I have the medium, and love it, and I think it makes a world of difference vs the M/L...455mm to 440mm reach. I would really like to see what you think about medium - try it.
@Fun_Health_MTB I'm 511. I ride the Trek Marlin 5 3rd gen in a large size. Is that the correct size for me? I'm pretty comfortable while riding it though.
@@mushijoe nice, due to my budget tho i have a stock roscoe 7. Upgrades soon though, first thing is the brakes as i am 240 pounds and the little ol 2 pots are not liking downhills lmao
Had a 2020 Roscoe 8 for 3 years and loved it. Never stopped me from riding any kind of terrain. I have now moved on from hardtails and picking up an ebike next week 🤙
I'm 5'10" on the medium/large. Seems to work good for me. It would be good to see the test again in the medium. I'd like to see the compliance comparison with other hardtails.
@@GokkunGuruHardtail Party is very picky with his hard tails. I remember when I was considering buying a Commencal Meta HT and found his video completely bashing on the bike. I still bought the bike and I love it!
I have a Roscoe 8, 2023. I'm 6'2, 225 lbs. I had been riding an XL hardtail, and really thought that would be the correct size. Sales person suggested a large. I was hesitant, but I took out the large and rode it around for a bit. I bought the large. Fabulous bike, I ride a mix of cross country and trail and couldn't be happier. Trek has held the price at $1499 since early spring. After shopping many bikes, the Roscoe was easily the best value and component build.
I was EXTREMELY surprised with your ratings, but its all about what you like. I’m 5”10ish and with a large Roscoe 7 and It feels perfect! I haven’t tried any other brands because they haven’t stood out any. I’m on my 2nd Trek Hardtail and I’m loving it! I look forward to supporting you till the end. Have a great day Evan!
I'm 5'8" and chose the medium frame for my Roscoe 9. I changed the stem for a slightly longer one (35mm i believe) because the reach felt short when out of the saddle. I don't have experience across multiple bikes but I love my roscoe. I don't regret sizing down.
You're probably thinking of 35mm (vs 31.8) which is the stem diameter and doesn't add length to your reach. It's probably in the 50-70mm range. And size medium at 5'8 sounds perfect with today's geometry. A large would be pretty big, but it depends on your proportions ... Like I'm 5'8 too but you might have longer arms, or maybe I have shorter legs. I ride a medium Mach 6 but my friend has a large Firebird and it felt gigantic.
@topspot4834 you're spot on. I measured both stems the original and the one I replaced with. Original is 45mm. The new one is 60mm with a little rise to it. By Trek's size chart medium tops out at 5' 9" and medium/large starts at 5'8" putting me between the sizes.
A thought on your observations of sizing vs compliance - the different riding position of a longer or shorter bike may cause you to load the front more or less, meaning you shouldn't necessarily keep the same fork pressure etc across different bikes. It sounded like you kept the same fork settings, but adjusting pressure to give the same sag % on each bike might be a fairer comparison than keeping the same pressure. Interesting to see the comparison and how you find each bike anyway!
I think the stiffness can be counteracted with the wider 2.6 tires that come with the bike from the factory. I see them all the time with the massive 2.6 and even 2.8 up front, which looks like it can roll over everything. But, I could be totally off. Canfield would be neat to review next.
I really like your point, I have only ridden my Roscoe with the stock 2.6 tires. Living in AZ, trails are full of cobble and chunk and it rolls over everything.
Any hardtail would have strong resistance to rock gardens. It doesnt have the back suspension to help it roll over the rock. With Hardtail riding it is all about line choice, and being light on the bike.
The most awaited video of the week! 🙌 Here in Finland I see *a lot* of Treks, but I’ve never had a thing for them. Anyway, I think the Medium Roscoe would be apples to apples.
Yes the geo numbers would be so close that there would be no amazing ride difference. I think the bike has a lot of good reviews. I think it just doesn’t jive with him.
Good idea getting the M and re doing the test. I agree with the size comparison making the bike feel " Too long". I think this sizing may be for shorter torso longer arms. Or something like that. I have a feeling the M will be completely different.
The 8 is a great value. Just needs alittle better fork over time. Same with the 7. Needs better brakes on this one to. You could change the frame in time and use these parts. You can try every size in the store, that is valuable. Tires are great if you have a ski lift. Flat stuff 2.6 tires are work to pedal. I’m getting some muscle tone though. Maxxis dissector 2.4 that’s my two cents
I made the mistake of getting a 2023 Roscoe 7 in medium large. Rode it for about 2 weeks and swapped it out for the medium. So glad I did! Bike feels great and better fitted to me. PLEASE try a medium frame!!!
ML does not stand for medium large. It stands for medium long. Even some Trek dealers don’t know this. It is for medium height people, who have a torso/arm length more like a taller person. It is also for tall people who are relatively short in the leg. This is why this bike didn’t fit you in the reach. Definitely need a re test.
Trek is the Toyota of bike brands. Just like no one wakes up in the morning excited to drive a Camry, no one wakes up in the morning excited and jazzed to be riding a Trek. But like Toyota, Trek is just a solid brand that is good enough for the majority. It’s also a “safe” choice for newer riders.
I drive a Tacoma and while I love it, it's not the most exciting thing to drive. It's like the unseasoned chicken breast and white rice dinner of vehicles 😂
MEDIUM here in the UK unless you're like a die hard fan we can only really get hold of Specialized, Giant, Trek, Carrera, Voodoo, Triban & Boardman... Yeh Mostly Carrera & Boardmans, Never knew Nukeproof did bikes despite buying their stem and Handle bars and Accessories
Evan the hardtail series is top notch my man! (even though i currently dont own one! I gotta fuel ex gen 6) From a Motocross racer and fellow Eli Tomac fan, keep kicking ass!
