RSD Middlechild full year review

Pros and Cons of RSD Middlechild

#Hardcorehardtail #RSDMiddlechild #MTB #Endurohardtail

How and why I got the RSD Middlechild Hardtail

I was first on the hunt to build my own hardtail when I bumped on RSD website. I wanted to build a sick hardcore hardtail that I could beat the hell out on British Columbia trails. Most of the full hardtail builts kits I was looking at, had deal-breaker parts such as lower-end fork brakes and derailleur. Parts I knew would not make me appreciate my full hardtail season. But when I looked at RSD middle child build kit, I was stoked. XT 4 piston, XT 1x11 derailleur, and a rock shock pike!!! They had a discount on thanksgiving, that's when I pull the trigger on it. I was sold the moment I saw the price tag on it. On the other hand, the wheels are not so durable. That was a major downside during the course of my summer.

"When I looked at RSD middle child build kit, I was stoked. XT 4 piston, XT 1x11 derailleur, and a rock shock pike!!!"

Geometry

When I set my mind on ridding a full year on a hardtail, I needed to find a hardtail that would be compliant with the trail I'm ridding. The RSD middlechild had the key geometry feature I was looking for a year ago. A slack head angle, a short chainstay an a reach suited for my long arms. RSD pinpoint all my expectations at that time. Although after ridding my hardtail on various trails, I realize there was another key geometry feature to pay attention to, the stack.

After the comparison, the stack on the RSD middlechild is in the lower range when compared with other aggressive hardtails. The stack helps you stay more upright and on your bike which is crucial when riding steep terrain. I have been able to counter this effect by changing my handlebar for something with a lot of rises but if I would have to go back to my decision-making process, I would definitely have this geometry factor in my hardtail selection process.

"A slack head angle, a short chainstay and a reach suited for my long arms. RSD pinpoint all my expectations."

This link has a very complete Mountain biking geometry explanations http://www.mtbiking.com.au/how-to/bike-tech/mtb-frame-geometry-explained

CONCLUSION

The RSD Middle child is the perfect hardtail for B.C. because

RSD is offering a killer deal on a well-engineered bike with great components. If you change the handlebar for a 35mm rise and If you change the wheel set for something more B.C. friendly, you got the best bang for your bucks with a playful and aggressive hardtail on the market.