So Versatile - Introducing the RSD Sergeant V5 - 27.5+, 29er, 29+, and even 27.5x4.0 - First Look

RSD Sergeant V5 is the latest version of RSD's adventure bike. Set it up as a 27.5, or a 27.5+, or a 29er, or a 29x3.0, or even a 27.5x4.0. This bike is extremely versatile and is a bit of a swiss army knife. The latest version has a shorter chainstay, longer reach, and a slacker head angle than the v3 that I previously reviewed. Based in Toronto, Canada, RSD bikes has a 5% discount for all hardtail party viewers. Use coupon code "party" at checkout to get 5% off any RSD product. Learn more about the bike here: bit.ly/3zJTsN6
Did you learn something? Say thanks and support this channel: www.buymeacoff...
Do you need help choosing your next bike? Become a supporter today for one-on-one bike consultation: / hardtailparty
Gear I use and love:
5% off 5DEV cranks - Use coupon code "hardtailparty" for a discount code here: bit.ly/3c5Ha6b
5% off roost titanium bars and stem: use code "hardtailparty22"
Spinergy MXX 30 - bit.ly/3AiL4UW (use coupon code "HTPARTY10" for 10% off)
SCC Tech Chain Lube and Cleaner - bit.ly/3mlVKPb
Hardtail Party Shirts, hats, and SWAG - shop.spreadshi...
Lab Austere hip pack: bit.ly/3p37K58 - code "Hardtail.Party" 25% off
Handup Gloves: bit.ly/3dhUe8z - use discount code "HARDTAILPARTY"
My shop tools: www.amazon.com...
My glasses (use code "hardtail10"): bit.ly/3aXBeKp
My tire sealant: bit.ly/2ULJirZ
My favorite grips: bit.ly/3mYRL8Z
Hardtail Party collection by pedal industries - code "HARDTAILPARTY": bit.ly/3ilNdqH
What's in my water bottles (Tailwind): bit.ly/2Xbxy3q
My hooded sun shirt: bit.ly/38NdU1x
Milwaukee Inflator. I love this thing! amzn.to/38Vdqrj
Presta adapter: amzn.to/3cMADx1
5% off all RSD bikes using code "party" - bit.ly/3dj2nZP -
Ryan Leech Connection: $19 off - coupon code "hardtailparty"​ - bit.ly/2UwrmQq
amazon.com/sho... any time you shop on amazon using this link, it helps me.
Note: some of my links are affiliate links. That means I get a small commission on purchases made using these links. You don't pay anything extra, but it helps support the channel. If you've learned something from my videos, consider using the affiliate links above.

[@William.N]

Yes, bar length video, please! Great looking bike!

[@pauleddy5146]

Versatility in a hardtail is "almost" a must for the enthusiast. We aren't just riding fire roads in the northwoods. (well, where I come from anyway) and it snows. The more wheel and tire combinations available on the same frame and component kit, the better. Seasons change, and so do I (lyrics from something) and as such, so do the requirements of your trusty steed's shoes. Great video Steve. Oh, and KUDOS to Alex and RSD. Canada has the same basic climate and challenges to ride on the regular. Another reason to buy from a manufacturer who is familiar with, or actually rides, your terrain & conditions and understands your riding motivations. The V5 should be that "one" bike you grab for the majority of your hardtail riding.

[@philofalltrades]

just purchased one ! it's being built as we speak can't wait to ride it

[@philippebenard1075]

Bar length video is a great idea. I’m 5’10 and always cut my bars to 750mm. I find long bars make turning slow and unpredictable resulting in less control and they give more shoulder pain as well. This is a very underrated topic imo. Sweet bike. Rsd are so cool

[@itsbigwolf6452]

Can't wait to see you ride this beauty🫡

[@shawnpritchard366]

I love it when you get experimental.

[@notice_fpv]

Cool bike! Thanks for showing it off. Can't wait for the ride review(s)!

[@mattd7814]

Perfect timing! I’m building up my V5 this weekend. I already swapped the 175mm cranks for 170mm and installed a Oneup V2 210mm dropper. I got the Adventure build (Rigid fork/27.5X4.0) to replace my Fat Bike. And for the Summer mode it’ll replace my Fuse 27.5, I’ll be running a 140mm fork and 27.5X2.8. I love the reduced chain-stay length for the V5. Looking forward to your review!

[@juansanchez-tr1dq]

Curious about the 27.5 x 4 portion of the review and looking forward to it!

