Trek Marlin vs X-Caliber vs Roscoe!! What’s the Difference?

Trek Website: bit.ly/3OGJp4e
In this video I compare and contrast the Marlin, X-Caliber, and Roscoe lineups from Trek, to help you decide which bike is the best for your riding style. I give an overview on the lineups and then show a comparison between the Marlin 7, X-Caliber 7, and Roscoe 6, which are priced similarly. I hope this helps!
Follow my Instagram! @talalipop_mtb
2020 vs 2021 Trek Marlin: • 2020 vs 2021 Trek Marl...
2020 vs 2021 Trek X-Caliber: • 2020 vs 2021 Trek X-Ca...
2020 vs 2021 Trek Roscoe: • 2020 vs 2021 Trek Rosc...
0:00 Intro
1:28 Lineup Overviews
3:00 Pricing/Geometry
5:09 Main Points
5:56 Bike Comparison
10:30 End Table

[@TalalipopMTB]

Correction/Update to video: The Roscoe and X-Caliber bikes actually share the exact same frame, but the geometry numbers still vary due to the 27.5" wheels and longer travel suspension fork.

[@wojak2466]

Does that mean X- Caliber bikes are capable of withstanding forces in the frame as that of Roscoe? Excluding the fork suspension?

[@TalalipopMTB]

@@wojak2466 For the 2021 frames, yes!

[@wojak2466]

@@TalalipopMTB awesome 🔥

[@mikojude6969]

How about 2022 /2023 *. Thanks​@@TalalipopMTB

[@Durwood71]

It kinda of grates me when bikes are described as being for "beginners". Makes it seem like they should come with training wheels. Ha ha! I bought a Marlin 8 last year because it was the most bike for my budget, and I love it. I do a lot of riding around town (errands; grocery shopping), but I've taken it off-road a number of times, and it handles quite well over rough, rooty trails, so anybody thinking you'll get a bum ride with a "beginner" bike needn't worry.

[@jadilan82]

Got a Marlin 4 for my 10 year olds birthday. He's having a blast!

[@TalalipopMTB]

Nice!!

[@joshwinters2583]

I got one for my 11 year old. It's a great bike!

[@ItsMeHammie]

Thank you! I wish these companies would just be clear with their lineups. It's so difficult for a newer rider who doesn't know what discipline he enjoys yet to understand what kind of bike they're getting in to

[@TalalipopMTB]

Glad I could help out!!

[@OriginalFallofMind]

They actually are. Websites state the intended purpose. Marlin and xcal are xc. Marlin is more do it all and has holes for luggage racks, etc. Xcal is more race specific without the price of carbon. They offer you good xc frames with cheaper components. Roscoe is a totally different beast. 100% slack, big, heavy trail specific bike. Most people go overkill. The Marlin or x-caliber is more than adequate for most single track. Probably have more fun than jumping on a roscoe. You can upgrade parts in the future if you want. The roscoe 8 is the best value of the roscoe line but it's almost 2 grand, and that's a lot if it puts a bad taste in your mouth and you don't like mtb. Roscoe is a awesome bike but be prepared to work a little harder and build some muscle if you are pedaling on flat ground or climbing.

[@saidtuabuela7481]

@@OriginalFallofMind check trek mx (México) and look for “procaliber 6” is aroud the same price to the x-caliber 8 and has a better frameset alpha platinum p, but I don’t understand why when you search in trek usa don’t appears, the rest of the components are the same except for the fork, the procaliber 6 has a better one

[@Ranger_k16]

I just want to say I REALLY appreciate these videos. I watched all of your comparison videos and cant say how much this helped me understand the differences and what I want/need. I also greatly appreciate the format and consistency across your videos

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thank you so much!! I’m so glad you like them :)

[@cytrekmtb]

Great comparison video. This is fantastic for anyone new to mountain biking and trying to figure out what to buy and why. Keep it up.

[@rawgeezee1289]

You’re videos have been so helpful, made my decision a lot easier. Thanks

[@TalalipopMTB]

Aw glad I could help!!

[@davidfoley1204]

Really helpful stuff, definitely getting that X Caliber

[@grahamgilbert9331]

Talalipop your videos are probably the most informative on KZbin and are very helpful to anyone confused with the range of Trek bikes on the market. Have you done any comparisons on their different ranges of Ebikes?

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thank you!! And unfortunately I have not discussed any E-bikes yet and have not considered those too much, though I have built and ridden many at my job. I'll probably make a video on those eventually!