Love the concept of your series. Before buying another expensive frame though, honestly I bet it will feel way better all around if you re-run your test with the tire and suspension recommendations from Trek's website (2.6" or so tires, 20 psi). That should greatly improve most of your issues on the singletrack (compliance, rock garden, front wheel chatter, cornering, "feeling like a goon"). Honestly, with the cushcore and thinner tires in your setup vs the 2.6" stock/20 psi, it should ride and feel way better at 16 - 18 psi and maybe you can save the $750 cost of another frame !
this wasn't intended for flow or flat riding, Trek made this bike to do really well on dh tech, while still being able to climb to the top at a budget. High speeds is where you will find the confidence from the longer frame
I would be very interested in a test of the Roscoe in medium size to see if your hunch is correct. Also a test of the Marin Team Marin would be very interesting. It should have a very good comliance and fits wonderfully into the previous selection.
@@mcndjxlefnd not for what's designed for. It's a downcountry XC bike. They have a history of cracking at the seat stays as it is... sure, they've updated the frame with a gusset but that's to stop it cracking under a Cat 3 riding conditions. Sending it like a "Trail" HT is asking for brakage.. and I like the Team Marin.
I have it’s predecessor, a 2001 Trek 9600. In this day and age it’s considered more of a gravel bike than a mountain bike. I got it new back in the day and still love it. It has never failed on me after 20+ years of hard use. Haven’t had to replace any parts, just general maintenance.
I have a 2007 Trek Madone road bike. It's just like your Trek, never replaced even one part. That's back when trek was still made in USA. Their new stuff is questionable IMO
Weird!! I had a roscoe-8 2022. Used it for a year and sold it last month to get a fuel ex 7. It's such a solid bike that gives you confidence, that I've now ordered a roscoe-7 as a backup bike because I missed it so much. Love the roscoes!!!! Trek bikes are great value for money. You'll spend way more money on Specialized/ Norco/ Santa Cruz bikes for the same components.
Test a medium. I'm 5'11" and the L has been super smooth for me. It is a great "All'rounder" - I would never accuse this bike at being great at most things other than being a little better than "just okay" at everything. Definitely fun to ride as a beginner.
I have a roscoe and at 6'3 I fell between the L and XL. I went smaller and did not regret it. Go for that true medium, I want to see the comparison between that m/l and the m.
I'm 6'2" and I got the XL and don't regret it either. The reach is a little long but it feels good climbing. I prolly would have gotten the L if they had it in the same color. But ya, either will work ok.
Before buying my last bike, it came down to the Roscoe and the Orbea Laufey. I got the Laufey (better frame IMO). Absolute beauty of a bike. It likes to go fast, super responsive in the corners and loves to charge through chunk. Climbs well, up until it gets pretty steep, then the front tire just levitates off the ground. I use it alot at the downhill park and it's awesome! It loves to go downhill, over drops, blasts through rock gardens like a champ. It's my aggressive enduro hardtail ;)
I have a Roscoe 7 but in XL. I was most surprised by the chunk rating because it feels REALLY smooth on the roscoe compared to my old specialized and Diamondback.
Trek might be trying to make their bikes strong enough for heavy riders. As their bikes in the past could be too flexy, snap, at least on their full suspension frames. But an hardtail will always be too harsh for me, no matter which one it is. unless I ride on pavement, road. But Trek tends to make everything the same, apart from chainstay length. but the problem with this is you get a harsh tiny bike. but the other way around you could get a super flexy big bike as they did in the past.
I think the great thing about this series versus something like hardtail party is that you keep everything fair by taking it down to the frame and comparing only the frame. Hardtailparty will sometimes build up frames sometimes ride complete bikes and it's hard for comparison if you're a new buyer looking for a bike.
As a Roscoe 7 owner I really like it! everything about it its just so much better. The 12 gears making gear 1 as light as a feather and the dropper post to the suspension it's all so good! The only recommendation is to switch out the grips. I switched to sram grips! ( Maybe the pedals too )
5:36 The stock chain stay protector seems to be same hard, stiff plastic as older bikes, so it will move, scratch the chain stay. It will also be very noisy. Which cane be heard at 10:10. An inner tube will make it better, but the best solution is VHS 2.0 protector.
I had a 2019 M/L Roscoe 7, I personally really liked (as a 13 y/o). The dropper was really nice and had no problems, internal routing for cables was very nice. I used it for 2 years 1/2 years with minimal issues overall. A good bike to learn on but I wish it wasn’t a 27.5+ bike. Overall a good bike for 1200 at the time, but could have gotten more for the money
I have a Roscoe 6 but I upgraded it to above a 7 I put $1.5k into it but I just cracked the frame last month. Im getting a new one on warranty but its delayed. I’ve had a lot of issues with my dropper maybe the 7 has a better one
Yep, try the medium - has 440 reach which you like on the Nukeproof so maybe that’s your number. I have a medium Roscoe 9 and so far it’s my favorite bike I’ve ever had - looking forward to your Paradox review cuz that was my other choice but test rides are difficult for that one.
im about 5'9 and i ride an older roscoe in size large. the older version had 27.5" tires and 20mm less travel, but i do think it is a bit too large for me. I think you should definitely try a medium to give the roscoe a fair shot
First hand knowledge here my wife rides a M/L Marlin shes 5' 7-1/2 almost 5'8 with shoes on for the Roscoe she went with the medium frame and it has been a very good decision, the reach on the roscoe m/l was too much where on the Marlin m/l it works great for her. The NukeProof will probably still win but the Roscoe deserves another shot!!
