RSD Bikes Announces 2020 Range With Aluminum MiddleChild HT & New Wildcat FS

Feb 25, 2020
by Alex RSD  
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PRESS RELEASE: RSD Bikes

2020 will see the introduction of a brand new aluminum version of our best-selling MiddleChild hardtail, and an all-new version of our Wildcat full-suspension trail bike.

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Wildcat V2 with 27.5"+ build (Left) & MiddleChild AL with 29" build

MiddleChild Aluminum

Our steel MiddleChild has been a huge success, and we've received nothing but great feedback from riders that love a rowdy, high-end steel hardtail. So we took a leap from that winning platform to create an aluminum version with the same killer geometry and design lines. The result is a frame that weighs in at a pound less than the Chromoly version (and only a pound heavier than the titanium version), at a more affordable price point for shredders who may be rowdy-curious, or simply just budget-conscious.

The 6061 aluminum frameset incorporates a custom CNC-machined yoke and stays, to provide a great balance of stiffness and flexibility - not too stiff, or too flexy, but just right. The inaugural MiddleChild AL will be offered in both a Raw, brushed finish topped with a clear coat, or Red.

RSD MiddleChild
Offered with SX build only in either 27.5"+ or 29" wheel sizes, or frame-only
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SRAM SX Build MiddleChild AL

• Fork: Rockshox Rekon RL 27.5+/29 140mm 51mm
• Cockpit: RaceFace Chester/Ride
• Drivetrain: SRAM SX Eagle 12-spd
• Brakes: SRAM Level T
• Seat Post: RaceFace or optional KS LEV dropper with SouthPaw lever
• Wheels/Tires: Sun Ringle Duroc 110/148 27.5x40mm with Schwalbe Nobby Nic 27.5 x 2.8 front & rear or 29x35mm with Maxxis Minion DHF 29x2.5WT front and Aggressor 29x2.5WT rear
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Pricing

Complete: $1499.00 USD
Complete w/ dropper: $1799.00 USD
Frame Only: $599.00 USD


MiddleChild Steel

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Steel MiddleChild will now be available in Orange, to complement the Matte Black and Turquoise options.

This season's version will remain unchanged from last year and will be offered with Shimano SLX build, and choice of 27.5"+ or 29" wheel/tire combo.

SHIMANO SLX Build

• Fork: Pike Select RC 27.5+/29 140mm 51mm
• Cockpit: RaceFace Turbine R
• Drivetrain: Shimano SLX 12-spd with RaceFace Turbine crank
• Brakes: Shimano SLX 4-piston
• Seat Post: RaceFace or optional KS LEV dropper with SouthPaw lever
• Wheels/Tires: Sun Ringle Duroc 110/148 27.5x40mm with Schwalbe Nobby Nic 27.5 x 2.8 front & rear or 29x35mm with Maxxis Minion DHF 29x2.5WT front and Aggressor 29x2.5WT rear


Pricing

Complete: $2499.00 USD
Complete w/ dropper: $2799.00 USD
Frame Only: $699.00 USD


Wildcat V2

The full-suspension Wildcat v2 has been two years in the making. While the design has remained largely the same, revisions and testing have produced a better all-around trail bike, which is the ultimate aim of this model. While it may be sexier to make bold claims about a bike's climbing or descending prowess, we believe that the majority of riders are looking for a bike that is very capable and fun to ride outside the tape of an enduro racecourse.

With that goal in mind, we have reduced travel to sit squarely in the mid category, with 120mm rear paired with 140mm front. Tweaking generous reach numbers - 462mm (M) & 481mm (L) and geometry figures - namely 65* HTA and 76* STA, and making a small change in leverage ratio combined to give a more planted feel in and out of the saddle. The result is a bike that has become a more efficient climber and more nimble descender, in both 27.5"+ and 29"-wheeled configurations. Sliding drop-outs are adjustable from 425mm to 440mm. The shortest drop-out position for 29x2.5 is 435mm.