[@marcbaptista7381]

Clear and concise and very thorough. Thanks for the breakdown. It provided the clarity I needed for comparison...

[@TalalipopMTB]

Glad you liked it!

[@Gooseridez]

Very good comparison video. I just bought the X Caliber 7 and I love it! I'm more of a Roscoe type of rider, but nice to enjoy something different. Just love the mulsanne blue and overall look of the bike. Takes on our xc tracks perfectly!

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thank you! I love that color as well :)

[@acme4fun547]

Best bike comparison video I have seen yet.....very detailed & infomative, Thank You.

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thank you so much! Glad it helped :)

[@lollipopper7878]

Thank you SO MUCH for this clip! It was really easy to understand the differences and adv/dissadv between the bikes! :D it helped me a lot

[@TalalipopMTB]

No problem!!

[@aaronm5871]

Very clear and detailed comparison video, that's what I'm looking for, appreciate! Hope to see some Giant bikes comparison

[@TalalipopMTB]

Working on some right now! I'll try to do more comparisons from other brands as well :)

[@jcottam]

Just a perfect review to understand the difference - thank you! I will probably go for the x-caliber 7 in orange 2021.

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thank you! Unfortunately for 2022 that model has been cancelled but if you can find a used one sure!

[@albertmanzo9510]

That is a great review on these top entry level bikes!!!!!!!!! Thanks a bunch!!

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thank you too for watching :D

[@FawadAfzalKhattak]

Hi Talal. Awesome content. Your comparison is to the point. Best value for time. If you can do other brands, that will be highly appreciated.

[@davidcollier6520]

What a great video, I've seen a few of yours now and they're all very informative but this one really helped me zoom into the X-Caliber range then the X-Caliber 7 vs 8 vs 9 video helped me think the X-Caliber 7 and 8 are best for my purposes. So as much as I like your videos I'll skip the Roscoe videos. Thanks for the very clear and concise comparison!

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thank you! That is much appreciated :)

[@whodafakru7668]

Thank you so much for the info. I am choosing between XCaliber 7 and Roscoe 6. Finally made up my mind and I will go for XCaliber 7 😄

[@TalalipopMTB]

Nice!! Glad I could help :)

[@mouselim72]

Superb explanation and comparison! Exactly what I needed. Thanks!!

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thank you too!

[@lucasmtz3849]

Thank you for the information, you have helped me better then the sales person at my local bike shop. 👍🏽

[@TalalipopMTB]

Aw thanks!!

[@lucasmtz3849]

I couldn’t decide on either the roscoe 6 or the x-caliber 7, so I bought both of them. Thank you for the information again. 👍🏽

[@GUVX]

@@lucasmtz3849 wow I'm hoping to get any cheap trek mountain bike and you are buying the both?!

[@stafiecosmin5232]

This is the video i wanted to see😁

[@matthewkerner1868]

Nice video. I picked up a Marlin 6 last month after your Marlin video. I’m a brand new mountain biker - only thing I dislike is that I want to spend more on a new bike already. Not because I’m outperforming the bike, but because they’re just too cool. Keep it up.

[@TalalipopMTB]

I totally feel that way too! Gotta have self control though :( since I just got my marlin as well hahaha

[@InflamesGames303]

I got a Roscoe 8 about 2 years ago and love it, put a 35mm nuke proof stem on it, dmr death grips, also got the shram 1x11 nx set and spd pedals, it is a beast and a great ride for all terrain and a fun ride.

[@whateveryt6971]

Inflames.Games shimano nx? Think you mean SRAM mate

[@InflamesGames303]

@@whateveryt6971 my bad , thanks for pointing out

[@jjay5123]

Thank you sir. This made me finalize my decision. Waiting for my Marlin7 M/L and a Marlin 5xs...be arriving in April.

[@TalalipopMTB]

Awesome! Glad I could help :)

[@morebikefunoutdoors2111]

Great comparison. I love our Trek Marlin as a commuter. Can't stand using it on the trails. I prefer the full squish of my Jekyll when I'm off road.