I have a Roscoe 9 (size medium - I'm 5'7" on a good day) with just over 500 miles on it and average skills - swapped out the dropper post with a OneUp (which turns out to be a piece of junk unless you love to listen to constant creaking), Raceface carbon bars (I think I cut them down to 740mm), XT shifter, seat, dropper post lever, grips, pedals and just changed the stock tires to Continental Argotal/Kryptotal. I had an Enve stem on there, but swapped the stock stem back. The good is that it's a fun bike to ride, and can handle the terrain here in Tucson, AZ well enough (I just posted up a short vid of the trail park across the street from me to get a basic idea). It descends well, and the 2.6" tires give an adequate amount of cushion. It feels a bit vague going fast through single track (especially when having to change direction quick), but it's not a cross country bike. Not a "fast" bike by any means, but it's fun. It is pretty harsh on rougher terrain (it is a hardtail after all), but I don't really have any other hardtails to compare it to. I wouldn't want to run it on less than 2.6" tires, but it has made me want to get a full suspension bike again. I feel like I'd get more grip in the relatively flat/loose turns here and better turn-in with less tire, but it does roll over the endless amount of rock/loose rock pretty well (and the 29" wheels help a lot). The stock tires are ok but not my favorite - the Conti's seem to be a step up (they at least roll noticeably faster, oddly enough, even though they're meatier and heavier), but I've only ridden them once so need more time. Not a bad bike for the price, but if I had to do it all over again I'd get a Trek Fuel EX Gen 6. Changing out the stock bar to a carbon bar did help a lot in the comfort/vibration.
I ride a M/L 2022 Roscoe 8, I'm just under 6'0 @ 5'11. I really like my Roscoe- it's just a fun-ass bike to ride. That said, I relate to the sensation of it feeling 'big', as well as that the bars feel a bit wide - i may shorten mine. Lots of people complain about the bars on the internet as well as IRL when I've offered to let people test ride it on trails. I think the larger wheels are what makes it feel so different, but i have a longer torso and shorter legs. Now that I've adapted to it i like it, but i pick different lines that i did when i was on my Marlin because i think it's general agility is lower than the Marlin's, or other 27.5 bikes. The trade off (imo) is that the tires do SO MUCH MORE. It eats obstacles like rocks and roots so well that you dont need to pick careful lines, which makes for a very carefree ride. The low scores are understandable since you're a very advanced rider and i think this bike is kind of built for newer to intermediate riders like me. I hate to admit you might be right about compliance - I still have the stock 35 Gold RL fork, and i feel that it handles everything, but i do have to be mindful of the tuning to not bottom it out. I woud love to see you try the medium (I think Matty Active also rides a medium of this bike) and also on some rockier or sandier trail. I've ridden the R8 in Michigan and Wyoming and it did so well with rocky terrain. Love your reviews! Can't wait to try out a Ragley.
I was going to recommend the Canfield Yelli Screamy. Glad to see it in the outro. I too came from BMX. Dirt jumping then to ABA racing. The Canfield is the most BMX feeling MTB I've ridden. Goes up well, easy to the the front end up for those manuals, nimble in the corners and comes alive on the down hills. It wants to to be an active rider and push it.
Good ol ABA! Haha. Thanks for the insights. I really like the build and the tubing shape of it. Stands out from the rest. Now you make me excited to try it
Nope, now you just must to do a retest with M size frame, and you need to adjust fork for different frames, because of different rider position and head angle.
I just got a trek Roscoe 8 for 600 bucks I found it but my buddy who's a bike mechanic with 20 plus years experience came with me and said it's one of the best deals he's ever seen amazing bike🎉🎉❤❤
Loved seeing the old BMX in you at the start of your ride. I just got a redline and started at my local track. You should make a video integrating bmx racing skills into MTB!
I am 5'9 and ride a medium Roscoe 9. I felt the M/L was too big and after hitting trails, I am happy with the size I picked. I think testing a Medium is a great idea.
Yessir please do the comparison with an M sized one. Many of us are regularly in between sizes and it's not easy to pick the right one in those cases. Would be very interested to see how much impact size has on your perception of it. I only ever got the chance to compare sizes properly back 2 back with YT Jeffsy's and Izzo's at their store in Germany. Size made a HUGE change there. Oh and regarding the next reviews - looks like you have a great selection at hand! Have you considered including the Banshee Enigma (maybe as a mullet)? Apart from the chunk I think that one could suit your flowy bike park alike terrain really well.Tough to compare a mullet/27.5er with only 29ers though...
Before you even said you thought it might be too big, I was thinking based on your comments before that down sizing would fix a lot of your complaints on the trek. I would like to see your thoughts on the medium
Í just went to the trek dealer the other day to pick up some bikes and the website says med for me but I went with a small as it just felt more right and more agile without over reaching same with the Mrs she went for the Xsmall over the small feeling the same thing. I think with Trek bike go the next size down as they size more on the big size and also you can make a small bike a little bigger with stem and seat but you can't make a big bike smaller to the same extent.
Yes do the medium frame. Put it back in level field and you can further test your theory about so of this geometry on the same bike just different size.
Pros: Decent geo. looks like it will fit a pretty big frame bag. Cons: 2:27 some will hate that it has integrated headset, as that makes it easier to damage the frame by loose headset. So many like press fit headsets. It likely has the Fsa headset, so probably will wear out within a year or fail when new. at least that was my experience with it. 3:00 the bottom bracket shell and ICSG05 mounts have not been faced. so the surface is not flush. This is a must. Shame they skip this step. Also weird Pro Closet did not correct this. Brake mount between chain stay and seat stay, limiting rotor size.
this Series is so Awsome... now for an hot take... how about you try out the most expensive Rockrider Hardtail... yeah... that decathlon brand... i really wanna see a video of that... cause what if... what if it actually isnt even that bad... they actually invested alot in their XC race bikes and i think they also got an "enduro" style hardtail. and if it sucks... well every list needs an last place i guess.