[@hardtailparty]

Same here! It'll have to run a rigid fork or a bluto or a wren. A 27.5x4.0 won't fit in this fork. I'll be testing it rigid

[@themtchannel2110]

@@hardtailparty i vote Wren - interesting, possibly the future!

[@ggkut30]

Bought the Sarge v3, after seeing your 1st review. Living in Alaska it just made sense for all seasons. When I built up I decided to built all three wheel sets suspensions setups. Today, yes today Fedex is delivering the RSD alloy boost fork that fits the 27.5x4.0. New v5 colors got me thinking repainting the v3 frame.

[@hardtailparty]

Awesome, what a versatile bike. It's really fun with that rigid fork.

[@ggkut30]

Alex is great at RSD even helped with shipping to Alaska. Plan to ride Glaciers, mountains passes, snow cover single, track, dirt and maybe put racks on for a caribou’s hunt.

[@SafwanRahmanofficial]

Looking forward to the trail review

[@sixate]

Looks cool, can't wait for the ride review.

[@mandowebster8728]

Loved the JKU reference…😊. Really summed it up in my head for me…thanks.

[@CasperRc81]

Pretty on my wish list with the new chameleon come Christmas bonus time!!!.

[@hardmtnbiker]

RSD always paves their own way. A super Boost 157 that can be used as a fat bike with 4” wide tires, is something that I can’t think of anymore else that has thought about that. Going from a winter snow bike or desert sand bike to be able to rip with smaller tires as well, is pretty versatile. I can’t wait to see what you think about all the wheel combos?

[@adlar2005]

I would build it 29x2.4/6 - Ride Nor-Cal and shred! 🤘

[@techjeeper8800]

I am going to have to grab me an RSD at some point. I just picked up a last gen chameleon and I went all the way back to all your videos on that on Dusty Betty and early days of HTP and all the new chameleon videos. Such a wealth of info, I did the cups of coffee a couple weeks ago since in a way you advised me on my purchase. The result after my first ride on it today is that I love it. After 5 miles on it today setup SS it made me wonder if I should keep my other SS bike. I love the versatility and everything. I sized down to a medium and it made for a really great bike on the local trails. After watching this today I will definitely have to keep an eye out for a Sargent. Love the content, love your approach, and I have officially joined the party on the mountains(by that I mean Texas panhandle hahaha)

[@rated89]

Steve, you should visit Toronto and ride our trails that run through the city 🙂

[@hardtailparty]

I'd love to ride the Don someday

[@shaunroach7829]

If you ever come this way I’d take you out Steve for some riding great stuff 1 1/2 - 2 hours from the Don too!!!

[@RunRideHikeThrive]

Great vid, I have an Airborne Cycles Griffin 27.5+ 3in tires, love the way it rides but l would love to explore that more slack head angle on these RSD bikes! 👏 👏 👏 Thanks.

[@michaelbrewster3553]

I have a Sergeant V4 and run it both 27.5+ for trail and bike packing and fat lite with 4.0s for winter. Art my relatively light weight of 150 on, 4.0 is fine on packed snow. Love the versatility! One point of clarification, you mentioned that cranks are superboost, actually they use the DH standard with 83 mm wide bb.

[@danielhartwig3150]

What an amazing looking bike. Thanks for the video, Steve. I have a feeling you'll love how it rides.

[@iakona23]

This is exactly what I need!!!

[@RideYearRound]

Smart move on the rear wheels, I should’ve thought of that! I think an i45 with a 4.0” is the perfect fat size for summer and will work fine in the winter if you’re riding packed/groomed stuff. It’s not meant to be a full on fat bike though so smart move on superboost to get more of a MTB feel.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Always appreciate 29+, and 27.5x4 is a cool fat bike option on a bike like this.

[@MichaelAbramo]

I had a rocky mountain growler 40 for a year and I loved it but I ride a lot of chunky rocky trails in with a lot of elevation change but no fall lines. I loved the ride feel of the growler but got tired of rattling my teeth when the speeds picked up. Now I have a full suspension and I'm having way less fun. That Sergeant with plus tires would probably be perfect for my trails.

[@hardtailparty]

I know what you mean, that growler really wants fall lines.

[@nlights6]

Where are you riding? I have a deposit on a Growler 40 but thinking of cancelling it and picking up one of these, but can't quite decide yet without riding the Growler!