[@leonsotirovski2371]

Thanks for this vid! Just subbed

[@ninjagamer9518]

This was super duper helpful, I was debaiting what bikes to get as a beginner and now I recon I'm gonna go with the marlin 7 and in 2 or 3 yrs upgrade, thankyou do much

[@TalalipopMTB]

You’re welcome! Glad it helped :)

[@abhimanyu7748]

you are my life saver for trek... keep it up... and hey congrats on the job..so happy for ya 👏👍

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thank you!! Happy to help :)

[@mitchellsullivan9894]

Great comparison and has helped me a lot. Thank you mate

[@TalalipopMTB]

You're welcome! Glad it helped :)

[@gameadventures1]

Thank you, this video has helped me a lot, I'm getting a x-caliber

[@yourhairlineisgone]

3k subs well I'll be damned weren't you at 2 k last week? Your killing it keep up the good work 👍

[@TalalipopMTB]

Yeah!! Around that amount HAHA and thank you!!

[@YBMTB]

@@TalalipopMTB 6.5k now!

[@monetdomingez9268]

This is the best video i have seen about comparison. Thanks 👍

[@TalalipopMTB]

You're welcome!

[@michaelpagsanjan3204]

Amazing content. Definitely ill go to x caliber. 🚲

[@ethankadlis191]

just got my roscoe 7, got the last one in stock for my size in Melbourne!

[@ellerynott1520]

Nice bro! Awesome bike man. You gonna hit the trails?

[@finley-oliverparsons]

I got one today!!

[@jerrymartin5699]

Which bike shop in Melbourne? Cheers bud

[@chloechai5799]

Wow Lucky You...

[@alexl3733]

Awesome video. Ive got a Marlin 7 2021. I would like to know how far i would be able to upgrade components (Tyres,Fork) in the future.

[@hoctiengye128]

I watch the comparision between marlin 5-6-7 and decided for the 7 2021; then I watched this and now all I want is a model that helps with XC, fast, on all terrain and on the budget. ;))). God helps me when all the mentioned models are finished in my hometown.

[@shralpmtb1201]

This is an amazing comparison

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thank you!!

[@milan_2k45]

got Roscoe 8 in 2017, and im not selling it to this day, even if I can almost get my money back if I sold! I upgraded to 140mm travel fork and OMG this bike rips downhill!

[@McRemmyBaby]

My 2020 marlin 4 for $490-500 with inner tube wires pwns brother! New expensive seat and all! Love love love love! The bicycle shop owner came out and said show him the Marlin 4, n it was game over in love, i was test driving garbage around (so many bikes i over looked mine, n had no clue really) but he knew as soon as he seen me what i needed lmaoaoaoa my fav color also, red

[@jarretbyrd1]

Great video! I may have chosen a more all-around bike than my Roscoe 8 of I saw this 1st.. But I do love it so I'll just add another gravel type in the near future 🔮 - JB

[@Juandediosperalta]

Nice video! I’m waiting for my x caliber 7 2021!

[@jlsszr8327]

Same here. Ordered and paid but it won’t arrive til Jan 2021! X cal 7.

[@jessehedges5123]

Great comparison! Definitely helpful, rather than going to the LBS and asking a bunch of questions - now I can call them up, ask if my choice is in stock (2021 X-Caliber 7 or 9, Medium).

[@TalalipopMTB]

Glad it helped!!

[@jamesk8237]

I was so lucky to get my marlin 5 in LG last week! And I love it!

[@taurinenrgy]

La Grande?

[@jamesk8237]

Large my friend

[@danielcodreanu3390]

Yo I just love your videos you make my live so easy love all of your videos your Chanel is so helpful awesome and helpful I'll share all of my friends our videos

[@TalalipopMTB]

Aw thank you!!!

[@sangramchavan4816]

Always beautiful video broo♥️👍

[@aioelectronics1012]

Great video, it help me out to decide what to buy. Thank you a lot.

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thank you too!

[@stephenkeegan5625]

I have paid deposit on a 2021 nautical navy trek Marlin 7 and I'm so excited

[@garzilla4624]

I was told I have to wait until February for me to get my roscoe 8 lol

[@leximulawka8748]

I bought a xl last week only size in stock. I cut the seat tube and lowered the handlebar. Works great now. The color is spot on

[@kabeerahuja2199]

Well explained bro ✌🏼 Please differentiate Trek Marlin 6 2020 VS GT Avalanche Sports 2020

[@isaacflor.e]

You have a new subscriber, you helped me a lot, I was between the marlin or the x caliber Thanks

[@TalalipopMTB]

You’re welcome!

[@waggaclint]

Great info, the only thing I think you missed was bottom brackets.. And the difference between a 2 piece and the square taper cranks

[@superdave9099]

I watch and enjoy all of your videos. ;) thanks lollipop!!!