The new Wildcat will be offered in a mesmerizing iridescent Purple/Navy and a glossy light Grey. Build options will be either of SRAM SX or Shimano SLX, with choice of 27.5"+ or 29" wheel/tire combo.
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Prototype Wildcat in metallic bluish silver, and production iridescent purple/navy shown above.
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SRAM SX Build

• Fork: Rekon RL 27.5+/29 140mm 51mm
• Cockpit: RaceFace Chester/Ride
• Drivetrain: SX Eagle 12-spd
• Brakes: SRAM Level T

Pricing

Complete: $2199.00 USD
Complete w/ dropper: $2499.00 USD
Frame Only: $1299.00 USD

SHIMANO SLX Build

• Fork: Pike Select RC 27.5+/29 140mm 51mm
• Cockpit: RaceFace Turbine
• Drivetrain: SLX 12-spd / RaceFace Turbine crank
• Brakes: Shimano SLX 4-piston

Pricing

Complete: $2999.00 USD
Complete w/ dropper: $3299.00 USD
Frame Only: $1299.00 USD

• Seat Post: RaceFace or optional KS LEV dropper with SouthPaw lever
• Wheels/Tires: Sun Ringle Duroc 110/148 27.5x40mm with Schwalbe Nobby Nic 27.5 x 2.8 front & rear or 29x35mm with Maxxis Minion DHF 29x2.5WT front and Aggressor 29x2.5WT rear



Delivery Schedule

While the health of our overseas friends and partners is of the utmost importance, we are still attempting to manage the business of production and shipping to mitigate any delays for our customers. As outlined in Pinkbike's recent article on the subject, the combination of the CoronaVirus (COVID-19) outbreak and the Chinese New Year holidays will undoubtedly have an effect on bike manufacturers both large and small (but especially small).

The exact ship dates for our Spring 2020 production are still TBD, but we anticipate to start shipping as follows:
Steel MiddleChild - April 15th
AL MiddleChild - May 8th
Wildcat V2 - May 29th


Lifetime Warranty

We've got you covered. Each of our frames comes with a Lifetime limited warranty for manufacturing defects - full details on our site.


European Distribution

We are currently seeking a European Distributor. Feel free to contact us.

www.rsdbikes.com.

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Reviews and Tech Press Releases Hardtails Rsd Bikes


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88 Comments
  • 37 1
 Looks like a Specialized Pitch
  • 5 1
 Same though !
  • 5 1
 Yeah, that's the first thing that popped up in my head too!
  • 4 0
 That was my first thought. Like a modern version. Not sure if this is a good or bad thing
  • 2 0
 I had the yellow one, totally underforked
  • 6 0
 I had one, 2010 Pro, it was phenomenal. If it had a 12mm axle I'm not sure I'd of sold it yet
  • 9 1
 The most underrated bike ever
  • 3 0
 @vhdh666: Was it? I thought the bike was well appreciated. It was kind of the middle ground between their Enduro model and their Stumpjumper FS (there was a SJ HT at the time too which was very XC). It was basically the "don't worry just ride" bike which was perfect for a lot of people. Every few years you'll see the industry "invent" this range of mid travel but quite able bikes. I'm pretty sure five years from now they'll still come up with mid travel bikes and call it a new trend. It is the kind of bike that makes sense for most people, they just need to keep calling it new.
  • 2 0
 @vinay: well maybe it was underrated just in Switzerland. Seems like lots of people over here buy light and fancy bikes. For example, I haven't seen a Ripmo AF yet and only very little Bronson AL, but lots of carbon versions of those bikes.
  • 4 0
 @vhdh666: Maybe a higher % of the Swiss can afford to throw money at carbon?
  • 2 1
 The Pitch FS. The hardtail looks like a generic entry level xc bicycle
  • 5 0
 @lehott: then generic entry-level xc bikes are lookin pretty good these days.
  • 3 0
 @Tristanssid: Same I short shocked mine to be about what this is.....still one of the most fun bikes I have had.
  • 2 0
 @Ian713: exactly. I think that's the reason the Pitch was underrated
  • 2 0
 @Ian713: touché
  • 2 0
 @vhdh666: You're right; they were just a real good bike period.
  • 21 0
 I ride a V1 wildcat. It's been a great bike for me, and I love the sliding dropouts on the new model. RSD might not be all that well known, but they have excellent customer support and solid products. It's definitely worth a look if you're in the market.
  • 17 0
 Top notch customer service!
  • 12 0
 1299 for a moden FS frame is not bad at all (and the other builds are quite good value), looks pretty dialed.
  • 4 12
flag IllestT (Feb 25, 2020 at 1:27) (Below Threshold)
 Yeah but you can buy a whole bike from Marin for that, with near identical geometry and suspension travel
  • 5 0
 @IllestT: no you can't
  • 1 2
 @Boosting: rift zone 1 is 1599. So close. Very close.
  • 1 0
 @Boosting: no, you're right, a Rift Zone is actually £999 whole bike. My bad

