Drew J

The Slade was sold so unfortunately missed out on that one but at least I'll have a brand new Roscoe now. For those that don't know yet, the 2023 version's geo was updated with more modern dimensions. Can't wait to get out there and be part of the elite few that ride agro hardtails 👀

You mentioned previously that you have a few up for sale but I didn't quite manage to filter through all bikes being advertised on here to find them. I'm a size medium and will definitely want a complete bike.

Yeah this is a bit of a predicament. I could probably test ride the Trek but would be pointless if I can't test ride the Slade, so I won't be be to compare. I think the Roscoe 7 has decent components for my current skill level but will need a 2nd opinion.

Thanks for some insight on the geo. Component comparison, Trek vs Silverback: Fork: RS Recon vs RS Revelation RC Wheels: Bontrager Line TLR 30 vs Stans Flow S1 These are the main components I'm comparing

Please help... I'm in the market for a rowdy trail hardtail and found myself stuck between the 2023 Trek Roscoe 7 and Silverback Slade Trail. Is the Roscoe worth the extra R5000 for a brand new bike with seemingly less capable components? Which bike should I get?

Thanks for the great responses, really helps to find what I'm looking for in a market saturated with all kinds of weird and wonderful bikes. The Roscoe seems like it could be a fun playful bike without breaking the bank. Would be awesome to see more affordable HT trail options here in SA.

I'm new to the XC vs Trail geometry topic and research so far into what the SA market has to offer for trail HT riders are disappointing. A few months ago I bought a Silverback Stride Comp in a size small (I'm 173 in height) in hopes to get a more playful trail feel and to get the front wheel up a bit easier. Long story short, the bike isn't what I hoped as most bikes in SA seem to be oriented toward XC riding. Trail hardtails seem to be a great way to get good bang for buck and has helped narrow down my search for a modern trail bike. Unfortunately, locally there seems to be very little affordable options. I've even upgraded my bike with 140mm dropper and SRAM NX 12 speed but still require something more "poppy". I desperately need some advice on where to find an affordable modern trail hardtail and any advice would be welcomed...