Trek Roscoe 8
- Price: $2399
- Category: Hardtail off-road
- Frame: Aluminum
- Gear: 1×12
- Tires: 27.5×2.60”
What we like about it: The tall enough touring tires have a smooth grip, making for a smooth ride on every trail.
What we don’t like about it: Less choice of body color.
Rating (4.6/5)
Introduction
Do you want to descend from steep rocks or ride fast enough on layered trails? If so, you can’t go wrong with the Trek Roscoe 8, which is a boon to any novice mountain biker. First, the Trek Roscoe 8 is equipped with touring tires that can easily handle the smooth rocks and roots of the trails, while the grippy 2.6-inch tires improve traction. Secondly, the 140mm suspension fork makes for a smooth ride on every trail. Whether it’s a narrow single-track trail or a muddy yellow trail, it provides the best ride.
We have a two-month riding review of the Trek Roscoe 8. To make the results more informative for you, here we will elaborate on the performance, key features, components, and specifications of the Trek Roscoe 8 while riding. As well as other versions of the series. If you want to know more about the versions, please refer to our review.
Trek Roscoe 8 Climbing
High-quality parts, high-quality fun. the Trek Roscoe 8 makes itself stand out from the rest of the trail bikes with its high-value design. We spent two months at Whistler Mountain Bike Park for a rock climbing review. Here we rode a variety of twisting and winding trails and steep rock faces. Tires crushed over protruding tree roots and huge rocks.
The aluminum frame has a lighter build and the 41.5cm stack value makes it easy for me to maintain a stable stance. In terms of comfort, Trek Roscoe 8 also has unique insights. The Bontrager XR4 tires with 120tpi are designed to handle mountainous terrain and are compatible with all kinds of rugged and winding terrain. In addition, the puncture-resistant design of the tires allows me to avoid the wear and tear of sharp debris. This is also due to its strong enough appearance.
At the same time, it is worth mentioning that I did not feel too much bumpiness during the ride. This is mainly due to the extra-long travel of the 140mm RockShox 35 shock fork, which counteracts a lot of the vibration during the ride, while the dropper at the seat tube also provides some assistance in damping. After our measurements, we found the solo air spring to be much lighter than the average coil spring.
The SRAM NX Eagle 1×12-Speed drivetrain has a top-of-the-line configuration and is extremely lightweight. For the final kilometer of the sprint, I shifted to the lowest gear to get a faster ride.
Trek Roscoe 8 Descending
What will Trek Roscoe 8 do in the drop? Our team was also on the ground for a month of measurements. We conducted drop after drop test on the soft ground with dead trees
The design of the internal alignment makes the body look very simple and smooth, while the internal structure is simple enough. As a stealthy tool in descending sections, the 65° head tube angle can give me the ultimate descending experience. Even on bumpy gravel roads, I don’t feel the tendency to lean forward. Instead, I can maintain the stability of the body easily.
In addition, the RockShox fork’s solo air spring was easily and quickly adjusted to my weight, and thanks to it, I was able to counteract a lot of the bumps caused by severe vibration. Of course, it does much more than that, as the fork is equipped with a locking feature that temporarily locks the suspension.
As a result, I was able to get an extremely efficient power transfer. This is why I was able to have a faster sprint in the final sprint.
It is worth mentioning that I had to face many obstacles when weaving in and out of the mountains and forests. This tests the rider’s reflexes and takes into account the braking ability of the bike even more. Halfway up the mountain, I came across an old tree that had fallen.
Fortunately, the Shimano 4-piston hydraulic disc has excellent braking ability. The metal brake pads combined with the 4-piston calipers made of ceramic allow for a complete stop the moment the pull cable is sensed. This was a pleasant surprise to me.
Main Features
Frame
The Trek Roscoe 8 does not follow the trend of choosing carbon for the body but still chooses a more expensive material. But the effect of its hard shell is also excellent, with layers of laminate making it tough enough while making the body extremely light.
Not only that, but the artistic matching between the drivetrain, brake, and locking will also impress you in terms of appearance. Moreover, the design of reducing the rear shock absorber simplifies the body structure even more and is more in line with the aesthetics of minimalist lovers.
Of course, like any other bike, the Trek Roscoe 8 is available in every size to suit your preferences. In addition, a proper water bottle is added to the downtube to ensure you are well-hydrated on the trail.
Geometry
The Trek Roscoe 8 doesn’t make a big breakthrough in terms of geometry, but still maintains a moderate size. First of all, the seat tube angle of 74.7° is a relatively appropriate size for the trail ranks. But, a too-loose or steep angle might be a hindrance going uphill. I prefer a moderate angle range of 68-73°.
