Ride Impressions: RSD Middlechild Titanium Hardtail on Hiline Trail in Sedona, AZ - Hardtail Party

In this episode we take my titanium RSD Middlechild on the iconic Hiline trail in Sedona, AZ to share how it rides. Did you learn something valuable? If so, show your appreciation and support this channel by becoming a Patron today: / hardtailparty
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[@dozza7946]

I was lucky enough to take a spin on a large version of this bike at the Bentonville Bike Fest - the guy that owned it said that he had consulted with you through patreon and had titanium bars and a Wheels manufacturing bb on his - my oh my it’s a special bike. I can’t wait until 291 Ti becomes available as that may be my dream bike ❤️

[@hardtailparty]

Do you need help deciding which bike to purchase next? I offer a one-on-one bike consultation service through patreon. It's how I put food on the table for my family, and how I'm able to provide custom bike advice for my vieewrs. Become a patron today for access: sign up for the monthly bike consultation tier, and cancel at any time. Most people sign up for a month or two, and we work together to discuss their needs, riding style, etc. to narrow down the list of all the great hardtails out there. When they get the info they need and they no longer have any questions, they cancel. Become a patron today: patreon.com/hardtailparty. If my videos have saved you time or money, consider supporting this channel via Patreon. For as little as $5/month you can ensure I continue making unbiased content. Support individual content creators over garbage tv or sponsored content disguised as reviews.

[@toddjohnson779]

hardtail party just saw the AL middle child on their website. May be in order for my shoe string budget and hopefully compliant

[@Stevesbe]

Why

[@isaacbrooks5999]

I was just on RSD's website and I saw the RS-291. It looks like a slacker Middle Child, with a 160 mil travel fork. Do you know anything about this new bike? Will you be reviewing it at any point?

[@blambmtb6189]

Great video. You always have the best insight. Glad I was able to put RSD on your radar

[@hardtailparty]

Many many thanks for the suggestion. I had been checking them out on pinkbike, but your recommendations definitely put them at the top of the list.

[@patrickmckellips5960]

You would make a great mountain bike coach. You are a great communicator.

[@hardtailparty]

Thanks Patrick. One day I'd like to find a way to make that my profession.

[@controller2152]

I can’t wait to ride Sedona for the 1st time.. Great job Steve

[@ansmfella]

The dream hard tail, bias or not, sold me!

[@chrisb4504]

Watching your channel in the UK 👍just purchased an orange crush pro but love what you're doing THANK YOU

[@hardtailparty]

Congrats on a very sweet bike.

[@jeffburns8347]

Great video. I love my Moots mooto X rsl hardtail. My Moots has sliders for adjusting chain stay length or running as a SS. As you noted, the Ti has a great ride quality. The Ti RSD looks awesome. Love Sedona as well. Enjoy both !

[@hardtailparty]

I always wanted a moots growing up. I see it's got a 71* hta on that baby! Sounds like you really enjoy your bike. That's what it's all about!

[@jeffburns8347]

Mine is 1st year, 2011, designed for 80mm fork. I am using a 100mm SID. So, hta probably

[@hardtailparty]

@@jeffburns8347 awesome. Congrats on a beautiful bike!

[@mtbgnarcissist597]

Steve, Love the review. I pulled the trigger on this bike finally. Thanks for the video and commentary! Kelvin

[@hardtailparty]

Congrats!

[@sparks701]

Awesome video. You were running through some stuff on that hard tail I wouldn’t do on my full suspension. Love that bike!

[@bass-player.22]

the bike looks awesome and it looks like a killer trail bike and a ton of fun love the video hard tails forever

[@nhualde3148]

Love the follow cam footage! May have to pick up one of these as my everyday trail bike here in Prescott! Great video man!

[@BYPOLR1]

Great video!! I love my HT and I’ve picked up a lot from your videos. Thanks

[@hardtailparty]

Thanks for watching! It means a ton that you've learned something from my videos.

[@yeeyee7862]

Thanks for showing up to our nica race it was cool seeing you there

[@hardtailparty]

Nica rocks. I had a blast coaching this year.

[@chameleonpogono]

Would be cool to try both the titanium and aluminum versions. Wish I had money to get one. That trail looks really fun! Would love to try that trail. Love the views and the cool plant species along the way.

