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First Look: Trek launches redesigned Roscoe hardtail for trail riding

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Josh Patterson

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Discussion starter · #1 · (Edited)
As first hinted at in our forums, Trek has redesigned its trail hardtail, the Roscoe, for the 2022 model year. The updated bike is designed around 29-inch wheels (as opposed to 27.5-plus wheels on the previous version), features updated geometry, and a longer-travel suspension fork.

Related: The Best Mountain Bikes Under $1,000

Trek 2022 Roscoe Highlights
  • Designed around 29x2.6" wheels and tires
  • Longer, slacker than the previous version - 65° head angle / 74.7 effective seat tube angle
  • 140mm suspension fork on all models
  • Aluminum frame
  • Price range: $1,699.99 - $2,699.99
Trek Roscoe availability, pricing, build highlights, and weights
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Trek appears to have listened to riders demanding a budget-friendly hardtail that can be ridden aggressively. The updated Roscoe ditches the former's 27.5x2.8" wheels and tires for 29x26" rolling stock (save for the XS version that uses 27.5" wheels). In addition to switching wheel sizes, the 2022 Roscoe grows longer, slacker, and features 140mm suspension forks in place of the 120mm forks found on the previous generation. Note that Trek kept the entry-level Roscoe 6 unchanged for 2022. The revamped Roscoe is found at the 7, 8, and 9 tiers.
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All three updated Roscoe trims levels feature tubeless-compatible wheels and tires, 1x12 drivetrains, and four-piston brakes big rotors. All builds also sport dropper seatposts: 100mm on the size small, 130mm on mediums, and 150mm posts on sizes M/L, L and XL. While droppers across the board are great, many taller riders would probably welcome longer-stroke droppers.

The Roscoe is available now through Trek dealers and online at trekbikes.com in select markets.

Roscoe 9 - $2,699.99
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Build highlights: Fox Rhythm 36 fork, Shimano XT/SLX drivetrain with e*thirteen Helix cranks, Shimano M6100 brakes w/180mm rotors, Trans-X dropper seatpost
Claimed weight: 28.95lbs

Roscoe 8 - $2,299.99
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Build highlights: RockShox 35 Gold RL fork, SRAM GX/NX drivetrain w/X1 Eagle cranks, Shimano M4200 brakes, Trans-X dropper seatpost
Claimed weight: 29.85lbs

Roscoe 7 - $1,699.99
1940976

Build highlights: RockShox Recon Silver RL fork, Shimano Deore drivetrain, Shimano MT200 brakes, Trans-X dropper seatpost
Claimed weight: 30.84lbs

Trek 2022 Roscoe geometry
The new Roscoe follows in the footsteps of trail hardtails like Kona's Honzo and packs a lot of value into an affordable trail-worthy platform.
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Trek Roscoe FAQ
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What is different about the frame compared to previous versions?
Geometry: Longer reach (about 45mm depending on the frame size), slacker 65-degree head tube angle, steeper 74.7-degree seat tube angle, and 430mm chainstays.

Fork travel: The new Roscoe has a 140mm suspension fork on all sizes

Other rad features: Boost 148 rear spacing, 110mm front spacing, longer dropper insertion, noise-reducing downtube and chainstay armor, improved internal routing, and a UDH (universal derailleur hanger).

Do any frame sizes feature curved top tubes for lower standover?
All frame sizes have straight top tubes. The longer reach allows a more gradual angle that results in lower standover compared to the previous Roscoe.

Do all frame sizes use the same wheel size?
Sizes small through XL use 29" wheels. XS frames use 27.5" wheels.

Is the Roscoe compatible with other wheel and tire sizes?
No.

How much dropper post insertion does the Roscoe's frame have?
XS: 235mm
S: 240mm
M: 255
M/L: 260mm
L: 280mm
XL: 328mm

What type of bottom bracket does the Roscoe use?
A tried and true threaded 73mm bottom bracket
What is the maximum fork travel on the Trek Roscoe?
All bikes come with 140mm suspension forks but can run up to 150mm.

Is the Roscoe compatible with 2x drivetrains?
No, the Roscoe is designed to run 1x drivetrains exclusively.
 