@@EvansMTBSaga Idk...I remember him praising the 2022 Roscoe 9! Every UA-camr has a different experience with the stuff they review I watched your Hardtail Saga maybe 20 times 😅 I enjoyed it, even though every single frame you have tried,is beyond my price point! Greetings from Croatia 😎
Ive owned my roscoe 9 for a year, and even after demoing slash 9.7s and turbo levos, i still pefer the feel of my roscoe 9. I run cush core and 20/18 psi and it feels so good with the 2.5 tires i have on it. i also put 35 mm riser bars that help with the stack
5'11 with a large Roscoe and I'd say it's slightly too big, but still enjoyable for all my riding. Best upgrade I've done is 40mm riser handlebars. Raises the stack and made it way more comfortable. I'd like to get every reviewer to ride my bike as it is right now cause I think it's dialed in perfectly after a year of owning it. Feels amazing to me. And just to throw my 2c in, I had a commencal meta before and I prefer the Roscoe in nearly every situation. Though I felt like the meta was more intuitive to jump.
I would be really interested in seeing another review with a medium frame, just to see how much sizing impacts the score. I ride a trek roscoe 7 and I love it, but everyone's different! Would be interesting to know if the fit was the problem, or if the geometry is contributing to the problems you faced.
Im curious and think we all could learn a lot about sizing if you tested a medium Roscoe too.
Medium Roscoe frame please
Absolutely get the medium.
Really? You'll know more about sizing when someone ELSE rides a bike! 🙄🤣🤢🤮
I have the medium, and love it, and I think it makes a world of difference vs the M/L...455mm to 440mm reach. I would really like to see what you think about medium - try it.
@Fun_Health_MTB I'm 511. I ride the Trek Marlin 5 3rd gen in a large size. Is that the correct size for me? I'm pretty comfortable while riding it though.
I would love to see a medium roscoe, but for next week do the banshee! Hardtail party foreverrr
Just finished building a Paradox v3 and loooooove that frame
@@mushijoe nice, due to my budget tho i have a stock roscoe 7. Upgrades soon though, first thing is the brakes as i am 240 pounds and the little ol 2 pots are not liking downhills lmao
As a Roscoe owner I think you should for sure see what a medium frame is like
What Roscoe do you own?
Exactly!
A medium roscoe comparison would be incredible, I like your theory and would love to see if it holds up testing a shorter frame with identical geo
yes of course, you should try the M size because it would give us an idea of how changing sizes changes the characteristics and the feel
I think the roscoe deserves a redo in the medium, a lot of the areas it lost points were when you mentioned it being too long
Had a 2020 Roscoe 8 for 3 years and loved it. Never stopped me from riding any kind of terrain. I have now moved on from hardtails and picking up an ebike next week 🤙
I'm 5'10" on the medium/large. Seems to work good for me. It would be good to see the test again in the medium. I'd like to see the compliance comparison with other hardtails.
I'm 5'10" also, don't have a roscoe but my x caliber in m/l felt too big, I shortened the stem by 20mm and it feels about right now.
I love this series, can we expect to see a Canyon Stoic on the list? It's phenomenal.
Hardtail Party review the Stoic and didn’t like it. But that’s just him.
@@GokkunGuruHardtail Party is very picky with his hard tails. I remember when I was considering buying a Commencal Meta HT and found his video completely bashing on the bike. I still bought the bike and I love it!
YES please get a stoic!
@@Brosef336that happens when you have access to a wide variety of titanium and steel bikes from boutique brands (and that cost over 4,000 bucks)
@@Brosef336he loved the Roscoe 9 lol
I have a Roscoe 8, 2023. I'm 6'2, 225 lbs. I had been riding an XL hardtail, and really thought that would be the correct size. Sales person suggested a large. I was hesitant, but I took out the large and rode it around for a bit. I bought the large. Fabulous bike, I ride a mix of cross country and trail and couldn't be happier. Trek has held the price at $1499 since early spring. After shopping many bikes, the Roscoe was easily the best value and component build.
I was EXTREMELY surprised with your ratings, but its all about what you like. I’m 5”10ish and with a large Roscoe 7 and It feels perfect! I haven’t tried any other brands because they haven’t stood out any. I’m on my 2nd Trek Hardtail and I’m loving it! I look forward to supporting you till the end. Have a great day Evan!
lol
The Roscoe is garbage. People only buy it because they are trek.
I'm 5'8" and chose the medium frame for my Roscoe 9. I changed the stem for a slightly longer one (35mm i believe) because the reach felt short when out of the saddle. I don't have experience across multiple bikes but I love my roscoe. I don't regret sizing down.
You're probably thinking of 35mm (vs 31.8) which is the stem diameter and doesn't add length to your reach. It's probably in the 50-70mm range. And size medium at 5'8 sounds perfect with today's geometry. A large would be pretty big, but it depends on your proportions ... Like I'm 5'8 too but you might have longer arms, or maybe I have shorter legs. I ride a medium Mach 6 but my friend has a large Firebird and it felt gigantic.
@@topspot4834the stem comes 35mm long not handle bar width
@topspot4834 you're spot on. I measured both stems the original and the one I replaced with. Original is 45mm. The new one is 60mm with a little rise to it. By Trek's size chart medium tops out at 5' 9" and medium/large starts at 5'8" putting me between the sizes.