Secondly, the Trek Roscoe 8 has a shorter front and rear wheelbase (1,181mm) compared to similar off-road vehicles. Of course, this is not to say that the short wheelbase is not good, on the contrary, the shorter wheelbase will help you maintain more responsive steering under sharp corners. This gives me a big boost in overtaking in corners.
Components and Specifications
SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed Drivetrain
SRAM is a brand I trust, and I feel it is the best quality mountain bike. Like the XX1 Eagle and X01 Eagle, the GX Eagle also has the same 500% gear ratio range and even has the same combination of cassette. This is an essential feature in trail riding. What’s more, the stamped aluminum discs, steel rivets, steel springs, and cast aluminum body provide ultra-smooth, precise, and durable performance. From a few months of riding experience, I have a few complaints.
The SRAM GX Eagle, 12-Speed has unparalleled shift smoothness, so you can choose the right gear for different road conditions. And because it’s made of aluminum, you don’t have to worry about the chain jamming due to frequent shifting, it’s much stronger than you think. At the same time, its rear chain paddle adopts advanced speed control technology, which makes your speed control more smooth and silky.
Bontrager XR4 Tires
First of all, the 27.5×2.60″ wider and thicker tires allow me to maintain a strong grip even on rocky and wooded descents, and the 120tpi parameter specification can also meet the maximum riding requirements.
Secondly, the Trek Roscoe 8 will help you get the best performance by ditching the tubes and going tubeless. As a result, you can spend the least amount of physical energy for the most traction. And it will help you get more control and a smoother, faster ride on rough mountain riding.
From over two months of riding, the Bontrager XR4 has given me a very solid riding experience. Because it has a rougher surface, it allows for fast travel even in steep and rugged rocky conditions.
RockShox 35 Gold RL Fork
The Trek Roscoe 8 is equipped with a RockShox 35 Gold RL fork, which has DebonAir air springs with powerful shock absorption to adapt to all kinds of complex terrain. Even in the face of various muddy and slippery ground, it can be sensitive enough to ensure safe travel according to the rider’s manual braking. There is also 140mm ultra-high travel, which is a great help to comfortable driving.
Not only that, but the remote locking of the Trek Roscoe 8 is also a major selling point for it being a breakout product. By locking the movement of the fork, although it loses some of the damping function, it is more conducive to putting the kinetic energy generated during the ride to rational use instead of wasting it, which also greatly improves riding efficiency. This has also been well received by purchasers of the bike.
Other versions of Trek Roscoe
To give you more possibilities in your choice, and in the spirit of objectivity and impartiality, we have reviewed the other models in the Trek Roscoe 8 series and conducted some time-riding tests, including the Trek Roscoe 6.
Compared to the Trek Roscoe 6, the Trek Roscoe8 has been significantly improved. This is firstly reflected in the design of its shape, the latter aluminum body makes it a lighter frame. And the SRAM 1×12-Speed system it uses gives you a huge boost in riding ability. The Trek Roscoe8 gives you the most stable sprinting ability, whether it’s wet and rainy or thorny mountain roads.
At the same time, the Trek Roscoe 8 will be more ride friendly in terms of tire choice. This also means that you can choose not only 27.5″ tires but also the wider 29″ tires. I think this will give you a higher level of confidence and courage when dealing with difficult roads.
Overall, the Trek Roscoe 6 is perhaps the most friendly price for the novice rider. But if you’re a bit more demanding on the trails, you might want to try the Trek Roscoe 8. Although the Trek Roscoe 8 has a higher price tag, it also has better performance.
Learn More: Trek Roscoe 6 Review- A Qualified Novice Hardtail Bike
What we like about it
- The lightweight aluminum body provides the ultimate stable riding experience.
- The 140mm RockShox 35 Gold Fork is guaranteed to be unique in terms of shock absorption.
- The SRAM NX Eagle 1×12-Speed drivetrain gives you butter-smooth shifting.
- The powerful 4-piston brake has a very superior performance.
- Wide, heavy tires provide a smooth ride.
What we don’t like about it
- A heavier-weight body.
- Sparse color selection.
- Expensive component prices.
FAQ
- What is the price of the Trek Roscoe 8?
The Trek Roscoe 8 is priced at $2399.
- What is the body material of the Trek Roscoe 8?
The body of the Trek Roscoe 8 is made of aluminum.