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#4 ·
chiefsilverback said:
Fox Rhythm fork on a $2700 hard tail? I got Fox Performance on a $3300 full suspension, must be COVID pricing!
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At least the cheap one doesn't have one of those boat-anchor Silver fo... oh
 
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#7 · (Edited)
chiefsilverback said:
Fox Rhythm fork on a $2700 hard tail? I got Fox Performance on a $3300 full suspension, must be COVID pricing!
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Really! It's a well spec'd bike but it has Specialized pricing for that 9.
Nice to see a threaded BB, XT, and a Fox fork of any kind though.

This is very similar to the 2020 Nukeproof Scout 290 Expert. That was the best hardtail for the money for 2020. They must have been paying attention.
 
#11 ·
areeves08 said:
Surprised to see Shimano on some of the models. My biggest gripe with Trek was you were stuck with Sram across the board.
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Anecdotally, I hear that Trek tried hard to convince Shimano to invest in wide range 1x but eventually just basically lost patience with Shimano. I personally am not interested in a SRAM equipped bike but don't blame Trek for going full SRAM.

Shimano drivetrains were effectively obsolete for 7 years from 2012 (when 1x11 XX1 was released) until they finally caught up in 2019 with XT and SLX 1x12. Shimano wasted 7 years doing stupid stuff such as the hideous franken-cassette 11-46 and marketing campaigns trying to convince people that 2x MTB systems were better.

Having said that. I believe Shimano Deore, SLX 1x12 are miles ahead of SX and NX competitors and Trek is wise to stock them.
 
#17 ·
Rev Bubba said:
Honestly, I think a trail worthy hard tail for $2700 is a bargain.
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With the current state of supply shortages and inflation, $2700 ain't too bad for this spec. Nothing is junk on the 9. They did good on this one.
chiefsilverback said:
I'm just looking at it thinking for $300 less you could have a Giant Trance 29 full squish with a Bomber Z2 and Deore 12 speed.

For $200 you could have Nukeproof Scout 290 with a Lyric, full SLX drivetrain and SLX 4 pot brakes.
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I agree both are better buys for some people but you'd have a better chance of seeing the Trek before you buy it. It's still not a bad deal. A 36 Fox vs a 34 Marzocchi, XT/SLX DT is not a bad spec. And it has a threaded BB vs Giant's press fit. It's hard to compete with Giant but this is still not a bad deal given current supply issues and inflation. I already have a full suspension and I'd be interested in getting a rugged hard tail like this.
 
#18 ·
shwndh said:
With the current state of supply shortages and inflation, $2700 ain't too bad for this spec. Nothing is junk on the 9. They did good on this one.

I agree both are better buys for some people but you'd have a better chance of seeing the Trek before you buy it. It's still not a bad deal. A 36 Fox vs a 34 Marzocchi, XT/SLX DT is not a bad spec. And it has a threaded BB vs Giant's press fit. It's hard to compete with Giant but this is still not a bad deal given current supply issues and inflation. I already have a full suspension and I'd be interested in getting a rugged hard tail like this.
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My oldest son is interested in a rugged hardtail and the Trek does fit what he is considering. Yes, there are other options. I'd like to see him get one so I can borrow it.
 
#19 ·
I think one of the biggest issues is that so many think that a hardtail is only a 'budget' option. Many people who have them, like riding them. Some of them are quite expensive, making many mid-tier full suspension bikes look more budget friendly.

The Trek, I think, certainly is aimed at that crowd (and since I have a (not cheap) aggressive hardtail by choice, that'd include me).
 
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#20 ·
dysfunction said:
I think one of the biggest issues is that so many think that a hardtail is only a 'budget' option. Many people who have them, like riding them. Some of them are quite expensive, making many mid-tier full suspension bikes look more budget friendly.

The Trek, I think, certainly is aimed at that crowd (and since I have a (not cheap) aggressive hardtail by choice, that'd include me).
Click to expand...
I'm fully aware of how much a hard tail can cost, but when you can get a Nukeproof with SLX brakes and a Lyric for $200 less than the Trek with a Rhythm and Deore brakes the Trek feels a little over priced.

The recommendation I saw was to go for the Roscoe 7, take off the fork and sell it for a couple of hundred bucks and then have ~$1000 to spend on better components...
 
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