[@_CrankZilla]

Nice man! Still stalk RSD website daily ( trying to decide ) and I can confirm Alex is on that chat feature often ( never chatted with him though ). 👍😎🌴

[@hardtailparty]

Give it a try. He knows the bikes inside and out and has talked to a lot of customers from all over and he gives good advice.

[@hardmtnbiker]

Great review and as someone that has a few Ti frame hardtail’s, this makes me wanna try and maybe buy this RSD Middle Child.

[@hardtailparty]

I highly recommend it. It's such s fun bike. I sized up to a medium, so my size small ti frame is for sale if you know anyone in the market.

[@hardmtnbiker]

hardtail party I’m currently switching wheel sizing on some of my hardtail’s to 27.5 plus. After that I’ll probably get another frame or 2.

[@dirkP38448]

Nice bike. Love the look of ti frames

[@PennyPinchingCyclist]

Awesome bike, thanks for the info, very helpful! Sedona is a blast to ride 🤘 keep up the good work

[@HappyJack279]

The ti looks amazing. I got an alloy HT with same geometry and I absolutely love it. Keep making the vids 👍

[@daniels6997]

Are you riding an rsd or another brand?

[@HappyJack279]

Daniel Biker no mate, i’m riding a Sonder Transmitter, it’s a UK brand.

[@39headshok]

Gives us the pleasure to dream riding in Sedona 😍👍🏻

[@charlesholland6851]

That bike looks rad as can be!

[@hardtailparty]

I feel super fortunate to be able to ride it. It's a blast.

[@JohnM-p5r]

That's pretty badass that bike practically rides itself. Great geometry and a good rider lol got to get a tie bike I'm looking at sage bikes and rsd can't decide but that bike you have is what I'm looking for lots of luck with that bike and keep the vids coming

[@shawnsicilia1985]

Great review!

[@stevencole7331]

I have an extra large frame on my hardtail at 20.5 . I am at the bottom end for that size . I reduced the stem size and what i noticed is the bigger bike glides over the smaller chunk at speed with little reverb on the bike . Kind of like a car as a small compact feels the bump much more than a big suv . The shorter stem gives me a bit more nimbleness on this big bike . I tried my sons bike which was a full suspension and a medium so not very scientific for comparison but i felt very cramped on it after being on the my bigger frame hardtail . You may like that bigger frame and be surprised you wont loose that much nimbleness and gain so much more on the straight away attack of the chunk

[@charlesholland6851]

I’m riding a hardtail almost exclusively. Salsa Timberjack for me. Heavy but fun! I’d love a titanium frame.

[@hardtailparty]

That timberkack is such a fantastic bike for the money. It's almost exactly the same as a chameleon, but $500 less (and able to run an angleset)

[@daniels6997]

Glad to hear that you get what you pay for! Enjoy the bike.

[@thorbreakseverything1836]

dude, nice clean on the climb

[@hardtailparty]

Thanks man, it's a tricky one.

[@dunneryak]

Hi! looking to learn something from yea lads...got a Roscoe 8 last spring and learning how do do some off road and urban stuff...so the tech jargon is very new to me ...looking forward to pick yer brains!

[@hardtailparty]

Awesome. Welcome to the exciting world of mountain biking. I've been riding for 23 years and I still learn something new all the time.

[@SpiritCrusher1984]

The MC is actually 64.5 degree HTA at sag with a 140mm fork. Mine sits at 62.3 degrees static with a 140mm fork. Thinking of bumping it up to 150mm travel soon.

[@hardtailparty]

Wow, really? Most hardtail companies measure their head angle at static. That makes this bike significantly slacker than most others.

[@rakewawrz5200]

I went one size up just so I can move around more on longer trips. Plus if I'm mounting bottles and bags inside the frame gives a little bit more room.

[@SavageMTB]

love it bro.. hardtail for life

[@JimmyRadloff]

Simply awesome!

[@minty2340]

Hey man you got me away from the roscoe 7 thank you for that. Love coming to the channel to learn. I think im onto either the banshee or this middlechild in the steel or aluminum version. Could you give me your opinion on going with a Large or Xl for the Idle child? I'm 6'1" with a 32 inseam and longer arms then my height.

[@hardtailparty]

I'd reach out to alex at RSD. He'll be able to get you some good info on sizing. You can use their chat feature on the website.