Wishing to see you trying and reviewing Canyon Stoic
A thought on your observations of sizing vs compliance - the different riding position of a longer or shorter bike may cause you to load the front more or less, meaning you shouldn't necessarily keep the same fork pressure etc across different bikes. It sounded like you kept the same fork settings, but adjusting pressure to give the same sag % on each bike might be a fairer comparison than keeping the same pressure. Interesting to see the comparison and how you find each bike anyway!
I think the stiffness can be counteracted with the wider 2.6 tires that come with the bike from the factory. I see them all the time with the massive 2.6 and even 2.8 up front, which looks like it can roll over everything. But, I could be totally off. Canfield would be neat to review next.
The 29x2.6 definitely makes a huge difference. The Roscoe will also fit 29x3.0 on 36mm inner width rims
I really like your point, I have only ridden my Roscoe with the stock 2.6 tires. Living in AZ, trails are full of cobble and chunk and it rolls over everything.
I’d love to see another video with a medium frame, i’m in the middle of a large and love my Roscoe 7. Proper sizing matters!
How long did you live with the xr4 tires. If you changed them, what are you running now or what would you try?
I'm 5'10" on a M/L Roscoe 9 and sometimes I feel cramped...I'd love to see how the two compare. Great series, keep it coming!
I agree. I ended up going with a 60mm stem and it transformed the feel . I would experiment with more stem
I feel similar, feels like my ass is hanging off the back of the seat?? I've pushed my seat back to help.
@johnnyrocket1320 I'll have to look into that, thanks for the suggestion.
@@andywmoffat same here, I moved the seat back and it helped a little. Either way it's a fun ride.
Any hardtail would have strong resistance to rock gardens. It doesnt have the back suspension to help it roll over the rock. With Hardtail riding it is all about line choice, and being light on the bike.
The most awaited video of the week! 🙌 Here in Finland I see *a lot* of Treks, but I’ve never had a thing for them. Anyway, I think the Medium Roscoe would be apples to apples.
Itekki Suomesta ja oon samaa mieltä
Yes the geo numbers would be so close that there would be no amazing ride difference. I think the bike has a lot of good reviews. I think it just doesn’t jive with him.
Good idea getting the M and re doing the test. I agree with the size comparison making the bike feel " Too long". I think this sizing may be for shorter torso longer arms. Or something like that. I have a feeling the M will be completely different.
I'd love to see your insight on the M Roscoe! Half heart looking into it and hopefully this will help me with deciding!
The 8 is a great value. Just needs alittle better fork over time. Same with the 7. Needs better brakes on this one to. You could change the frame in time and use these parts. You can try every size in the store, that is valuable. Tires are great if you have a ski lift. Flat stuff 2.6 tires are work to pedal. I’m getting some muscle tone though. Maxxis dissector 2.4 that’s my two cents
Get it. I have the 9 and it’s the best bike i’ve ever had. Prefer it more than a full sus! Just because it’s so much fun
I love these episode of hardtail quest! I bet this is the most in-demand by subscribers. 😊
Definitely test the Roscoe in a medium size frame. It would be very interesting to what difference , if any, you would feel.
I made the mistake of getting a 2023 Roscoe 7 in medium large. Rode it for about 2 weeks and swapped it out for the medium. So glad I did! Bike feels great and better fitted to me. PLEASE try a medium frame!!!
How tall are you? I am 5'9" in the same boat? THANKS
@@epd1584I’m the same night as you. I feel more comfortable riding the medium frame.
Loving the series! Interested in seeing the Paradox vs RSD!
ML does not stand for medium large.
It stands for medium long.
Even some Trek dealers don’t know this.
It is for medium height people, who have a torso/arm length more like a taller person.
It is also for tall people who are relatively short in the leg.
This is why this bike didn’t fit you in the reach.
Definitely need a re test.
Trek is the Toyota of bike brands. Just like no one wakes up in the morning excited to drive a Camry, no one wakes up in the morning excited and jazzed to be riding a Trek.
But like Toyota, Trek is just a solid brand that is good enough for the majority. It’s also a “safe” choice for newer riders.
Haha I love Toyotas! But I agree with what you're saying
Pretty sure the 4Runner/Landcruiser/Tacoma people will disagree with you on not being excited. lol
I drive a Tacoma and while I love it, it's not the most exciting thing to drive. It's like the unseasoned chicken breast and white rice dinner of vehicles 😂
Yeah. I've had many of Toyota's. The Roscoe 9 is the Supra of Ht's
MEDIUM here in the UK unless you're like a die hard fan we can only really get hold of Specialized, Giant, Trek, Carrera, Voodoo, Triban & Boardman... Yeh Mostly Carrera & Boardmans, Never knew Nukeproof did bikes despite buying their stem and Handle bars and Accessories
Evan the hardtail series is top notch my man! (even though i currently dont own one! I gotta fuel ex gen 6) From a Motocross racer and fellow Eli Tomac fan, keep kicking ass!
Tomac is coming back!! Thanks Nick!
Love the concept of your series. Before buying another expensive frame though, honestly I bet it will feel way better all around if you re-run your test with the tire and suspension recommendations from Trek's website (2.6" or so tires, 20 psi). That should greatly improve most of your issues on the singletrack (compliance, rock garden, front wheel chatter, cornering, "feeling like a goon").
Honestly, with the cushcore and thinner tires in your setup vs the 2.6" stock/20 psi, it should ride and feel way better at 16 - 18 psi and maybe you can save the $750 cost of another frame !
I think you should definitely compare apples to apples. Try the medium Roscoe! Next week I'd like to see the Middle Child.