www.paulscycles.co.uk/155/products/marin-rift-zone-1-29er-full-suspension-mountain-bike-2018-satin-blue.aspx?currency=GBP&chosenAttribute=35121&istCompanyId=505701c8-6037-4e2d-b475-92f8405328d3&istFeedId=a3ae2ba7-074e-49e9-a06d-6f852075e3a8&istItemId=iwlmxlair&istBid=t&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIoqqWp8Hv5wIVR0PTCh2JMQqFEAQYASABEgK-ofD_BwE
  • 9 0
 these bikes are fantastically priced for the canadian market only $3500 for an slx biuld!
  • 6 0
 I've never heard of this brand - but they dont look bad at all. I'm digging the chunky machined chainstay sections and adjustable drop outs
  • 6 0
 I'm excited for these bikes. Great geo at a great price. I ride a Ti middle child, and it's become my favorite hardtail to date.
  • 5 1
 Wait, is the Wildcat V2, manufactured in 2020, still using Standard shock sizing? That looks like a Monarch...

*Checks Website* - yep: Rockshox Monarch RT 200×51 120mm
  • 4 2
 disgusting
  • 3 2
 I really like the middle child, surprised the aluminum is cheaper than the steel. I think the Norco Torrent is a better choice however. I want an agro hardtail and trying to decide between these two options. The Ti middle child though.
  • 8 0
 The middlechild is the best hardtail I've ever ridden. The aluminum version should be rad and a little bit lighter. If you have any more questions hit me up.
  • 13 0
 Love my ti MC. I think the aluminum MC will be a hit.
  • 5 0
 Make seat tubes straight again!!
  • 3 0
 Cant wait to get my greasy paws on that new wildcat! Looks like my middlechild but with some extra squish.
  • 1 1
 The Middlechild looks like perfectly good fun. Curious why they went with the kinked seattube. It doesn't seem that necessary unless the tire fitted in the picture isn't the biggest they designed the bike around. It wouldn't bother me as I'd just cut the seatpost to size if it doesn't slam properly but considering the PB comment section here, I trust there would be more than a few who would be disappointed because STA for tall seated riders etc.
  • 3 1
 What`s the point of proposing a fugly aluminium hardtail when they have a steel one which is probably better and definitely sexier aesthetically for $100 more?
  • 3 0
 I have the new Sergeant and it is so much fun! Part fat bike, part mountain bike.
  • 3 0
 The Wildcat looks fantastic.
  • 2 3
 RSD is run by nice folks, but at 1210mm wheelbase in medium i'd have to upgrade my class G license to qualify as a driver. Four years ago a medium trail bike was about 80mm shorter in wheelbase. Moving from my 2015 bike to a 2020 one, it feels like a small rider getting onto an XL rider's bike. Trails haven't changed that much in five years, the corners are still tight and it's pretty flat our East. I'm content to search for used bikes while waiting for this marketing trend to loop back around. Good luck.
  • 2 2
 Low & slack are very good trends to a point but for most people I always recommend staying away from a long bike. So many people are riding east coast style tight undulating terrain. IMO slammed chainstays and keeping the front end length reasonable are the best for this.
  • 1 0
 @MTBSPEC: Why does my front wheel keep washing out. waltworks.com/2012/06/first-of-all-this-isnt-rant-really
  • 1 0
 Anyone know anything about the long travel bike they are expected to release this fall?
  • 4 6
 "While it may be sexier to make bold claims about a bike's climbing or descending prowess, we believe that the majority of riders are looking for a bike that is very capable and fun to ride outside the tape of an enduro racecourse....

... The result is a bike that has become a more efficient climber and more nimble descender, in both 27.5"+ and 29"-wheeled configurations."

hahaha
  • 1 0
 Is the Wildcat V2 only compatible with monarch and only the monarch like the V1?
  • 2 0
 Good question- wish I knew the answer. I’ve been running a custom tuned monarch plus On my V1, and it’s been a terrific upgrade from the stock shock.
  • 2 0
 @RSD-bikes: care to weigh in?
  • 2 0
 Doh- capitalization. Let's try this again. @RSD-Bikes - can you shed some light on this?
  • 1 0
 @goose8: Yes, Monarch family (R, RL, RT, RT3, PLUS R & RC3)
  • 1 0
 @RSD-Bikes: what's the point of designing a bike for a single shock and a mediocre one at that?
  • 2 0
 @gus6464: Given it's not the best shock on the market, it's also far from mediocre. in fact, it's very similar in performance and internals as the new Select versions.
  • 1 0
 The Monarch shocks actually work pretty well for a broad spectrum of riders if tuned properly. They aren't a bad value.

