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Trek's 2023 Roscoe 6 Is a Budget Hardtail Designed To Be As Versatile as $1,200 Can Buy

In the world of cycling, few bikes are as versatile as the hardtail; it's one of the reasons why I fell in love with these buggers from the first turns of the crank. Whatever your reasons for loving this style of two-wheeler, Trek's budget-friendly Roscoe 6 is one machine you need to consider. Did I mention it's dirt cheap?
2023 Roscoe 6 MTB 12 photos
Photo: Trek Bicycle Corporation
2023 Roscoe 6 MTBDrivetrainDrivetrainFrameSaddleForkHead TubeCassetteCockpitCargo Rack2023 Roscoe 6 MTB
Folks, this is the 2023 Roscoe 6 hardtail MTB, and while me talking about a bicycle is nothing new, this is the freshest version for the upcoming year, 2023. Beyond that, the fact that this bugger will only cost you a mere $1,200 (€1,195 at current exchange rates) to own is what compelled me to bring it to your attention. Time to see what Trek has in store for the new year.

Whenever we discuss a bicycle, one thing we need to consider is what sort of terrain it's built for, and hardtails being what they are, can be spotted flying down mountains, crushing trails, and even carrying grandma to the local store. We'll talk more about the latter soon enough. For now, let's look at the base or frame used for the 6.

Well, for this hardtail, Trek called upon their Alpha Gold aluminum blend to yield a geometry that invites me to want to climb on and ride as far as my legs will take me. Because it's an entry-level MTB, don't expect to see things like Trek's decouplers or numerous safety features. Instead, try and think of this one as a bike meant to be taken out and trashed around without feeling sorry for it.

2023 Roscoe 6 MTB
Photo: Trek Bicycle Corporation
A few basics you'll want and need while out there on the trails are things like a suspension fork from SR Suntour with lockout, preload, and 100 mm (3.9 in) of travel, internal cable routing, and, wait for it, a dropper post. The latter is essential if you plan to tackle more technical trails and possible airtime. If you're bent on grabbing some air with this bike, make sure you do it within the limits of the design, materials used, and your abilities.

To help you grasp more of what the Roscoe can do for your lifestyle, I want you to take a close look at the bike's seat stay. If you noticed the rack mounts integrated into the frame, you know what to expect. If you can't, just imagine that you and your cycling buddy plan a two to three-day trip out in the wild with nothing but your bikes and some gear. But where to put your gear? On the cargo rack you'll install on the bike, of course. This is also the same feature that your grandmother will find indispensable in the case of an urgent trip to the store or pharmacy.

Cargo Rack
Photo: Trek Bicycle Corporation
Since the very definition of the word hardtail implies that there's no rear suspension, riders will be dependent on the sort of tires they use. While the bike is built around 27.5-inch tires as stock, 29-inch tires are suitable too, but this will affect the fork you use. Considering this bike's price, expect to find Shimano supplying the drivetrain with a Deore M4100 cassette with 11-46T range and tuned to the sound of ten speeds. All that and a few other components, and you're looking at a two-wheeler weighing 35 pounds (15.9 kilograms). Considering the weight limit is set at 300 pounds (136 kilograms), you may need to be fit to ride this bike and carry cargo simultaneously.

Sure, they're considered MTBs, but because they happen to be one of the most versatile frame styles around, hardtails come across as a great choice for a sort of do-it-all kind of bicycle. The only thing I'm still waiting to see is some grandma or grandpa rocking a Roscoe 6 down singletracks or grabbing a tad of airtime. Until then, maybe you can take one out for a spin, but you will need to find one in some shop window because Trek is sold out of all sizes on their website. Make sure to wear a helmet when you finally find one.
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About the author: Cristian Curmei
Cristian Curmei profile photo

A bit of a nomad at heart (being born in Europe and raised in several places in the USA), Cristian is enamored with travel trailers, campers and bikes. He also tests and writes about urban means of transportation like scooters, mopeds and e-bikes (when he's not busy hosting our video stories and guides).
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