- What is the tire size of the Trek Roscoe 8?
The Trek Roscoe 8 has a tire size of 27.5×2.60”.
Size Chart
| Size | Rider Height | Inseam |
| XS | 137 – 155 cm 4’6″ – 5’1″ | 64 – 73 cm 25″ – 29″ |
| S | 153 – 167 cm 5’0″ – 5’6″ | 72 – 79 cm 28″ – 31″ |
| M | 161 – 172 cm 5’3″ – 5’8″ | 76 – 81 cm 30″ – 32″ |
| M/L | 166 – 179 cm 5’5″ – 5’10” | 77 – 84 cm 30″ – 33″ |
| L | 177 – 188 cm 5’10” – 6’2″ | 83 – 88 cm 33″ – 35″ |
| XL | 186 – 196 cm 6’1″ – 6’5″ | 87 – 92 cm 34″ – 36″ |
Trek Roscoe 8 Specs
Frameset
| Frame | Alpha Gold Aluminum, tapered head tube, internal derailleur & dropper post routing, ISCG 05, threaded BB, Boost148, 12mm thru axle |
|---|---|
| *Fork | Size: XS RockShox 35 Gold RL, DebonAir spring, Motion Control damper, lockout, tapered steerer, 37mm offset, Boost110, 15mm Maxle Stealth, 140mm travel Size: S, M, M/L, L, XL RockShox 35 Gold RL, DebonAir spring, Motion Control damper, lockout, tapered steerer, 44mm offset, Boost110, 15mm Maxle Stealth, 140mm travel |
| Max compatible fork travel | 150mm |
Wheels
| Hub front | Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, alloy axle, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15mm thru axle |
|---|---|
| Hub rear | Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, 6-bolt, Rapid Drive 108, Shimano 10 freehub, Boost148, 12mm thru axle |
| Skewer rear | Bontrager Switch thru axle, removable lever |
| Rim | Bontrager Line Comp 30, Tubeless Ready, 28-hole, presta valve |
| Spokes | 14g stainless steel |
| *Tire | Size: XS Bontrager XR4 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 27.5×2.60” Size: S, M, M/L, L, XL Bontrager XR4 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 29×2.60” |
| Tire part | Bontrager TLR sealant, 6oz |
| Rim strip | Bontrager TLR |
| Max tire size | Frame: 29×2.60″ (XS – 27.5×2.60″) Fork: see manufacturer |
Drivetrain
| Shifter | SRAM NX Eagle, 12 speed |
|---|---|
| Rear derailleur | SRAM GX Eagle |
| *Crank | Size: XS, S, M, M/L, L SRAM X1 Eagle, DUB, 30T steel ring, 52mm chainline, 170mm length Size: XL SRAM X1 Eagle, DUB, 30T steel ring, 52mm chainline, 175mm length |
| Bottom bracket | SRAM DUB, 73mm, BSA threaded |
| Cassette | SRAM PG-1230 Eagle, 11-50, 12 speed |
| Chain | SRAM NX Eagle, 12 speed |
| Pedal | VP-536 nylon platform |
| Max chainring size | 52mm chainline: 32T, 55mm chainline: 34T |
Components
| Saddle | Bontrager Arvada, steel rails, 138mm width |
|---|---|
| *Seatpost | Size: XS, S TranzX JD-YSP18, 100mm travel, internal routing, 31.6mm, 361mm length Size: M TranzX JD-YSP18, 130mm travel, internal routing, 31.6mm, 425mm length Size: M/L, L, XL TranzX JD-YSP18, 150mm travel, internal routing, 31.6mm, 470mm length |
| *Handlebar | Size: XS, S Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 15mm rise, 750mm width Size: M, M/L, L, XL Bontrager Rhythm Comp, alloy, 31.8mm, 15mm rise, 780mm width |
| Grips | Bontrager XR Trail Comp, nylon lock-on |
| *Stem | Size: XS, S Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 35mm length Size: M, M/L, L, XL Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 50mm length |
| Headset | FSA IS-2, 1-1/8” top, 1.5” bottom |
| Brake | Shimano 4-piston hydraulic disc, MT4100 lever, MT420 caliper |
| *Brake rotor | Size: XS, S, M, M/L, L, XL Shimano RT66, 6-bolt, 180mm Size: XS, S, M, M/L, L, XL Shimano RT66, 6-bolt, 203mm |
Weight
| Weight | M – 13.54 kg / 29.86 lbs (with TLR sealant, no tubes) |
|---|---|
| Weight limit | This bike has a maximum total weight limit (combined weight of bicycle, rider, and cargo) of 300 pounds (136 kg). |
Video
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Price | Drivetrain | Tires | Click view |
| Marin Team Marin 2 | $2589 | Shimano XT 12-Speed | 29×2.35″ | Click view |
| KHS BNT 29 | $2649 | Shimano Deore SL-M6100 10-Speed | 29×2.6″ | Click view |
| Vitus Sentier 29 VRX Mountain | $2273 | Shimano SLX M7100, 12-Speed, | 29×2.4″ | Click view |
| Trek Roscoe 9 | $2799 | Shimano SLX M7100, 12-Speed | 29×2.6″ | Click view |
Trek Roscoe 8 vs Marin Team Marin 2
The two are very similar in many ways, including the use of an aluminum frame and the same 29″ tire size. However, the Trek Roscoe 8 has a longer travel (140mm) on the damping fork. This allows it to face bumpier roads during actual riding.
