoe mountain bike family in this article by comparing the Roscoe 6, 7, 8, and 9. You’ll learn about the differences between each model, who they are best suited for, and more. 

Plus, I’ll tell you which model gives you the best value for your money to help make your decision easier.

KEY TAKEAWAY

Trek Roscoe mountain bikes are ideal for trail riding thanks to their geometry and a long fork travel. They also have dropper posts and 1X drivetrains. On the other hand, they are relatively heavy despite not having a rear suspension.

Trek Roscoe 6 vs. 7 vs. 8 vs. 9

The following table summarizes the main differences between all Roscoes that belong among the Trek hardtail mountain bikes .

Roscoe Pros & Cons Summary

I summarized the pros & cons of the Roscoe series below.

Roscoe Pros

• Trail geometry with long fork travel
• Dropper post
• Modern 1X drivetrain
• Tapered head tube
• Availability in multiple sizes and colors
• Compatible with racks, kickstands, etc.
• Partially internal cable routing
• Lifetime warranty

Roscoe Cons

• Relatively heavy
• No full-suspension
• Only aluminum frame

Roscoe Main Features

Let me now explain the most important features of the Trek Roscoe bikes.

Frame and Geometry

All Roscoe bikes have the same aluminum hardtail trail frame , available in XS-XL sizes and many colors that vary between models.

Unlike Trek Marlin bikes , all sizes have the same shape and no curved top tube.

The frame has trail geometry, which means a slack head angle and a longer wheelbase for added stability in technical terrain. It can also fit 140-150mm forks, 29-inch wheels, and up to 2.6″ tires.

However, this geometry makes it less suitable for pedaling uphill than Marlin bikes. But don’t worry. It still climbs well.

It’s worth noting that when I was writing this article, the Roscoe 6 had a different frame than the other models. The frame had wider tire clearance and a slightly different shape.

Roscoe mountain bikes have longer suspension travel ranging from 100mm to 140mm, making riding on technical trails easier.

The Roscoe 6 has a suspension travel of only 120mm, and the XS size has only 100mm travel. The other models have suspension travel of 140mm *. For comparison, Trek X-Calibers and Procalibers have 100mm travel.

*The difference is the type of fork they use, ranging from RockShox to FOX forks.

All Roscoe bikes come with a suspension lockout feature. You can lock the suspension when riding smooth surfaces to reduce energy loss when pedaling.

Wheels and Tires

The wheel size is the same on all Roscoe bikes except for the Roscoe 6, which uses 27.5-inch wheels. The other models use 29-inch wheels , which offer extra stability compared to 27.5-inch wheels.

All Roscoe models except for the Roscoe 6 have the same rims, which are the Bontrager Line Comp 30 rims. These rims are tubeless-ready.

The Roscoe 7-9 models come with Bontrager XR4 Team Issue tubeless tires. These tires have a width of 2.6 inches, which provides enough grip and comfort on rough or loose surfaces.

The groupset is one of the main areas where the different Roscoe models vary, and it’s likely the deciding factor for many people.

The primary difference between them is the number of gears . Fortunately, all Roscoe bikes have a modern 1X drivetrain .

1X drivetrains are popular because they are easy to maintain and shift and lighter than 2X or 3X groupsets. However, they have fewer gears, so you may not always find the ideal one for your preferred cadence.

The Roscoe 6 has only 10 gears, while the higher-end models have 12. The groupsets range from Shimano Deore through SRAM NX Eagle to Shimano XT.

It’s up to you and your preferences to decide which one you choose. As a beginner, you probably won’t notice much difference in shifting speed and reliability.

Another difference between the Roscoe models is their brakes. The Roscoe 6 and 7 use Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes , while the other models use MT520 and MT6120, respectively.

The MT200 brakes are only 2-piston, while the MT420 and MT6120 are 4-piston, providing better stopping power.

If you like to push your bike to the limits or are a heavier rider, you will appreciate the additional stopping power provided by the 4-piston brakes. This is achieved by larger brake pads and braking area.

All Roscoe bikes come with a dropper post , which is especially useful on trails and descents where the saddle can obstruct you. With the dropper post, you can easily lower it (and subsequently raise it for more comfortable pedaling).

Roscoe bikes also have partially internally routed cables to improve their appearance and internal cable guides to prevent rattling inside the frame.