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thank you so much!!

[@brutalpancho]

Thank you! Great review/comparison - very helpful!

[@TalalipopMTB]

You’re welcome!

[@ervalduis7644]

Thank you for this info..i like it the way you explain because im a newbie.tnx a lot keep it up.god bless.

[@TalalipopMTB]

Aw thank you!! :)

[@A.Hocking]

thx you have a new subscriber really well explained :)

[@TalalipopMTB]

Aw thank you!!

[@owenmudie738]

Getting roscoe 6 today so excited

[@finley-oliverparsons]

I just got the 7 today, I love it!! How are you finding yours fello roscoe??

[@owenmudie738]

So smooth

[@wojak2466]

So I just found X - Caliber bike is most suitable for me. Solved all my doubts. Thank you very much bro.

[@TalalipopMTB]

No problem! Glad I could help out :)

[@mikew.4165]

Just what I needed. Thank you.

[@TalalipopMTB]

You're welcome!

[@grumpy-dad3701]

Litterally picked up a marlin 7 tonight. Just coming off owning a Scott aspect 940. Feels solid enough.

[@leesloan8002]

Very helpful. Thanks!

[@MsPrincessgdl]

Thank you!!!! You helped me make a more informed decision 😊

[@javiertorres2903]

Thanks! This definitely helped me make up my mind

[@TalalipopMTB]

Awesome!

[@GREATVOVA]

Thanks a lot! Now I am sure that I need X-Caliber 7. Price is very similar to Marlin 7, but crankset is much better and rims are tubeless ready.

[@blooter6360]

Great stuff just what I needed to know Cheers

[@TalalipopMTB]

:D Glad it helped!

[@Hooch-A-Colada]

Extremely helpful!!

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thank you!!

[@mynote2890]

Thank you. The video helped for overall perception

[@TalalipopMTB]

You’re welcome!

[@r6_javii596]

first 60 seconds and already like your video. great job

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thank you!!

[@williamwade7059]

Thanks, this is the video I needed

[@TalalipopMTB]

no problem!

[@cameronc4498]

I’ve had a marlin 6 since 2015 and it’s been a wonderful beginner bike but I think it’s definitely time to upgrade to that beautiful purple color-shift Roscoe 6 😍

[@Rivaboyz1987]

Get the Roscoe 7 it’s got better forks

[@Lk.443]

@@Rivaboyz1987 yeah but it might be more expensive for him

[@GordonoRamo]

Thanks for this. Helped me make my decision as a newbie. I say if you can afford it go for the Roscoe!

[@TalalipopMTB]

You’re welcome! Actually I need to make an updated version of this video since these bikes have changed in 2023, but the general advice is similar

[@miogeez]

please do a review of entry level mountain bikes across different brands.

[@TalalipopMTB]

Working on it right now! Should be out tomorrow morning :)

[@davidwestwood2457]

Awesome video! Thanks

[@TalalipopMTB]

You're welcome!

[@alexchulzhanov]

Crazy the price hike we’ve seen in the last year since this video released. I just bought a brand new Marlin 6 and it costs the same as the Marlin 7 in this video. The Roscoe 8 is over $2K now as well, heck even the Marlin 4 I came from was almost $700 after taxes.

[@dot2562]

I just got marlin 7 in the UK cost £700 for the miami green colour, £650 for other colours

[@andreimarfievici4103]

Just got a blue X Caliber 7. It's super good looking, lightweight and fast.

[@TalalipopMTB]

Sick!!

[@MiracleFam10]

Helped a lot

[@hardtailrider7172]

I just bought the Marlin frame. The Marlin the Roscoe and the caliber didn't have the components that I wanted on my bike. In the long run it did cost me more but a have better part that what would have came on all three of these bikes.

[@TalalipopMTB]

Oh interesting! You'll have a pretty unique bike that fits your riding style even better then, which is pretty amazing.

[@xxstiven]

Thank you so much!

[@patrickpunzalan1622]

Honestly the trek Roscoe 6 purple color is soo niceee

[@TalalipopMTB]

Agreed!

