I’m super stoked that you’re still super stoked on your RSD Ti MiddleChild. I’m ‘patiently’ waiting for my frame to arrive sometime end of June or July.
Wish I would have found this channel before I purchased my Cannondale Trail 29er two years ago. Changed over to a 1x11, 170mm cranks. Added a 100mm Marhkor fork. Changed handle bars from 680mm to 760mm and shortened the stem to 45mm. Added a dropper. I love it. Climbs great, takes the downhill ok. But it is definitely more of an XC bike.
I've completely got rid of callus where the palm meets the fingers, by using fatter grips. They simply fill out the hand better and stretch the skin, so there is less wrinkeling going on. It's surprising how many people with relatively large hands that run tiny grips and have never even tried larger. It makes a siginificant difference. Personally I need a minimum of 34 mm diameter which is huge compared to 99% of all grips available, but up to 32 mm is abundant and still larger than standard.
Nice video. I have tried my son’s steel Middlechild in 27.5+ and thought for sure it would be sluggish but it was great. I like that you mentioned that the frame feels springy and more like something from the 90’s. I am 160 lbs and find a lot of bikes overbuilt to handle heavier riders but I don’t need that. I rode a Kona Explosif around 1991 for a few years and it was a pretty light frame and had a great feel to it. Thanks!
Good stuff and video! You definitely know the nuances of frames. I'm the opposite build of you, long legs, long arms, short torso, for bikepacking I like 71 deg HT, and 73 deg ST, works perfectly.
beautiful bike, love how clean it looks with the chopped off seat tube plus the seat will be well out of the way with the dropper slammed. loving the idea of going single speed but no one seems to do a cog converter for shimano microspline
I'm betting it's only a matter of time before we see them. That's the main reason i run hg on all my wheels (and because i run microshift drivetrains).
@@hardtailparty Also the XD driver seems to have many really good cassette options. Sunrace, Garbaruk, KCNC and E13 for example. Sunrace has AWESOME low budget alternatives! Not at the moment off course because no matter what cassette, getting some cassette at all is tough if you can't blow 200bucks for one.
Nice bike! I'm looking at getting a custom built titanium hardtail myself. The nice part is you can even spec your own geo so you can get what you want from a bike.
I like wider internal rim with hoops. Still haven’t jumped on the carbon bandwagon and kinda like the low cost of replacing aluminum rims. I’d like to try carbon but for my choices on 27.5 I’d want i45mm to i50 rims for my 2.8” to 3” tires. For my 29ers I’d go i35mm to i40 for my 2.6 to 2.8” tires. For me the tires just fit better on wide rims, it makes it easier for CushCore or Rimpact inserts. Of course all my bikes are hardtail’s and metal.
i got a similar build and i keep a shifter and derailleur linked with full length housing for a rear road cassette (12-28) that ill throw on with some double sided velcro if i ever get tempted to have some gear variation for extra long bike packing days, but it most of the time stays simple.
Love it! One thing to consider is that the bent seat tube adds to the compliance of the frame which might be lost if the tube was straight? I listened to a Linskey designer talk about why they went with bent tubes on the seat post.
can i use this frame as a BMX for the streets only with not so super fat tires? im looking for such a frame. Single speed playfull and simple like a BMX :)
I have their hardtail Mayor Fatbike and its amazing, the Geo is perfection for me. I plan on getting their Wildcat Full Squish end of season or earlier if it gets in stock.
@@hardtailparty Just watched your Video review of it, thanks for doing that there is not much out there for videos of it in action! looks amazing and pretty much exactly what I am looking for.
Hey! I really like that you cut that top tube connecter. I've got a 2016 Kona Unit SS and everything about it is perfect, but, I'd love to get a longer dropper on there. The seat tube is 27.2 so I think 125 is about the most I could go with available options. I'm invested in my non boost 1st gen Chris King Hubs so, I'd rather not move to a boost frame. Do you know anyone who could swap my seat tube for something wider? Thanks!
You mentioned using a 10-speed chain on your bikes regardless of drivetrain configuration. Can you use a 12-speed chain on an 11-speed configured bike? What are the cons with not using the correct chain for the drivetrain?