What’s more, the Trek Roscoe 8’s 140mm RockShox 35 Gold fork comes with a locking mechanism. When you want to get faster, you can lock the fork completely and avoid the kinetic energy loss of the fork working to get faster.
In addition, both bikes are 1×12 shifting. I didn’t feel any significant difference in the smoothness of the shifting and speed changes. However, the Marin has a higher price tag for a similar performance. Therefore, based on various considerations, I would recommend the Trek Roscoe 8 as the more cost-effective bike.
Learn more : Is MARIN SAN QUENTIN 2 Worth Buying? [MARIN SAN QUENTIN 2 Review]
Trek Roscoe 8 vs KHS BNT 29
The KHS BNT 29 has a 2x drivetrain option compared to the Trek Roscoe 8’s 1× shifting system. In our actual riding, I would prefer the Trek Roscoe 8’s 1× shifting system. Because easy enough shifting will reduce my time and improve my riding efficiency.
In addition, the Trek Roscoe 8 features a 140mm RockShox 35 Gold fork shock. It will make your ride relatively easier, even on bumpier terrain. Although the KHS BNT 29 has a relatively short 120mm fork travel, it may not perform as well as the Trek Roscoe 8 on bumpy terrain. However, in our tests, the KHS BNT 29 had a relatively smooth body and speed (30mph). If you are looking for more speed, then the KHS BNT 29 may be a better choice for you.
If, however, you are more focused on adventures over bumpy ground, the Trek Roscoe 8 would be a good choice.
Learn more : Is KHS AGUILA Worth Buying? -[KHS AGUILA Review]
Trek Roscoe 8 vs Vitus Sentier 29 VRX Mountain
The fork of the Fox Performance Float 34 is the secret killer of the Vitus Sentier 29 VRX Mountain. Lightweight, excellent reliability, and a moderately long axle all combine to give the Vitus Sentier a smooth ride, and its consistent reliability and reasonable price are the reasons for its continued popularity. But in the real world, the Trek Roscoe 8 with 140mm fork travel makes me more comfortable on bumpy roads.
In terms of drivetrain choice, both Trek Roscoe 8 and Vitus Sentier opted for the more popular 1× gearing. Compared to the 2× shifting system, the 1x system will have better smoothness and simpler operation. If you do not want to have too many complicated speed shifts, then the 1× drivetrain is more suitable for you.
It’s worth noting that the Trek Roscoe 8 has 27.5×2.60” Bontrager XR4 Team Issue tires for more nimble cornering traction in the face of tight turns.
So I think the Trek Roscoe 8 is worth a try if you need to tackle more winding routes.
Learn more : Is Vitus Sentier 29 VRX Splendid? – [ Vitus Sentier 29 VRX Review ]
Trek Roscoe 8 vs Trek Roscoe 9
The Trek Roscoe 9 is an upgrade from the Trek Roscoe 8. The RockShox 35 Gold RL fork is an all-around improvement over the Fox Rhythm Float 36. With its lighter mass and better damping, you can take the Trek Roscoe 9 on a rocky trail adventure deep into the woods. If you think the 29-inch tires will be a hindrance to your speed, then I’m sure the 27.5-inch tires will be a great choice for you. The Trek Roscoe 9 has more freedom of choice when it comes to tire size. You can choose the right tire size according to your riding habits.
If you also think Trek Roscoe 9 is good, you can try it out at your local store. Of course, don’t forget that it has a more expensive price tag than the Trek Roscoe 8.
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Learn More: Conqueror Of The Flow Trail-Trek Roscoe 9 Review