[@MichaelAbramo]

@@nlights6 New York and North Jersey. I don't do DH. Mostly riding very technical XC/Enduro trails with lots of elevation change. I'm in 1st-3rd gear a LOT. Frankly I should probably be on a short travel full suspension XC bike. It's just so chunky here. I did like the 2.6" tires on the growler and the fork was good. But I think 3.0 tires would be better for what I ride

[@nlights6]

@@MichaelAbramo Ok cool. Thanks for the info. Enjoy the riding this summer!

[@shaunroach7829]

Great first look Steve!!! As an RSD owner Alex is great and offers amazing customer service!!! Can’t wait to see this series the reviews of the Sergeant in all its different forms 👍👍!!! Fantastic details and explanation Steve 👏👏!!!

[@saviourofrockandroll]

My favorite part about your bike reviews is the tire clearance experimentations. Very good to know the DVO Diamond D3 will easily clear 29 x 3.0"! I run 29 x 3.0" mounted to the RockShox Yari with 27.5 x 3.8 out back, mounted to i45 Derby rims (Salsa Mukluk Ti frame).

[@nathanwhitmire3888]

I had noticed the geometry calculators were coming up with about 15mm longer reach on the Sergeant frames than listed on the geometry chart. Thanks for verifying it actually is around that much longer than listed. I’ve got a LG V4 frame in the garage I’m getting ready to build!

[@hardtailparty]

It definitely feels closer to the geo chart than what I measured.

[@dimimtb]

Nice bike. I've been looking at an RSD as a hardtail bike but the Middlechild looks like more in line with what i'm looking for. For the Stamp 1s, I have them and was not crazy about the grip they had. Swapped out the screws, it comes with M3x10mm with M3x12mm and it made the pedals way more grippy and better. Have used the Chesters and they are a bit grippier even with the 12mm screws on the Stamps.

[@hardtailparty]

I have had the same feelings about the stamps vs Chester's. I'll try the bigger platform stamps next.

[@keevmulqois2484]

Add this to the short list of hard tails I’m considering with my 160m 5Dev cranks and 27/3.0’s. Another great review Steve! Awesome bike RSD!

[@josephfarrugia2350]

Wow at 460mm on the Geometer, the Reach on that Medium is way different from the quoted 445m figure on the official/online Sergeant V5 geometry chart published by RSD on their site for a size Medium. That's quite a difference! The BB drop is quoted at 45mm, 5mm away from what you measured in real life in this build video. Great first look, the real life inspection sure is way more meaningful & in depth than just taking a look at the geo charts; gratitude for the upload. How it rides in the a real-world is another benefit of this channel, as you say: bikes often ride different than the geo charts would suggest. Super well done on the first look, as always!

[@hardtailparty]

My measurements always have a bit of wiggle room, I'm eyeballing most of it.

[@josephfarrugia2350]

@@hardtailparty that's what I gathered; yet 15mm difference in Reach is quite big, almost one size up. Your measurements on the geometer seem to be more reliable than the actual geo charts of most bikes; it's a real eye opener as to whether a bike will fit better at a certain size for a certain rider & his/her riding characteristics. Thanks for doing your best to be as precise & accurate as possible in your measurements, & for being so up front with your real life impressions!

[@JustJake77]

As a member of the RSD Army on my RS-291 (partly due to this channel for turning me on to this company), I approve of this content!

[@jeremyauzenne5537]

I just bought a RS-291 frame. How are you liking it? You love it??

[@JustJake77]

@jeremyauzenne5537 I really love it! The geo numbers are a bit extreme, and I was worried I wouldn't mesh with them. Those worries were put to rest after only a couple of shakedown rides. It's now my do everything bike.

[@mikejones420]

Personally, I would get this in the 27.5plus as I enjoy riding off the beaten path so to speak, and use it for exploring new places I haven't been before. Great video Steve!

[@yamahschector]

I finally found a comfort area with new modern geo. My 2014 trek slash finally feels a little weird. I am glad I went to hardtail again great for my riding anymore

[@dennisfloyd8514]

This bike is great looking.

[@matthewcarson1280]

Arizona wheel fit is a little different than an Ohio wheel fit. Mud gets us pretty bad here. Love that you always check max out wheel/tire clearance.

[@thenowhereman3295]

Excited to see what you say about those Crank Brothers pedals. I have been running them and I personally feel like they force my foot to be in the proper position. Never trying to find where my foot needs to be.