I think you misunderstood. I run a 10 speed chain with my 10 speed drivetrains and with my ss drivetrains. All of my personal bikes are running a 10 speed drivetrain. You don't want to mix and amtxh chains across 10, 11, and 12 speed fricetraons. You'll wear your drivetrain out sooner, potentially damage/break your chain, and shifting will be sloppy. A 12 speed chain is narrower than an 11 speed.
I know you were not a huge fan of the carbon chameleon, but how does the Ti Middle Child compare to something like that in terms of all day pedaling? Do you find that it is comfortable enough to put in long days even with a slacker HT angle?
Did you add that brass looking piece on the chain tensioner? I haven't seen that on stock MC. If you did add it I was just curious as to what it changes or does differently.
@@hardtailparty opinion of them Heavy Maintenance Performance Just wondering cuz RSD is specking them now , maybe just get Frame and build , the frame is the main thing .
The rear wheel on my hardtail has multiple dents from square and side impacts. It spins straight and holds air. Should I care or just ride it till it dies?
The comment regarding crank arm length raised my eye brows too. A person needs to be sure he is not spinning too big a circles and having the anatomical disadvantage subtract out the leverage advantage. There is an optimal crank arm length for each person, and it’s not likely you would want to be changing it from bike to bike. I don't think. A good example, is to imagine walking up a super long flight of stairs - there is range of optimal tread height that works with your particular anatomy, and if each step is too tall you will quickly bonk on your climb. Likewise, if each thread is too short you’ll notice awkwardness too. Likewise with the circles you are spinning with your crank. I suspect a person should find the crank length that is the sweet spot for your anatomy and stick with it. But I am no expert...
Can’t justify the titanium unfortunately. I commented on another one of your videos that I have a MC AL-V2 pre-ordered (29er)… looking like a July delivery at the moment. I thought I saw you mention that you were going to do a review of the Aluminum Middle Child at one point (way back) but I wasn’t able to find one. If you have could you post a link? If not do you have any plans to do one down the road (possibly of the V2 when it becomes available)? It would be interesting to hear your opinion of the aluminum MC compared the steel and titanium. Edit: just saw the comment a few down from mine on the AL 😊
I just biked very often single speed until I was 45. No good idea at all, just damages the knees. Now I am 56, still cycle a lot, but really regret to ever had been cycling on sind single speed. Don't do it you may also regret it....
I've been looking for a hardtail for a while, there are 2 hartails that interest me the canyon stoic 4 and the commencal meta ht am which of the two would you recommand.
@@hardtailparty Welllllllllll................. theoretically, yes - but I would buy it if you were to sell it and I had the money - so yes and no or neither or maybe -- you know which ever
This is one of the few bikes i liked enough to go out and buy the frame with my own money. This bike makes me smile every time i ride it.
@ hardtail party, you need to try the Pipedream Moxie. Very similar geo except a steeper seat tube ;) Love mine
@@tactical395 i need more of my viewers to reach out to them, because I haven't been able to convince them to send me one for review.
Have you reviewed the Whyte 905 or Nukeproof Scout?
@@matthewbooher6883 nope, i haven't been able to convince them to send me one
Yes we need the nuke proof
Beautiful bike.
A Titanium Plus Hardtail is my dream bike....one day I will fulfill that dream.
I’m super stoked that you’re still super stoked on your RSD Ti MiddleChild. I’m ‘patiently’ waiting for my frame to arrive sometime end of June or July.
I can totally relate to your personal geo. I wear youth pants but adult shirts.
Wish I would have found this channel before I purchased my Cannondale Trail 29er two years ago. Changed over to a 1x11, 170mm cranks. Added a 100mm Marhkor fork. Changed handle bars from 680mm to 760mm and shortened the stem to 45mm. Added a dropper. I love it. Climbs great, takes the downhill ok. But it is definitely more of an XC bike.
Looks great! I built up a SS steel Honzo and took it out on Monday for the first time, what a blast!
Whats the build? How much did it cost in the end?