[@MaplePanda04]

I’d recommend going for the Roscoe instead of the Xcal if you’re thinking of getting one. You hardly lose any speed or weight on smoother terrain (just pump up the tires more and lock out the fork if you’re riding pavement), and for a beginner like these bikes are designed for, the extra frame weight just translates into higher durability for the inevitable learning crashes. On the downhills, the Roscoe blows away the xcal in terms of both speed and capabilities. My own Xcal 9 has pretty much become a Roscoe now minus the plus tires because that’s just an overall faster setup: 120mm fork, dropper, and more aggressive tires.

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thanks for the advice!! Yeah I wasn’t sure how much slower the bike would actually feel but I heard from some other comments that people noticed it being a lot slower, which could also be due to the riding position a bit. Hopefully I’ll get to just test ride one to see.

[@MaplePanda04]

Talalipop MTB Careful not to fall for the old “harsh is fast” fallacy. As long as you’re riding actual trails and not pavement/gravel roads, you’ll find the extra suspension travel, geometry, and tires of the roscoes faster.

[@bas6628]

Wonderful and informative thanks

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thank you!

[@natlindeman5183]

thank you this was very helpful

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thank you too for watching!

[@BlackMan614]

I demo'd the X-Cal and Roscoe (2019 models). Roscoe was definitely heavier and those big tires made it feel sluggish to me. I went w. the X-Cal... upgraded tires, grips, saddle, pedals, added dropper post and upgraded drive train to 1x11. I'm surprised you mentioned upgrading the fork - mine came with the RockShox Silver and the dealer told me I probably wouldn't need to upgrade it. I was going to upgrade the wheels next.. now I am having second thoughts. ;-)

[@naru4real31]

same here, m having same thought by going for x-caliber 7 and upgrades tires to 2.40 and fork 120 mm, drivetrain in future

[@vincentrevesz4363]

Woah it was actually the works !

[@wojciechmul6411]

Awesome video, X-Caliber it is, thanks you

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thanks!

[@jamiehay1027]

Should I get one of these or the Vitus Nucleus VR 29?

[@ezziddeanjamal_7310]

I’m purchasing the X Caliper 🎉🥳 thanx alot ❤❤

[@TalalipopMTB]

Congrats!

[@MMahadhirBinMZ]

Superb vid

[@goldenknight4310]

I currently have a trek Roscoe 7 and it’s great off-road but it’s also pretty good on road and urban areas. Sure it’s not as fast as a cross country bike or a road bike but it’s still pretty fast and it’s light. I plan to go bikepacking with it at some point.

[@TalalipopMTB]

Nice!! I've heard from people who have the bike that it isn't too bad on the road which is good.

[@apbrandom]

Nice! Very helpful :)

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thanks!

[@ecymbura31]

Really glad I waited for the 2022 models my Marlin 7 came with tubeless Kovee rims and Maxxis tires which the 2021 models did not (to my knowledge)

[@TalalipopMTB]

Correct!

[@dgcomment]

fantastic video. - thanks so much

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thank you too!!

[@gonzaloprieto386]

Excellent video

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thanks!!

[@Antzsable]

Thank You!

[@aashishnadda2790]

This is actually i was looking for and voila today you make it... super amazing work, keep it up... Now I know i need X caliber 7 over my previous choice marlin 7 .... cheeers super super like 💪🏻👌🏻

[@nealpatel764]

Love my marlin 7 great on my wallet

[@louismactaggart8065]

Can u do jumps with it

[@shaanrakhra5483]

@@louismactaggart8065 depends

[@smokedya420]

wish these were in stock

[@stafiecosmin5232]

Treck bikes are so rare🙁

[@joesmith5604]

Same

[@issamirza6054]

Where I live (in Beligium) it will come in septembre

[@amaury15]

Issa Mirza pareil 😂

[@user-hu8kj1lp7y]

I live in germany and in my local bikeshop all of them are on stock

[@lilnoturtle2961]

I just bought a 2021 trek Roscoe 7

[@ErikNa]

This helped me a lot thank you so much. I think I'll bying a X Caliber 8 because the other (X Caliber 9 and Roscoe 8) are complete sold out at my local bikeshop (since middle 2020) and will be available again in January 2021 and online just feels not right Sorry for my bad english Greetings from Germany

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thank you for watching!! I appreciate it :) and yeah so many bikes are sold out already it’s crazy.

[@dreamseelive]

I got the X-Cal 8 2021. Love it and it’s rocket going down hill.

[@juandvalenciano2889]

excelente trabajo.!

[@SaadKidwai]

Thank you, you rock!

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thank you too!

[@marosgriger9028]

really good video.....thx a lot

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thank you too!