Trek Introduces the New Roscoe Hardtail

Trickle-down technology has been making lower-priced bikes better ever since higher-priced bikes were invented. But it seems that trickle-down geometry is frustratingly slow. Bikes aimed at the newcomer or the noncommittal tend to be rather conservative. The new Trek Roscoe is not conservative, but then again, you could argue that it is not aimed at the newcomer.

The numbers and spec on the new Roscoe are aggressive enough to appeal to the masochists, not just the masses. A 65-degree head tube angle and 140-millimeter-travel fork are the stuff of niche North-Shore hardtails. The top-end model even comes with a Fox 36 fork. The new Roscoe lineup seems to be meant to serve a split audience. On one side are those who choose a hardtail because either their trails or their budget make full-suspension bikes impractical. On the other are those who choose a hardtail because they want a hardtail.

There are four pricepoints in the new Roscoe setup, with the entry level Roscoe 6 carrying over the more conservative frame of the previous generation, and the top-end Roscoe 9 being that 36-equipped monster. The whole lineup gets a dropper post, a 1x drivetrain, and room for 2.6-inch tires. The three models with the new frame now come in six sizes (XS, S, M, M/L, L, XL) with the XS being built around 27.5-inch wheels.

The Roscoe 6, with the previous-generation frame, goes for $1,150, with an SR Suntour fork, Deore 10×1, 11-46 drivetrain and Shimano MT200 brakes. The next-gen Roscoe 7 goes for $1,700, and gets a 32mm-stanchion RockShox Recon fork, 12-speed Deore drivetrain and the same 2-piston MT200 brakes. Things ramp up at the $2,300 Roscoe 8, with a 35mm-stanchion RockShox 35 fork, a SRAM GX drivetrain and modern 4-piston Shimano MT4100 brakes. But if you’re there, for $300 more, the Roscoe 9 gets you an XT drivetrain, Deore 4-piston brakes, and that sweet Fox Rhythm 36 fork.

Find out the rest at trekbikes.com/roscoe