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.

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 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.

Suspension

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.

Groupset

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.

Brakes

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.

Extras

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.

My Verdict

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