[@guitarrocker0991]

you inspired me to build a mullet hardtail with a 27.5x2.8 rear wheel (the largest my octane one frame would support)

[@hardtailparty]

Nice! Sounds fun.

[@mcampoamor2014]

Liking the friendly vibe of your vids and the group rides. Is it as close to the edge as it looks in the vidoes? Looks like one small mistake or someone in front suddenly stopping and you're looking at a long way down.

[@hardtailparty]

It's even worse in real life. It's a dangerous trail.

[@wagz54]

I saw some of your vids of the steel middle child. Is there an in depth review? I love the look of the ti one, but probably not in the cards for me. But the chromoly looks like a good option for a do it all bike. I want to ride CO trails and maybe some bikepacking!

[@hardtailparty]

I don't have an in-depth review of the steel middle child. I was an ambassador for them at the time and i didn't feel like i could objectively review the bike.

[@wagz54]

@@hardtailparty That makes sense!

[@darylsablan9172]

What is considered a slack head angle? Is that the head tube angle? My pitch comp 1x has a head tube angle of 68.5 degrees. I’m new to the whole bike terminology aspect of cycling. Your video’s have helped me a lot with the lingo. Thank you and now I’m a Patreon supporter.

[@hardtailparty]

Thank you for becoming a patron Daryl, I really appreciate it. "Slack" is a relative term, and it's always going to change through time. But currently I consider 64-66* slack for a hardtail.

[@travelthenarrowtrail8660]

Man, this is such a beautiful ride man. But your bike is even more beautiful. Did you say it is titanium?

[@hardtailparty]

Yup, its titanium. Such a fun bike.

[@travelthenarrowtrail8660]

@@hardtailparty Yeah its pretty sweet!

[@crisgarrido4436]

Hi HP! Very much enjoyed this video. Did you ever get the medium size frame for yourself? At 5’10” (34” inseam), I am right in between medium and large. What do you recommend?

[@yangdynasty87]

Steve: I don’t recommend a hardtail Also Steve: Rides hardtail

[@hardtailparty]

I totally recommend a hardtail, just not on this trail. :)

[@WillT326]

Awesome bike! Im in the market to get a new hardtail. Looking at a RSD or the Guerrilla Gravity Pedalhead. Keep up the great content!

[@hardtailparty]

Both good options. The square chainstays of the gg scared me. I assumed theyd be pretty stiff

[@shakeyjake8696]

Awesome video. So now watching your testing I’m now between The ionic/ the middlechild steel then the Reeb then the Middlechild Ti Steve......????

[@hardtailparty]

Depends on how, where, and what you like to ride. if I could only have one of those bikes, it would definitely be the middle child ti. It's my favorite bike I've ridden, by a long shot. It's got a secret sauce with the geo and it is just so much fun to goof around on. The ionic is a cool bike, but it felt like it was more built for blue and green trails. I wouldnt want to take it on black diamonds. Plus it's a small one-man company and I'm curious how strong the company will be in a few years.

[@hardtailparty]

I haven't ridden a mc aluminum yet, but based on how this aluminum sergeant rides, I think I'll prefer the aluminum middle child over the steel.

[@Badsneakers78]

hardtail party interesting, you think you’d prefer the aluminum MC over the chromo? I’m interested in a MC and the Ti isn’t an option.. unsure if I’d go 27.5+ or 29er.. I have a Honzo ST set up SS but I’m looking for a more burley hardtail bike that’s geared..

[@josephdegaetano3795]

@@hardtailparty why aluminum over the steel? Do you think it would actually be more compliant?

[@hardtailparty]

@@josephdegaetano3795 no, not more compliant, just lighter and cheaper. The steel mc isn't very compliant/supple.

[@tyronharding647]

Great bike! How do you find riding a hardtail with flat pedals? I've recently tried clipless, I was having trouble with my feet bouncing around on flats.

[@hardtailparty]

I rode clipless for 15+ years. I much prefer riding with flats. The key to a good flat pedal experience is a good set of pedals (amazon fookers are great) and some good shoes with sticky rubber (give fan freerider or freerider pros). A lot of people also ride with their feet too far back on the pedals, which also causes more slipped pedals and feet bouncing off.

[@tyronharding647]

@@hardtailparty thanks for the reply! I think I'll take your advice, when it comes to clipless, there is always the 'what if I crash thought that goes through my head, flat pedals are definitely more confidence inspiring for me!