I'm still riding a Trek 4300 I bought back in 2007. I put M770 and M772 Shimano XT components, Thomson Elite stem and post, and a Chris King headset🤘🤘
I hope you do the canyon stoic, Canyon’s internal/external hybrid routing makes swapping parts a breeze!
I'm looking for a bike and am willing to go a little beyond 1k if I can get something good. Do you have any recommendation?
this wasn't intended for flow or flat riding, Trek made this bike to do really well on dh tech, while still being able to climb to the top at a budget. High speeds is where you will find the confidence from the longer frame
loving this series, I'll vote for the RSD Middle Child to try next. I hope you will also try GT Zaskar LT.
I'm a Roscoe 7 owner and personally I think it's a very good and capable bike. I would definitely give it another chance
I would be very interested in a test of the Roscoe in medium size to see if your hunch is correct.
Also a test of the Marin Team Marin would be very interesting. It should have a very good comliance and fits wonderfully into the previous selection.
that frame would break on the 1st jump. Wrong bike for this test IMHO.
@@marcstolk6682 I'm curious what makes you say that. Not that I agree/disagree.
@@mcndjxlefnd not for what's designed for. It's a downcountry XC bike. They have a history of cracking at the seat stays as it is... sure, they've updated the frame with a gusset but that's to stop it cracking under a Cat 3 riding conditions. Sending it like a
"Trail" HT is asking for brakage.. and I like the Team Marin.
I have it’s predecessor, a 2001 Trek 9600. In this day and age it’s considered more of a gravel bike than a mountain bike. I got it new back in the day and still love it. It has never failed on me after 20+ years of hard use. Haven’t had to replace any parts, just general maintenance.
I have a 2007 Trek Madone road bike. It's just like your Trek, never replaced even one part. That's back when trek was still made in USA. Their new stuff is questionable IMO
You should try GT Zaskar LT, great bike with very unique rear triangle design 😃
Weird!! I had a roscoe-8 2022. Used it for a year and sold it last month to get a fuel ex 7. It's such a solid bike that gives you confidence, that I've now ordered a roscoe-7 as a backup bike because I missed it so much. Love the roscoes!!!! Trek bikes are great value for money. You'll spend way more money on Specialized/ Norco/ Santa Cruz bikes for the same components.
Any roscoe owner here 🖐️? (Bonus point if you have the matte black frame)
🤝👋👏
No, the teal roscoe 7 is the best
Me It was my first real mtb and it is awesome I still ride it sometimes
I have the teal and rainbow
@@owendanielson2609yes
Test a medium. I'm 5'11" and the L has been super smooth for me. It is a great "All'rounder" - I would never accuse this bike at being great at most things other than being a little better than "just okay" at everything. Definitely fun to ride as a beginner.
He is not really reviewing the bike. He's reviewing how it fits him.
I would love to see the medium Roscoe tested as well, keeps it fair, and would put the size/compliance theory to the test too.
I have a roscoe and at 6'3 I fell between the L and XL. I went smaller and did not regret it. Go for that true medium, I want to see the comparison between that m/l and the m.
I'm 6'2" and I got the XL and don't regret it either. The reach is a little long but it feels good climbing. I prolly would have gotten the L if they had it in the same color. But ya, either will work ok.
What Roscoe do you have and what's the difference between the Roscoes?
My vote is for medium as well! Seems you really liked it besides it being a bit large for you, maybe that will help
I’d love to hear your thoughts on the medium vs medium/large
Before buying my last bike, it came down to the Roscoe and the Orbea Laufey. I got the Laufey (better frame IMO). Absolute beauty of a bike. It likes to go fast, super responsive in the corners and loves to charge through chunk. Climbs well, up until it gets pretty steep, then the front tire just levitates off the ground. I use it alot at the downhill park and it's awesome! It loves to go downhill, over drops, blasts through rock gardens like a champ. It's my aggressive enduro hardtail ;)
I have a Roscoe 7 but in XL. I was most surprised by the chunk rating because it feels REALLY smooth on the roscoe compared to my old specialized and Diamondback.
I agree. I have a Roscoe 9 and it is really smooth (for a hardtail) as long as I guide the bike where I want it vs fighting with it.
I'm 6' with kinda short legs and my M/L Roscoe fits me perfectly...you absolutely need a medium.
Medium large means you have a medium size frame but it still comes with a 29" wheel for most brands
On the roscoe everything is 29x2.5 so not relevant here
i upgraded my trek roscoe 2021 with a 130mm 51mm rockshox pike and its ready for a possible mullet conversion, its by far my fav bike
I own a Paradox and love it. Hope you review that one next!
I've got the Roscoe 8 in a large and it's the best hardtail I've ever ridden. I'd love to see you ride the medium
The Santa Cruz Chameleon is patiently waiting to join the chat...
Trek might be trying to make their bikes strong enough for heavy riders. As their bikes in the past could be too flexy, snap, at least on their full suspension frames. But an hardtail will always be too harsh for me, no matter which one it is. unless I ride on pavement, road. But Trek tends to make everything the same, apart from chainstay length. but the problem with this is you get a harsh tiny bike. but the other way around you could get a super flexy big bike as they did in the past.
You should redo the test with a right sized frame.
There is no "right sized" frame
I think the great thing about this series versus something like hardtail party is that you keep everything fair by taking it down to the frame and comparing only the frame. Hardtailparty will sometimes build up frames sometimes ride complete bikes and it's hard for comparison if you're a new buyer looking for a bike.
Oh yeah you're testing a Paradox! I can't wait to see that one. Such a cool bike
As a Roscoe 7 owner I really like it! everything about it its just so much better. The 12 gears making gear 1 as light as a feather and the dropper post to the suspension it's all so good!