The frame also has a double-sided chainstay guard and a downtube guard for protection on rough terrain.

Roscoe frames also have mounts for kickstands and racks , making it easy to install these accessories.

You can also use a Blendr stem , which is a mechanism that allows you to easily attach Bontrager’s accessories like lights, speedometers, or bike computers.

Lastly, Roscoe bikes come with lock-on grips that are easier to install and replace than slip-on grips.

So, which bike from the Roscoe family is the best?

In my opinion, the Roscoe 8 provides the best value for the money. It features 4-piston disc brakes and an SRAM NX Eagle groupset, two significant upgrades compared to the Roscoe 7.

The price difference between the Roscoe 8 and 9 might be difficult to justify for less experienced riders, even though it comes with a better groupset and fork.

On the other hand, I recommend avoiding the Roscoe 6, as it has an older frame, 27.5-inch wheels, and shorter fork travel.

Trek Roscoe FAQ

Trek Roscoe mountain bikes are a great option for riders who want to tackle technical trails on a budget. Roscoe bikes are reasonably priced and feature geometry designed for better stability on technical terrain. They come in various sizes and colors to ensure you find the best fit. It’s also worth noting that Roscoe bikes come with a dropper post, a valuable feature on technical trails. However, Roscoe frames are made of aluminum only, making them heavier than other options. Additionally, the components on Roscoe bikes don’t reach high-end status. As a result, performance-oriented mountain bikers may want to consider other series.

Roscoe bikes (7 to 9) differ mainly in components like the groupset, fork, brakes, weight, and price. The Roscoe 6 has a slightly different frame and different components. I recommend reading this entire article for more information and a helpful comparison table.

Roscoe mountain bikes are an excellent choice for riders who want an affordable hardtail trail bike. They are versatile and feature modern trends like a 1X drivetrain and dropper post. Plus, they have mounting options that make adding accessories like racks and kickstands easy. The high-volume tires and long front suspension travel make for a comfortable ride by absorbing large bumps.

Roscoe mountain bikes are relatively heavy, considering their price range. They also don’t come with the highest-end components or a carbon frame. The suspension fork could also be better.

About The Author

Petr Minarik

2 thoughts on “trek roscoe 6, 7, 8, and 9 compared: which one to choose”.

Don’t forget ad about very week frame cracks around the welding place most common on seat tube:/ I replace already three frames:((

What? That’s crazy. Can you send me the pictures of those failures? – Petr

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Trek Roscoe 6 - 2024

Roscoe 6 is the ideal gateway to mountain biking for new riders looking to have a fun time on the trail. It boosts confidence with a 140mm travel air-spring fork that soaks up bumps and roots, an easy-to-use 1x Shimano CUES drivetrain, and playful frame geometry that makes it easier to control your bike on technical trails and winding singletrack. It's right for you if... You know there are good times to be had on the trail, and you want to be part of them! You're looking for an easy entry to the sport of mountain biking on a bike that will keep you excited and motivated to get out there day after day. The tech you get A strong aluminum frame, fast-rolling 29er wheels with wide, grippy 2.6" tires, and an SR Suntour fork with 140mm of travel. It has a trail-tough Shimano CUES drivetrain with 9 speeds and a wide range of gears for climbing, hydraulic disc brakes, and a dropper post for extra room on rough trails. The final word Roscoe 6 is your new best friend on the trail. It's patient, playful, and confidence-inspiring. It's all about getting out there, having fun, and enjoying the great sport of trail riding! Why you'll love it - It's more fun to be a better rider: Roscoe is so stable and forgiving, it's like an instant ability upgrade - 29er wheels and wide 2.6" tires make for a grippy, confident, and fast-rolling ride - The dropper post lets you lower your saddle on the fly so it's out of the way on descents - Its 140mm suspension fork has plenty of travel to soak up big roots and rocks Features: Ready to get rowdy With 140mm front travel, trail-smashing 29-inch wheels, and dialed-for-dirt frame features, Roscoe is ready to get rowdy on your favorite rides. Progressive trail geometry A long reach, slack head angle, steep seat angle, and short chain stays combine for a ride that's confidence-inspiring, yet still nimble and fun. The strong quiet type Roscoe stays well protected with a double-sided chainstay guard, tough downtube guard, and internal cable guides that help your ride stay quiet, even over rough trails. Shimano CUES Inspired by rider demand for trouble-free drivetrain longevity and performance, Shimano CUES offers a new foundation for versatility and durability across a range of both electric and standard bikes. CUES features Shimano’s new LINKGLIDE drivetrain technology for significantly increased life on wear items like chains, cassettes, and chainrings. Shimano LINKGLIDE LINKGLIDE technology has been specifically engineered for incredible durability while still delivering smooth and decisive shifting – along with a great pedaling experience. Available exclusively on Shimano CUES drivetrains. Upgrade your pedals and love your bike more Pedals are two of the five touchpoints that connect you with your bike, and even though this bike comes with a pair, upgrading to pedals that boost control and grip will greatly improve your ride. See the pedal guide and find the best pedals for your riding style. We recommend flat pedals for simple versatility.