The only thing I think I would like to see, is the standard can and not the big debonair/megneg. But that's just my preference.
  • 1 0
 @RSD-Bikes: Yes but why design a new frame that can only take one shock? Seems counter-intuitive.
  • 1 0
 @gus6464: It doesn't affect the performance of the frame one bit. i didn't mention it above, but Cane Creek also has a full range of "standard" shocks. Should you feel that the Monarch won't cut it for you, either get the higher end model (RC3) or you can go the Cane Creek route.
  • 1 0
 @RSD-Bikes: Ok so this is where I'm confused. Fox makes the DPX2 in a 7.875 x 2 (200x51) and so does DVO with the T3Air. I was told the reason the Wildcat only uses the Monarch is not because of eye to eye and stroke but because it's the only shock that physically fits on the frame because of air can.
  • 3 0
 @gus6464: Sorry. Apologies, Yes, the Fox DPS, DPX2 and X2 7.875x2 (200x51) all fits as well. In terms of fitment, i'm not sure where that info came from. Could be referring to the V1, but that isn't correct either even though the fitment is tighter on the V1
  • 1 0
 I hear they are coming out with a longer travel bike in fall of 2021
  • 1 0
 aluminum instead of steel?? what is this.... science?
  • 1 1
 what is RSD bikes? Don't all bikes (or most at least) have RSD? have I been living under a rock? (genuinely curious)
  • 4 0
 Most bike names are pretty silly.

Canyon- but can I ride it on a ridge?
Young Talent - aged out if that brand apparently
Specialized - in bikes I hope
Trek - rumored to also work on loops near your house

Almost all are funny, or just people's names.
  • 1 0
 @MeloBikeCO: I literally have just never heard of this brand and am curious. Have they been around a while?
  • 2 0
 @ssteve:
Haven't been around super long, 2012.

I actually have a Wildcat V1 and it is a great bike. Not the quickest up the hill, but does just fine. A total blast on the way down though, a pretty awesome Combo of being able to plow through stuff when you need to and being able to pop off features when you want to. In all fairness on the climbing portion, it would likely be a better climber if I wasn't all the way to Max psi on the rear shock(a round about way of saying I'm fat right now).
  • 8 0
 2012. rsdbikes.com and you can chat with the owner directly. His name is Alex and he’s extremely helpful.
  • 1 1
 @MeloBikeCO: fat chance, Evil? Vitus.
Even Rossi are making (rebranded) bikes
  • 4 0
 @Chonky13:
I think you will have to define "rebranded", and then let me know how this fits into this thread.
  • 1 0
 @Chonky13:
I am genuinely interested in what your comment means.

As an owner of 2 vintage Fat Chance bikes I looked into what they were doing now that could be considered rebranding. Looks like nothing like rebranding is happening.
Evils are definitely not a rebranded bike.
Vitus don't seem to be rebranding.
Don't think I've ever heard of Rossi bikes. Valentino Rossi, Rossignol, I've heard of them.

Having a small independent fabricator make your frames to your specifications, using tubing blends that you have selected is far from rebranding for Fat Chance.
Evil(and i'm pretty sure Vitus)having their frames made in Asia by a bike factory, with exclusive geo, and layups or tubing is also not rebranding.

If you are trying to say you are just rebranding frames unless you are setting up your own factory, then there is only one large bike company(Giant) and some(100's) very small independent builders(GG, Orange, Waterford, Argonaut...).
  • 1 1
 What made them go with standard shock sizes? are they cheaper than metric shocks?
  • 1 0
 Is it possible to get the Wildcat in 27.5, not 27.5+ ?
  • 3 0
 We wouldn't be able to sell it as a complete build that way, but you could build your own from the frame up. Using a standard 27.5 x 2.5 as an example, you would need a longer fork to make up for the loss in BBH. The frame is based on 27.5x2.8 with a 29in 140mm fork (551mm A to C). you would need a fork with at least 561mm A to C
  • 1 0
 @RSD-Bikes: "A to C"? Is that axle to crown? "BBH"? Is that bottom bracket height?
  • 1 0
 @bbeak: yes.
  • 1 0
 Ok, great but what about the grim donut?
  • 1 0
 Anyone else think that proto bluish silver Wildcat is amazing? Drool
  • 2 2
 Is that a fucking monarch
  • 2 1
 They lost me at 74° SA
  • 2 0
 I read 76 degrees. Where did you see 74?
  • 3 0
 @goose8: the STA on the Middlechild is 74° while The Wildcat STA is 76°. I have a steel 2019 Middlechild, and I don't have any complaints -The bike is rad!
  • 2 0
 @inner-logic: Thanks for the heads-up, I see now. I have a v1 wildcat and used to ride a v2 sergeant. Both rock slacker ST angles, and they never bothered me a whit. Glad I'm not alone. Cheers!
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