The only recommendation is to switch out the grips. I switched to sram grips!
( Maybe the pedals too )
fully agree the pedals gotta be swapped :)
I didn't even try stock pedals they're still in a box somewhere
@@Nathan-qt2zi well they were just a bit small and flat in my opinion.
5:36 The stock chain stay protector seems to be same hard, stiff plastic as older bikes, so it will move, scratch the chain stay. It will also be very noisy. Which cane be heard at 10:10. An inner tube will make it better, but the best solution is VHS 2.0 protector.
I had a 2019 M/L Roscoe 7, I personally really liked (as a 13 y/o). The dropper was really nice and had no problems, internal routing for cables was very nice. I used it for 2 years 1/2 years with minimal issues overall. A good bike to learn on but I wish it wasn’t a 27.5+ bike. Overall a good bike for 1200 at the time, but could have gotten more for the money
I have a Roscoe 6 but I upgraded it to above a 7 I put $1.5k into it but I just cracked the frame last month. Im getting a new one on warranty but its delayed. I’ve had a lot of issues with my dropper maybe the 7 has a better one
Yep, try the medium - has 440 reach which you like on the Nukeproof so maybe that’s your number.
I have a medium Roscoe 9 and so far it’s my favorite bike I’ve ever had - looking forward to your Paradox review cuz that was my other choice but test rides are difficult for that one.
Loving this series !! I bought a Rosco 9 L !! It drives great, I love it
im about 5'9 and i ride an older roscoe in size large. the older version had 27.5" tires and 20mm less travel, but i do think it is a bit too large for me. I think you should definitely try a medium to give the roscoe a fair shot
First hand knowledge here my wife rides a M/L Marlin shes 5' 7-1/2 almost 5'8 with shoes on for the Roscoe she went with the medium frame and it has been a very good decision, the reach on the roscoe m/l was too much where on the Marlin m/l it works great for her.
The NukeProof will probably still win but the Roscoe deserves another shot!!
I have a Roscoe 9 (size medium - I'm 5'7" on a good day) with just over 500 miles on it and average skills - swapped out the dropper post with a OneUp (which turns out to be a piece of junk unless you love to listen to constant creaking), Raceface carbon bars (I think I cut them down to 740mm), XT shifter, seat, dropper post lever, grips, pedals and just changed the stock tires to Continental Argotal/Kryptotal. I had an Enve stem on there, but swapped the stock stem back. The good is that it's a fun bike to ride, and can handle the terrain here in Tucson, AZ well enough (I just posted up a short vid of the trail park across the street from me to get a basic idea). It descends well, and the 2.6" tires give an adequate amount of cushion. It feels a bit vague going fast through single track (especially when having to change direction quick), but it's not a cross country bike. Not a "fast" bike by any means, but it's fun. It is pretty harsh on rougher terrain (it is a hardtail after all), but I don't really have any other hardtails to compare it to. I wouldn't want to run it on less than 2.6" tires, but it has made me want to get a full suspension bike again. I feel like I'd get more grip in the relatively flat/loose turns here and better turn-in with less tire, but it does roll over the endless amount of rock/loose rock pretty well (and the 29" wheels help a lot). The stock tires are ok but not my favorite - the Conti's seem to be a step up (they at least roll noticeably faster, oddly enough, even though they're meatier and heavier), but I've only ridden them once so need more time. Not a bad bike for the price, but if I had to do it all over again I'd get a Trek Fuel EX Gen 6. Changing out the stock bar to a carbon bar did help a lot in the comfort/vibration.
I ride a M/L 2022 Roscoe 8, I'm just under 6'0 @ 5'11. I really like my Roscoe- it's just a fun-ass bike to ride. That said, I relate to the sensation of it feeling 'big', as well as that the bars feel a bit wide - i may shorten mine. Lots of people complain about the bars on the internet as well as IRL when I've offered to let people test ride it on trails.
I think the larger wheels are what makes it feel so different, but i have a longer torso and shorter legs. Now that I've adapted to it i like it, but i pick different lines that i did when i was on my Marlin because i think it's general agility is lower than the Marlin's, or other 27.5 bikes. The trade off (imo) is that the tires do SO MUCH MORE. It eats obstacles like rocks and roots so well that you dont need to pick careful lines, which makes for a very carefree ride.
The low scores are understandable since you're a very advanced rider and i think this bike is kind of built for newer to intermediate riders like me. I hate to admit you might be right about compliance - I still have the stock 35 Gold RL fork, and i feel that it handles everything, but i do have to be mindful of the tuning to not bottom it out. I woud love to see you try the medium (I think Matty Active also rides a medium of this bike) and also on some rockier or sandier trail. I've ridden the R8 in Michigan and Wyoming and it did so well with rocky terrain.
Love your reviews! Can't wait to try out a Ragley.
I was going to recommend the Canfield Yelli Screamy. Glad to see it in the outro. I too came from BMX. Dirt jumping then to ABA racing. The Canfield is the most BMX feeling MTB I've ridden. Goes up well, easy to the the front end up for those manuals, nimble in the corners and comes alive on the down hills. It wants to to be an active rider and push it.
Good ol ABA! Haha. Thanks for the insights. I really like the build and the tubing shape of it. Stands out from the rest. Now you make me excited to try it
Definitely try the medium. I would love to see how it compares.
Nope, now you just must to do a retest with M size frame, and you need to adjust fork for different frames, because of different rider position and head angle.