* Subject to change without notice.

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2022 Trek Roscoe 6 Review

• by Riding With Ryan (Official)

In this 2022 Trek Roscoe 6 review we will cover dropper posts, Marlin comparisons, tubeless tires and more. First, a quick background on the Roscoe.

Trek came out with their Roscoe for 2018. The bike was, and still is, a trail hardtail bike with 27.5″ plus tires. There have been modifications to the Roscoe each year, but nothing quite as drastic as 2022. These new bikes are considered second generation, with the 2018-2021 years being first generation.

The big changes haven’t trickled down to the Roscoe 6 yet, but Roscoe 7 and up models now have 140mm forks and 29 x 2.6 inch wheels. More slack in the headtube helps with stability on steep descents, while a shorter chain stay makes it easy to whip. They also come with Boost148 giving you wider dropouts.

The Roscoe 6 has Boost141 spacing, 120mm of travel in the front fork. The wheels that came with mine are 27.5 x 2.8 inch Schwalbe Rocket Ron tires, but according to Trek’s website the 2022 Roscoe 6 comes with Kenda Havok tires. With current global supply chain issues being what they are, bikes are getting spec’d with what is available.

With the new Trek Roscoe 6 you will ride farther and have more fun than ever before. Dehydration out on the trails is nothing to joke around about. I always ride with a hydration pack that has a three liter bladder. I’ve been extremely happy with the lifetime warranty on my CamelBak MULE. ( Check Current Price on Amazon Here ) There have been two times where my pack was damaged during a backslide down a trail. It was a quick and easy exchange in both situations.

Trek Roscoe 6 Dropper Post

The 2022 Trek Roscoe 6 comes with a dropper post. It is thrilling to see a bike at this price point equipped with such a cool feature. For a beginner mountain biker this dropper post will feel amazing compared to the quick release adjustment on other hardtails.

The TranzX dropper post works perfectly fine, but I question its durability long term. It feels rough and chunky compared to the Cannondale DownLow dropper on my full suspension bike. So far my Roscoe 6 has taken some abuse and the dropper post is holding strong, but time will tell.

Trek Roscoe vs Trek Marlin

I don’t like comparing two different bikes in a review, but as a Trek Marlin owner too, the most common question I get is, “How does the Roscoe compare to the Marlin?”

The easiest way to compare the two bikes is to first look at the facts, then the feel. The facts are favorable to the Marlin when you compare the two bikes. The 2022 Trek Roscoe 6 weighs in at 34.9 lbs while the 2022 Trek Marlin 6 weights in at 31.1 lbs. The Marlin’s 29 x 2.2 inch tires are a lot faster than the plus tires on the Roscoe.

The feel of the Trek Marlin 6 is faster and much more playful on smooth trails. It crushes singletrack courses with ease. When the trail gets a little chunky the advantage swings heavily back to the Roscoe. I feel much more comfortable carrying high speeds on the Roscoe, while the Marlin doesn’t give me as much confidence. The lack of a dropper post on the Trek Marlin 6 is also an advantage for the Roscoe.

Both bikes come with a 1x drivetrain, but the Roscoe suspension has 20mm additional travel. For a more in-depth review on the Marlin read this Trek Marlin 6 Review . Both bikes are awesome, but I prefer riding the Marlin around town and saving my Roscoe for the trails.

Is The 2022 Trek Roscoe 6 Tubeless?