[@hardtailparty]

I had a few more unintentional pedal slips on these pedals than my trusty chesters. I think I'm going to try the bigger stamps next.

[@lonewanderer2287]

I’ve been riding the V4 for a little over 2 seasons. The fork is a bit meh but for the price you get a very well rounded package and a very versatile frame. Def a capable bike for any type of rider.

[@petercroce]

I can’t stop thinking about this bike. I ended up going for a similar style build with my REEB Donkadonk. I have a 26” studded fat wheelset for proper winter riding (I’m in Michigan). Then I have a 27.5” midfat wheelset (Stan’s Hugos) that I run 3.8” Bontrager Hodags on, but I also have a Duro Crux and Specialized Slaughter I wanna try. But currently it’s setup single speed 29+ with Alexrims MD50 with a Duro Crux 3.25” up front and WTB Ranger 3” in back. It’s wild. I’m curious about 29+/27.5+ mullet, singlespeed or otherwise. You ever try that? This might be the perfect bike for it.

[@FATKEVMTB]

I love my MAYOR, RSD make solid bikes.

[@fifthcircle1]

First. 🙌🏻 Looking forward to your opinions on the tires. I have a Trek Farley, and I'm trying to decide what to do with it. No real snow riding where I'm at, but a 29+ or 27.5+ up to fat is fun. Debating on a fork...it's currently rigid.

[@chriss8375]

With a 120mm fork, I think this would be an awesome 29+ lighter krampus replacement.

[@Teo4Rap]

Hi! I really enjoy your content and I find it really good for hardtail riders 🤘🏻I am also into riding MTBs for one year and I am curious about something. Did you ever break a hardtail frame? And how likely is this event to produce?

[@hardtailparty]

I've only broken one hardtail frame. It was carbon and had a manufacturing defect. It broke on the second ride. Anything brakes after being subjected to too much abuse. Heavy riders, but drops, poor technique, and crashes increase the likelihood of breakage.

[@adamalexanderlaurian8100]

Fork suport 29plus bulldozer vee tire 29x3.25 ?

[@themtchannel2110]

Nice! what tire do you have on front?

[@adamalexanderlaurian8100]

What about of 29x3.25 vee tire co bulldozer on the fork front ?

[@64Spokes]

27.5x4.0 or 26x4.0? 27.5x4.0 seems like it would be tight

[@hardtailparty]

It will fit 27.5x4.0

[@64Spokes]

@@hardtailparty I’d like to see the clearance on that I’d imagine the dropouts have to be all the way back I’ve been looking for a non fat bike that can run minion fbf/fbr 27.5 x 3.8 this might be the one

[@hardtailparty]

@@64Spokes I'll make sure to show it when I film the review in 4.0 mode. I'm betting they'll be halfway back. We'll see...

[@taylorpfenning3029]

Like he said, it'll be the height that hits first. I have 27.5x4.0 Cake Eaters for winter that are actually a smidge shorter than the 29x2.6 (measure 2.7 on i40) Goodyear Escapes I run for summer. Those 27.5x4 will be close to slammed if the 29x3 are only halfway back!

[@MTB_CRZY]

rad bike, but you are going to hate those crankbrothers pedals. The spindle thickness is larger than the platform thickness and so you have to be able to make a "c" shape with your foot on the pedals to get any sort of grip out of them. I mostly prefer clipless pedals, but if you want to give some other flat pedals a try, I would recommend either PNW's flat pedals or oneup's flat pedals. (5devs are nice, they're just too expensive for me lol) cant wait to see the review on trail!

[@hardtailparty]

I've got 5dev, chester, I who, fookers, Sam hills, and a handful of others. I'll talk about these pedals a bit in my review.

[@ianfurqueron5850]

I'd probably build it up with 27.5 x 4.0 as that would be the only reason I'd want this over my '19 Chameleon (running 27.5 x 2.8)

[@TheHuester44]

Nice bike !

[@TheHuester44]

I would probably build it 29 2.6

[@djkamper11]

when will the review video launch?

[@MTNDOG39]

What trans x dropper are you using?

[@bradandelizabethlogue526]

Does moving yourdropouts up affect chain tension and shifting? I have trek stache if I were to run 2.6 I would slide dropouts forward. Or 27.5 wheels.

[@hardtailparty]

It affects ideal chain length a bit. You'll want to make sure your b tension is correct.

[@СергейШишкин-ч7ы]

Шикарный байк!

