Trek has beefed up the Roscoe, turning the bike into a trail hardtail. The Roscoe line used to serve as the brand's entry-level cross-country hardtail, but Trek has now revamped the bike for more aggressive trail riding.
To start, the frame has been redesigned to feature more progressive, aggro-friendly geometry. The bike features a 65-degree head tube angle, 73-degree seat tube angle, 430mm chainstay, and a longer reach than the previous Roscoe.
Taking advantage of that geometry is a 140mm fork for railing just about any trail. Wide 2.6-inch tires provide grip for the 29er wheels.
The new models also have features typically seen on full-suspension enduro bikes, like 780mm handlebars, room in the seat tube for a longer dropper post, protective coverings on the downtube and chainstays, and a mount for a chain guide.
The flagship model will be the Roscoe 9, which retails for $2,699.99. It features a Fox Rhythm fork with 36mm stanchions, a Shimano 1x12 drivetrain, 4-piston brakes, and a TranzX dropper post. As expected, lots of the components come from Bontrager, including the XR4 Team Issue tires.
Smaller frames will get a 100mm dropper post and the size medium gets a 130mm post. The larger sizes will be bumped up to a 150mm seat post.
The primary difference on the mid-range Roscoe 8 is that it uses a RockShox 35 Gold RL fork and a mix of SRAM Eagle 1x12 drivetrain components, for a total cost of $2,299.99.
The entry-level Roscoe 7 retails for $1,699.99. It features a RockShox Recon Silver RL fork, Shimano MT200 brakes, and a Shimano Deore drivetrain.
Considering the Roscoe is already on our best mountain bikes for beginners list, we're encouraged by the new upgrades Trek has rolled out. The improved geometry will not only be forgiving for beginners, but it will also serve as a capable, budget option for more aggressive riders.
The bikes are available today from Trek's network of retailers.