Yes, the Roscoe 6 comes with Alex MD35 wheels that are tubeless compatible. You will need to apply rim tape, add sealant and a tubeless valve to complete the tubeless conversion. The benefits of tubeless tires when mountain biking are substantial. First, thorns no longer cause flats thanks to your sealant filling those holes. Most importantly, though, is the fact that you can run a slightly lower tire pressure without risking pinch flats. The lower pressure gives you additional traction on the trails.

To conclude this 2022 Trek Roscoe 6 review, those seeking an exceptionally well equipped hardtail that is both playful and fast will enjoy this bike. The extra travel in the front fork compared to the Marlin means you can get even more aggressive on the trails. Finally, the 27.5 option with 2.8″ tires rides incredibly smooth. The wider tire add a bit of extra suspension, especially if you are setup tubeless and running lower tire pressure. However, thrill seekers will want to equip their Roscoe with the 2.4″ wide 29ers. They make this bike both comfortable and incredibly fast.

7 thoughts on “2022 Trek Roscoe 6 Review”

Does the Rosco 6 allow you to adjust the height of the seat by pushing a lever while riding?

That feature is called a dropper post, and yes, The Roscoe 6 does include a dropper post.

I’m looking forward to trying the Trek Roscoe 6!

Do you find the plus size tires on the Roscoe 6 make it sluggish on flats and climbs?

Yes! But for me it’s all about the ride downhill.

Have you gone tubeless with this Roscoe 6? I have the exact same bike with the AlexMD35 rims and Rocket Ron tires and I was told by an employee at my local Trek store that the rims and tires were not tubeless compatible. I feel like I’m getting the run around and don’t want to waste money on rim tape, sealant, and valves if it’s not going to work. Thanks!

Technically they are not tubeless ready, but they are tubeless compatible. I have mine setup tubeless and have not had any issues.

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Trek Roscoe 6

Roscoe 6 is the ideal gateway to mountain biking for new riders looking to have a fun time on the trail. It has plus-sized tires that inspire confidence by keeping you stable, a suspension fork that soaks up the big bumps and roots, an easy-to-use 1x drivetrain, and playful frame geometry that makes it easier to control your bike on technical trails and winding singletrack. It's right for you if... - You know there are good times to be had on the trail, and you want to be part of them! You're looking for an easy entry to the sport of mountain biking on a bike that will keep you excited and motivated to get out there day after day. The tech you get - A strong aluminum frame, confidence-inspiring 27.5+ wheels with wide, grippy tires, and an SR Suntour fork with 120mm of travel. It has a trail-tough Shimano drivetrain with 10 speeds and a wide range of gears for climbing, hydraulic disc brakes, and a dropper post for extra room on rough trails. The final word - Roscoe 6 is like the friend who takes you mountain biking for the first time and never gets frustrated while they're teaching you how to ride. It's all about getting out there, having fun, and enjoying the great sport of trail riding! Why you'll love it - It's more fun to be a better rider: Roscoe is so stable and forgiving, it's like an instant ability upgrade - Even when the trail gets rough, the wide 27.5+ tires deliver more confidence, traction, and stability - The dropper post lets you lower your saddle on the fly so it's out of the way on descents - It has rack mounts so you can use it for bikepacking or even running errands Features: Built for fun - Roscoe is a confidence-inspiring trail hardtail with stable handling, robust parts, and a longer-travel fork that gives you more control over bigger hits. Built to party with 1x drivetrains and dropper posts, these models are perfect for anyone who values fun over fast. High tech frame - The Alpha Gold Aluminum frame is packed with features that make your ride better. A tapered head tube gives you more precise, confident handling on the front end, while Boost 141 rear hub spacing gives you shorter chainstays for more nimble handling out back. 27.5 Plus traction - Better traction gives you more confidence. Roscoe's extra-wide 27.5 Plus tires give you more grip and overall stability so you can roll over anything with confidence.

Due to supply-chain issues, Specs are subject to change without notice.

* Subject to change without notice.

Trek Roscoe 6 review – more minus than plus

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

Bike Perfect Verdict

Looks good on paper, but the old shape frame and wheels are further undermined by detailing and components that make it heavy, slippery, noisy, and numb on the trail.