[@hardtailparty]

@@tyronharding647 yeah, I definitely dont try sketchy sections when clipped in. You can always go back to clips if you miss it too much, but give it a good 5 solid rides before deciding if you hate flats. Ryan leach has a cool free course on switching to flat pedals.

[@tyronharding647]

@@hardtailparty thanks, appreciate the replies!

[@jennifersdustyktm4679]

Hey Steve, great bike, great video! what is the advantage with the 3.0 front and 2.8 rear ?

[@hardtailparty]

I'll do a video on this topic in the future. Typically, its recommended to have a wider front tire than rear.

[@gabrielcaraos8729]

You still consider this as your go to bike?

[@PghMtbRides]

Which is lighter, the Ti middle child or the AL paradox v3? I finally found your comparison between the two...sounds like if the V3 had same chain stay length or shorter it'd def be number 1?

[@hardtailparty]

Almost the same weight between the two. If the banshee had the sliding dropouts of the MC, it would probably be my #1. Since it doesn't, they're both tied for my #1 for different reasons. Both bikes are fantastic though and I'd be 100% satisfied on either one. I can't run the banshee singlespeed easily.

[@johnnyd614]

Curious if you climb the middle child out of the saddle or seated? Also, would you believe the aluminum to ride stiffer than their chromoly frame?

[@hardtailparty]

I climb it both ways. You have to pick the right technique for your obstacle. Sometimes the right technique is seated and spinning, and other times it's standing and sprinting. I haven't ridden the aluminum rsd, but I would assume it's stiffer than the steel mc. For the record, the steel mc isn't particularly compliant/supple.

[@cameronlesley2428]

Is it because of the cushcore that you can run such low pressures?

[@hardtailparty]

Yes. It's a combination of rim width, tire width, and cushcore that allows me to run such low pressure.

[@fmijares09]

Hopefully you still do the dv9 review in the future. That’s the bike I just bought

[@hardtailparty]

It's coming.

[@mountainlessmtb9940]

Party on🤘

[@JaggedTusk]

Chromo vs Titanium Middlechild? Is the Ti worth? I'm seriously considering a Middlechild frame right now.

[@hardtailparty]

Yes, it's definitely worth it. Completely different ride feel. The ti MC is so good.

[@controller2152]

BTW... Does that stem mount fit the new Wahoo Roam?? Thanks Dave

[@hardtailparty]

Good question. It's got the standard wahoo element mount

[@ripplingovercanyons8425]

Nice looking bike. Anything with a sub 13" bottom bracket height is a deal breaker for me, however.

[@hardtailparty]

because of pedal strikes, or another reason?

[@ripplingovercanyons8425]

@@hardtailparty Yes, pedal strikes and scraping the bottom bracket on steep roll overs, throwing my weight forward over the bars. You can only go so low until a trail bike is just not safe to ride, and, for me, on the kind of trails I ride 13" is the limit.

[@jonathangreiner]

Great build! Where did the weight end up?

[@hardtailparty]

No idea, I haven't weighed it yet. The frame is 2 lbs lighter than the steel version.

[@jonathangreiner]

hardtail party Have you ridden your wife’s DV9 at all? That’s what I’m currently riding and love the weight. Getting ready to build up a new Specialized Fuse 2020 which will be a more aggressive option.

[@hardtailparty]

@@jonathangreiner yes ive ridden it. I love the light weight, but I'm having a touch time clicking with that bike. I need to film a review of it

[@jonathangreiner]

hardtail party I can see how it might feel odd if you are used to longer/slacker. I’m getting back into riding after a hiatus and it reminds me of my old hardtail - I am running a 130 Pike on it (posted about that in the mtbr Ibis thread) which has been working well. Might be worth trying different tires to; I’m running 2.6/2.5 F/R. My fuse has a much longer reach and will be slacker as well (140 MRP ribbon) so it will be an interesting evolution. BTW, when you are back in Tucson (I moved from there years back) check out Daisy Mae’s steak house on the west side. Hole in the wall with the best steak and ribs in Tucson, good prices too. Also check out Caruso’s Italian on 4th near the UofA.

[@Srdeo33]

How does steel version compare to honzo steel compliance wise?

[@hardtailparty]

I'd say its maybe 5% stiffer than the honzo.

[@slofax1251]

Nice bike 🚲

[@travelthenarrowtrail8660]

Yeah man that is nice one.