[@SaludfitnessPUNTOcom]

Hey Steve have you reviewed a trek stache before, curios because I have the same likes as you, short chain stay, plus size bike

[@hardtailparty]

I've ridden a few but I never made a video review.

[@sam_todd]

Sergeant or MiddleChild? Hmm. Was really looking at the middlechild, now thinking this would be the better fit for an all rounder

[@hardtailparty]

It really depends on your goals. I do my bike consultation over on Patreon. I'd be happy to help you over there. Patreon.com/hardtailparty

[@sam_todd]

@hardtail party funny thing, never heard of RSD until this neon thing showed up on your channel. Back then I was all about the SC that you were riding. Keep up the great content. Looking forward to seeing this run in the different configs!

[@beakerbiker3033]

I’d like to see this tested as a 29x2.6

[@darrinonenland284]

Hmmmm..... Might just be the replacement for my Instigator

[@ryanolson9632]

Are you going to review the Knolly tyaughton

[@hardtailparty]

I'd like to, but they haven't sent me one yet.

[@czechnolike]

No one has much for content on the DVO D3, from how to service, to a full review. Maybe that's an idea for another video? My mechanic has not been able to service this fork, and seems very confused.

[@nlights6]

Hmm...I suppose that could be a problem?! Do mechanics generally just eventually figure out how to service the forks then? You're stuck with a fork that can't be fixed easily?

[@czechnolike]

@@nlights6 apparently, most places ship them off for service

[@nlights6]

@@czechnolike Ok interesting. I appreciate the reply. Do you have this bike?

[@czechnolike]

@@nlights6 rsd middlechild

[@nlights6]

@@czechnolike Do you like the middlechild?

[@Tux_Appreciator]

I love 2.6 tires, never tried 2.8 but I bet I'd like them too. 3.0 are a little too thicc for my taste.

[@hardtailparty]

Have you tried 3.0s on a wide rim before?

[@mikej1348]

That bike looks great. Definitely seems to have that playful attitude that I look for in a bike.

[@jordanr8312]

The name of the bike alone is dope! Only 30 seconds in any my interest is piqued.

[@edlorenz1552]

Heard "super boost" and left. Super Boost is the "Beta" to the VHS bike industry.

[@64Spokes]

Dumb name aside it’s nice if you like running wide wheels and big tires and don’t need to swap/share wheelsets between bikes

[@hardtailparty]

Normally I'm the same way, but you should watch the following 30 seconds, where I explain why it's necessary for this bike. This bike wouldn't be possible without either super boost or fatbike spacing. You simply cannot fit a 27.5x4.0 on a regular boost frame.

[@joemeyer769]

The industry is continually going wider. Just purchased one in raw 27.5. Thanks for the videos, keep up the hard work.

[@RomanMoroniesFargingWall]

​@@hardtailparty Do you think that with the proliferation of e-bikes we will see Super Boost become more viable for "aftermarket" hub manufacturers? Seems like bigger, heavier, more powerful bikes would kind of usher in Super Boost as the "main"/standard size quite easily.

[@chubscoi]

Fit a fat 26"

[@hardtailparty]

I think a 26x5.0 is going to be too wide for the chainstays. The rad mayor is the bike for that.

[@strollersofthecodyscarp7557]

Bad a__ bike!

[@roberttenne2150]

Ok.... This 29" bs must come to an end. It's absurd size - grownups look like kids on the bikes. Better Rolling Performance?! Yeah if clumsiness is your thing.

[@fifthcircle1]

WTF are you talking about? 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@hardtailparty]

I get this comment quite often. I agree that in the early days of 29ers there were a lot of clumsy, awkward rising bikes. However, they've come a long way since then. Almost every one of my bikes is a 29er now. For where I live, 29s make an enormous difference, and 29+ makes another great improvement. If done right, I don't find 29ers to be clumsy at all, but I know there are a bunch of people who share your feelings about them.

[@bradandelizabethlogue526]

For us 6ft plus bikers. Feel like I'm riding a kids bike when on my old 26inch tire bike. 29 great for speed and rolling. 27.5 probably better for getting air and trying aerial tricks.

[@Azoth5876]

6ft1 and rather than looking like a kid, i finally feel like i have a bike that fits me. 29 was held back in the early days by the geo. Now that the geo has caught up, 29ers are going to be the fastest bike for most situations. Whether they are always the most fun choice might be another debate.