100% the yeti to try next. The editing and the quality just astound me every episode. Just is getting better
Thanks Smokey! The Yeti Arc is definitely on my radar, but I plan on doing that for season 3: carbon & ti
Man, these vids are fire❤️🔥
I'd love to see you testing the
Commencal Meta HT
I just got a trek Roscoe 8 for 600 bucks I found it but my buddy who's a bike mechanic with 20 plus years experience came with me and said it's one of the best deals he's ever seen amazing bike🎉🎉❤❤
Loved seeing the old BMX in you at the start of your ride. I just got a redline and started at my local track. You should make a video integrating bmx racing skills into MTB!
I'd love to see the Banshee. You should also try Chromag bikes
I am 5'9 and ride a medium Roscoe 9. I felt the M/L was too big and after hitting trails, I am happy with the size I picked. I think testing a Medium is a great idea.
I was waiting for this video, I’m so excited! And I love to see Matty active mentioned in the video !
Yessir please do the comparison with an M sized one. Many of us are regularly in between sizes and it's not easy to pick the right one in those cases. Would be very interested to see how much impact size has on your perception of it. I only ever got the chance to compare sizes properly back 2 back with YT Jeffsy's and Izzo's at their store in Germany. Size made a HUGE change there.
Oh and regarding the next reviews - looks like you have a great selection at hand! Have you considered including the Banshee Enigma (maybe as a mullet)? Apart from the chunk I think that one could suit your flowy bike park alike terrain really well.Tough to compare a mullet/27.5er with only 29ers though...
Before you even said you thought it might be too big, I was thinking based on your comments before that down sizing would fix a lot of your complaints on the trek. I would like to see your thoughts on the medium
I'd really like to see a Canyon Stoic 2 considering that it's probably the best value hardtail right now.
The medium would definitely change things up, I’m the same height with a medium and I absolutely love it, by far the best bike I’ve owned
Í just went to the trek dealer the other day to pick up some bikes and the website says med for me but I went with a small as it just felt more right and more agile without over reaching same with the Mrs she went for the Xsmall over the small feeling the same thing. I think with Trek bike go the next size down as they size more on the big size and also you can make a small bike a little bigger with stem and seat but you can't make a big bike smaller to the same extent.
Yelli Screamy! It’s more bruiser than you think, but somehow has a compliant and nimble nature that makes it so fun.
Give it another shot with the right sized frame! Thanks for the content.
Yes do the medium frame. Put it back in level field and you can further test your theory about so of this geometry on the same bike just different size.
Need to try a medium Roscoe!! All great bikes coming up!! RSD Middle child is my vote.
Pros:
Decent geo.
looks like it will fit a pretty big frame bag.
Cons:
2:27 some will hate that it has integrated headset, as that makes it easier to damage the frame by loose headset. So many like press fit headsets. It likely has the Fsa headset, so probably will wear out within a year or fail when new. at least that was my experience with it.
3:00 the bottom bracket shell and ICSG05 mounts have not been faced. so the surface is not flush. This is a must. Shame they skip this step. Also weird Pro Closet did not correct this.
Brake mount between chain stay and seat stay, limiting rotor size.
this Series is so Awsome... now for an hot take... how about you try out the most expensive Rockrider Hardtail... yeah... that decathlon brand... i really wanna see a video of that... cause what if... what if it actually isnt even that bad... they actually invested alot in their XC race bikes and i think they also got an "enduro" style hardtail. and if it sucks... well every list needs an last place i guess.
I’m 5’8” and rock a medium roscoe 8. I love that bike.
6:10, 6:15, 6:31, 7:55, 8:30, 9:06 (Charles' bike), 9:11, 9:43, 10:15
MORE CHARLES SPOTTINGS
Hardtail Party tells completely different story about this frame! It was actually described as comfortable!😮
I've had opposite opinions from him with multiple frames
@@EvansMTBSaga Idk...I remember him praising the 2022 Roscoe 9!
Every UA-camr has a different experience with the stuff they review
I watched your Hardtail Saga maybe 20 times 😅 I enjoyed it, even though every single frame you have tried,is beyond my price point! Greetings from Croatia 😎
RSD Middle Child next please!!! Also, redoing the Trek with a Medium frame would be extremely interesting.
Agreed! I will order the medium. You're the only vote for the RSD so far so that test might be in two or three weeks 💀 it's a super cool frame though!
Ive owned my roscoe 9 for a year, and even after demoing slash 9.7s and turbo levos, i still pefer the feel of my roscoe 9. I run cush core and 20/18 psi and it feels so good with the 2.5 tires i have on it. i also put 35 mm riser bars that help with the stack
5'11 with a large Roscoe and I'd say it's slightly too big, but still enjoyable for all my riding. Best upgrade I've done is 40mm riser handlebars. Raises the stack and made it way more comfortable. I'd like to get every reviewer to ride my bike as it is right now cause I think it's dialed in perfectly after a year of owning it. Feels amazing to me.
And just to throw my 2c in, I had a commencal meta before and I prefer the Roscoe in nearly every situation. Though I felt like the meta was more intuitive to jump.
What bars did you get? In size height and same frame size you have, but can’t really seem to find something to just bring the bars up a bit.
For reference, i am 6'1" and the large was perfect for me. I have a roscoe 8 and it feels amazing. I think you need to try the medium...
A gentleman never wears a hat inside of doors.
It would definitely be interesting to see how it compares in a medium, particularly given the trend for longer, lower, slacker.
I would be really interested in seeing another review with a medium frame, just to see how much sizing impacts the score. I ride a trek roscoe 7 and I love it, but everyone's different! Would be interesting to know if the fit was the problem, or if the geometry is contributing to the problems you faced.
Duuuuuude. You need to ride a Banshee Paradox. There is no going back after that. Mic drop.
Did you see the spread of frames at the end?