[@MTBPlaygrounds]

THAT BIKE LOOKS COOL! I wish I could have a titanium frame!

[@michaelh5967]

You prob get this alot but have you ridden a Stanton Switchback? I've prob heard more people/entities praise it as the holy grail of hardtails than any other hardtail out there. Would love to hear your thoughts on it.

[@hardtailparty]

I'll have a review of a Stanton coming soon.

[@michaelh5967]

@@hardtailparty Sweet! I'll be looking forward to that one friend 👍

[@gabrielcaraos8729]

Can I use a 27.5 fork on a middle child and a 27.5 x 2.6 tires?

[@hardtailparty]

Technically you can, but it'll make the stack lower and the head angle 1* steeper. I recommend a 29er fork

[@gabrielcaraos8729]

@@hardtailparty do you prefer a long chainstay or short?

[@hardtailparty]

@@gabrielcaraos8729 short

[@gabrielcaraos8729]

@@hardtailparty so you're using 27.5 plus tires on a short setup. Got it

[@earthzero7]

How wide do you run your bars?

[@hardtailparty]

760

[@caleb.w]

What’s supposed to clip into your top cap bro?? A Garmin or something like that?

[@hardtailparty]

Yes, it's for my wahoo element

[@caleb.w]

hardtail party cool. I’ll have to check that out. I’d love to get some kinda gps gadget but haven’t researched enough. Thanks for the reply dude 🤘🏻

[@hardtailparty]

@@caleb.w I love my wahoo. They have a new fancy version. I've even uploaded a gps route to its and it beeps at me when I miss an turn on the trail. Pretty cool. Mine is the wahoo element.

[@buddystix]

I wonder if the xl would fit me?...im 6'5"

[@jonzylka9474]

Have you ever ridden a 29+? If so, what are your thoughts, and how does it compare to a 27.5+?

[@hardtailparty]

They're more similar to each other than different. 29+ would be my #1 choice for bikepacking. The 29+ rolls over obstacles better, but they are big, and make it harder for me to throw the bike around. I can't bunnyhop or manual or pick the rear wheel up as easily while riding (mostly because I have tiny legs). Great question! One other downside is that almost nobody makes an aggressive 29+ frame. The chainstays are either too long, or the head angle is too steep. I'd be curious to try an rsd sergeant v3 with 29+.

[@tamserenity]

I couldn't find a frame only price for the TI. I want to compare to a carbon frame.

[@hardtailparty]

It's on their website. You might have to dig around a bit in the description

[@tamserenity]

@@hardtailparty Ok I will try again. Thank you.

[@tamserenity]

Yeah I think they are sold out or something. Thanks though.

[@hardtailparty]

@@tamserenity the black ones are sold out, but the raw ti like I have are still available. Scroll down to see prices: rsdbikes.com/portfolio/middlechild-titanium/

[@tamserenity]

@@hardtailparty My bad I guess I didn't scroll down enough. Thanks!

[@Liljoozy]

I thought the entire point of a 67-73 head tube angle over a

[@hardtailparty]

Modern rccnique allows these bikes to be ridden extremely well in these conditions. You need a bit more balanced and skill to climb a 64* hrs bike, but it can be done, and i even prefer it.

[@Sendersofmayhem]

Aluminum or steel?..... That is the question. Pulling the trigger on one but this is my last hang up.

[@hardtailparty]

see my video "is steel real". I should have an aluminum one here pretty soon. I vote for the aluminum one right now. The steel MC isn't especially compliant/comfortable. It rides pretty stiff for steel.

[@joseantoniosanchezsanchez6789]

Esas piedras están afiladas. Mi respeto

[@hardtailparty]

Saludos amigo

[@shanemb3]

Not a fan of the low BB on my bike (Norco Fluid HT)

[@hardtailparty]

I mainly like low bbs for slashing corners.

[@utmtb6484]

I made the video from Captain Ahab check it out! kzbin.info/www/bejne/g5_HopmwmKekndk

[@ianfurqueron5850]

Not cheap, but $2200 for a Ti hardtail isn't bad.

[@hardtailparty]

Totally agree.

[@MADSTEVE_]

5,6 feet riding a "small" ?+?!?

[@hardtailparty]

Keep in mind that a small in one brand is not the same as a small in another brand. and this is a modern bike with long reach. Its between a medium and a large 2019 specialized