Super wide size range

Dropper post

Tapered head tube

Potential plus tire gains

Outdated frame

Cable rattle

Numb brakes

Wet hating, tubed plus tires

Why trust BikePerfect Our cycling experts have decades of testing experience. We\'ll always share our unbiased opinions on bikes and gear. Find out more about how we test.

With its dropper post and thru-axle fork Trek’s Roscoe 6 looks like a contender for the best hardtail mountain bikes under $1,500 . Unfortunately, the 6 hasn't received the same new frame, geometry, and 29er wheel upgrade as the other models in the Roscoe range leaving it feeling a little dated. 

Add a wide range of issues from key component performance to noisy cable routing becomes clear as soon as you start riding.

Design and geometry

The old frame certainly isn't all bad. The matt military green, squared downtube frame of the Roscoe looks good in a muscular aggro bike way. The tapered head tube is now a bonus on any bike around this budget since prices started going through the rough a few years ago too. While the frame isn’t bolt through you do get a wider ‘Boost’ 141mm wide QR set up which helps broaden the back end and make room for the big 27.5 x 2.8in plus tires. Good luck trying to find a Boost width QR hub when the original Formula dies though and seeing how rough the bearings felt after just a few hours of riding that might not take long. 

The redundant front mech mount stubs and plastic cover for their cable guides are also a giveaway that this is a relatively old frame. Big entry holes let the gear, dropper post, and brake lines rattle loose inside the frame and there’s no real chain stay protection beyond a thin stick on rubber strip either. You get two bottle mount positions inside the mainframe though as well as mounts for a rear rack and kickstand. Useful if your Roscoe is going to be your round town bike as well as your round the trails bike.

The 27.5 x 2.8in plus tires already date the bike when most brands are wholly on 29er and the geometry is behind the curve too. The head angle is steep at 68.6-degrees and the effective seat angle is relatively slack at 73.5-degrees. Even with the smaller diameter 27.5in wheels, the bottom bracket height is also tall for a hardtail at 318mm. The 455mm reach of the large is nearer to a medium model in most contemporary sizes too although that’s irritatingly common on lower-priced bikes. The good news is that Trek produces a wider range of XS - XXL sizing than any other mainstream brand, including an in-betweener M/L size. 

Components and build

The tapered head tube is matched with a tapered steerer fork and the 15mm bolt-thru-axle is a plus in terms of tracking accuracy, security, and wheel upgrading later. Unfortunately, the coil-sprung, non rebound adjustable suspension action is deeply disappointing. 

The big Kenda tires and wide Alex rims add weight too and they come with inner tubes rather than being set up tubeless which limits low-pressure options until you add valves and sealant yourself. The Shimano brakes advertised were replaced with numb-feeling Tektro brakes on our sample too. The ten-speed Deore transmission is also at odds with 11-speed sets you’d hope to find at this price and leaves a big lurch into the largest 46-tooth cog. The 28-tooth steel ring on the FSA crank is going to last a long time though as is the Shimano bottom bracket. 

As much as I realize it’s normal at this price, it’s still depressing to see a square taper set up rather than a thru-axle crank and bottom bracket design. A dropper post as standard is a real control bonus though, even if the stroke is limited at 130mm on M/L to XXL sizes and 100mm on the XS, S, and M sizes. Bar, stem, and cranks change on the smallest sizes too which helps keep fit coherent. 

Ride, handling and performance

We’re test-riding a bunch of bikes around the $1000 / £1000 mark at the moment and while the serious downgrading in componentry in the past couple of years is a disappointment, the good news is that most of them still ride pretty well. The bad news for Trek is I can’t really include the Roscoe 6 in that ‘most’ bracket.

The basic fit is OK if not outstanding but it does feel more like a medium-sized bike when compared to other bikes such as the Kona Mahuna and the Specialized Rockhopper. The things that look promising on paper don’t live up to their potential on the trail either.

The Plus tires are hard to accelerate but roll much faster than you might think and amp up the aggro ‘swamper’ vibe of the matte military green frame too. Having tubes in the tires makes it much more of a risk to drop down into teen pressures where the big volume starts to pay dividends in terms of a smoothed ride and compliant grip. That means we’d definitely be looking to turn them tubeless as soon as possible if it was our bike as even at 20 psi the frame felt harsh and unforgiving compared to the 29ers we were testing at the same time. The tiny knobs and hard compound of the Havoks also meant they were a flashback to the old ‘Kenda surprise’ days when sudden massive sideways slides on anything damp were a trademark of the brand. Grippier Plus tires tend to be hard to come by unless you go to the full sticky monster reinforced rubber designed for the back of ‘mullet’ DH and E-bikes where a 27.5in rear tire is mixed with a front 29er. 

