In the Garage...
A Low-Budget MTB Semi-Custom Build...
Presenting the Gen 3 Roscoe 7.
Is a low-mid range priced & outfitted hardtail that retails for about $1,700. What makes this an even better low-cost build is that I was able to pick it up from Trek U for only $865.00. (Bike shop employee perk!) Then subtract my shop holiday bonus (first time in 6 years!) and my final cost was $465.00. Yes, an amazing price indeed.
Now at that $1,700 price point the stock the R7 compromises some performance for savings in the form of entry-level Shimano MT200 Brakes and a Rockshox Solo Recon Silver fork. Not really bad equipment, but not too good either imo, at least not for significantly varied terrain.
So, off to the parts bin we go! I swapped out the Shimano’s for the Magura MT Thirty 4-pot front and Magura Sport 2-pot rear brakes from my 2020 San Quentin 3. Then I installed a Marzocchi Z2 (from Fox Pro Academy) for $168.00! Yes, you read that right. A $500 damper for $183 (tax & s/h) Now that was a deal!
I also ditched the eThirteen aluminum enduro 29” wheels in favor of my 2020 Ican 27.5” x 35mm carbon wheelset running 2.6” XR4 & XR5 rubber. 29ers just don’t appeal to my riding style. Sure they roll a bit faster, but that doesn’t outweigh the maneuverability and nimble handling of 27.5” wheels/tires imo. The larger wheels and tires feel slightly vague at times and a bit cumbersome in previous experiences riding on them. (3 different bikes, riding sand, dirt and pavement) The 27.5” wheel/tire combo is a bit more responsive, which is exactly what I want from the front end.
This low-cost build is a solid, capable dual sport bike ready for all terrain and all types of riding. A scrappy scrambler indeed…
R7 Specifications:
Stock Aluminum Frame
Deore 12-spd. 11-51 cogs - 1 x 30 chainring
* Marzocchi Z2 Bomber Fork 140mm x 34mm (44mm offset)
* Magura MT Thirty front brake with 180mm rotor
* Magura MT Sport rear brake with 180mm rotor
* TransX 150mm dropper post
* Ican carbon wheels 27.5” x 35mm with 350 DT Swiss hubs
* Aftermarket/upgraded parts