You could potentially try that setup with the Roscoe to improve steering grip but that would both lift the bottom bracket and slacken the seat tube. Given that the bottom bracket already feels perched and you need to slide right forwards on the saddle on steep climbs that’s not the direction you want to move the geometry in. 

While it’s structurally a step ahead of many forks at this price with its tapered steerer tube and thru-axle dropouts the actual performance of the Suntour is significantly below par. The metal coil spring and rubber bumpers do have a preload dial on top to tune initial sensitivity slightly. It’s very much a token gesture compared to the proper rider weight and terrain tuning you can get from an air-sprung fork though. There’s no adjustment of the rebound rate either so the fork tends to jolt backwards from big impacts. Despite travel being listed as 120mm we never got beyond 100mm of movement out of it and it’s very heavy too. Even when it was chonking down steps and over rooty rocky sections the Roscoe never felt composed. That’s because the brake, gear, and dropper post control lines create a deafening racket as they slap around inside the frame. Even for experienced testers like us, the ‘something is definitely broken’ sensation was hard to screen out. But the less inexperienced riders the Roscoe is likely to be ridden by are going to be scared witless by what sounds like the bike disintegrating under them.

The Tektro brakes lack any sort of meaningful modulation either, making the already hard to keep connected Kenda tires even more likely to slide. Taller ride height and steep head angle theoretically undermine confidence on steeper, technical descents too, although to be honest, the tires had already given up gripping before we could actually confirm that. Climbing is also blighted by the excessive weight, slack seat angle, and awkwardly large second-to-first gear jump of the Roscoe. Although the higher bottom bracket does add pedaling clearance if you’re determined enough to sit and churn it up janky climbs.

There’s no escaping the fact that bikes in this price category have been hit hardest in terms of higher cost/lower spec and we’re having to accept compromises in our expectations. On paper, the Trek looks to have less of those compromises than most, thanks to its tapered head tube and dropper post. Both of those points are a definite bonus too, as is the extensive sizing range Trek offer and for trundling along less challenging trails it's a good-looking bike.

Start hitting stuff harder though and the tires are both slippery and rebound happy, exposing a fork that is already under controlled and under travel even further. The bike slaps around audibly and physically over rougher stuff, the numb brakes and geometry undermine confidence on descents while weight and gappy gears make climbing harder than it needs to be.

Tech Spec: Trek Roscoe 6

• Discipline: Trail
• Price: $1,199.99 / £1,075
• Head angle: 68.6-degree
• Frame material: Alpha Gold alloy
• Fork: SR Suntour XCM 32 15mm axle, 120mm claimed travel
• Size: XS, S, M, M/L, L (tested), XL, XXL
• Weight: 15.57kg (34.33lb)
• Wheel size: 27.5 x 2.8in
• Drivetrain: Shimano Deore 5120 rear mech, M4100 shifter, Shimano Deore M4100, 11-46, 10-speed cassette
• Cranks: FSA Alpha Drive, 28T steel ring, Boost chainset with Shimano square taper bottom bracket
• Brakes: Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm front and 160mm rear rotors
• Cockpit: Bontrager 750 x 31.8mm alloy rise bar and 60 x 31.8mm stem
• Wheelset: Alex MD35 rims with Formula hubs
• Tires: Kenda Havok 27.5 x 2.8in tires
• Seatpost: Trans-X 130mm dropper seat post
• Saddle: Bontrager Arvada saddle

Guy Kesteven has been working on Bike Perfect since its launch in 2019. He started writing and testing for bike mags in 1996. Since then he’s written several million words about several thousand test bikes and a ridiculous amount of riding gear. He’s also penned a handful of bike-related books and he reviews MTBs over on YouTube.

Current rides: Cervelo ZFS-5, Specialized Chisel, custom Nicolai enduro tandem, Landescape/Swallow custom gravel tandem

Height: 180cm

Weight: 69kg

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2023 Trek Roscoe 6 Bike

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Specifications

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