I've completely got rid of callus where the palm meets the fingers, by using fatter grips. They simply fill out the hand better and stretch the skin, so there is less wrinkeling going on. It's surprising how many people with relatively large hands that run tiny grips and have never even tried larger. It makes a siginificant difference. Personally I need a minimum of 34 mm diameter which is huge compared to 99% of all grips available, but up to 32 mm is abundant and still larger than standard.
Nice video. I have tried my son’s steel Middlechild in 27.5+ and thought for sure it would be sluggish but it was great. I like that you mentioned that the frame feels springy and more like something from the 90’s. I am 160 lbs and find a lot of bikes overbuilt to handle heavier riders but I don’t need that. I rode a Kona Explosif around 1991 for a few years and it was a pretty light frame and had a great feel to it. Thanks!
If you think the mc steel feels springy, imagine 2lb lighter with even more compliance.
love the personal bike checks!
Good stuff and video! You definitely know the nuances of frames. I'm the opposite build of you, long legs, long arms, short torso, for bikepacking I like 71 deg HT, and 73 deg ST, works perfectly.
RSD send this guy the aluminum MIddle Child! I need to know!
As soon as there's one available they will.
Already preordered mine! Can't wait!!!
beautiful bike, love how clean it looks with the chopped off seat tube plus the seat will be well out of the way with the dropper slammed. loving the idea of going single speed but no one seems to do a cog converter for shimano microspline
Use one of the loose cogs with a thicker base from the cassette and use LOADS of spacer's.
I'm betting it's only a matter of time before we see them. That's the main reason i run hg on all my wheels (and because i run microshift drivetrains).
@@hardtailparty Also the XD driver seems to have many really good cassette options. Sunrace, Garbaruk, KCNC and E13 for example. Sunrace has AWESOME low budget alternatives! Not at the moment off course because no matter what cassette, getting some cassette at all is tough if you can't blow 200bucks for one.
Problem Solvers Zinger SS kits for Shimano MS hub drivers. Found mine on Universal Cycles.
Nice bike! That Bike Yoke Revive dropper post is good. I have 7,300+ miles on mine and I've only changed cables and the lever. So smooth and reliable.
Nice bike! I'm looking at getting a custom built titanium hardtail myself. The nice part is you can even spec your own geo so you can get what you want from a bike.
It looks really good with no decals and that tube cut off. Really sharp!
I like wider internal rim with hoops. Still haven’t jumped on the carbon bandwagon and kinda like the low cost of replacing aluminum rims. I’d like to try carbon but for my choices on 27.5 I’d want i45mm to i50 rims for my 2.8” to 3” tires. For my 29ers I’d go i35mm to i40 for my 2.6 to 2.8” tires. For me the tires just fit better on wide rims, it makes it easier for CushCore or Rimpact inserts. Of course all my bikes are hardtail’s and metal.
I agree, wide rims rock.
i got a similar build and i keep a shifter and derailleur linked with full length housing for a rear road cassette (12-28) that ill throw on with some double sided velcro if i ever get tempted to have some gear variation for extra long bike packing days, but it most of the time stays simple.
Love that bike, recently picked up an orange steel middle child that I built up single speed.
Right on. I love those orange ones.
I have the aluminum frame on order, patiently waiting!
Thanks for this. I'm buying one right now (only in aluminum)
Love it! One thing to consider is that the bent seat tube adds to the compliance of the frame which might be lost if the tube was straight? I listened to a Linskey designer talk about why they went with bent tubes on the seat post.
I can't imagine that making a noticeable difference. Tube thickness will most likely have more impact than the bend.
Do you have any structural concerns cutting the seat raiser tube? I totally agree it improves asthetics so much. Thanks for the Bikecheck!
It definitely weakens the bike, but i didn't experience any negatives from doing this.
Awesome 😎 getting my titanium Mayor frame with carbon fork this November!! Can’t wait to custom build single speed fattie!!!
That sounds pretty awesome
3 years later…what’s your favorite hardtail now?
can i use this frame as a BMX for the streets only with not so super fat tires? im looking for such a frame. Single speed playfull and simple like a BMX :)
I'm currently running 27.5 x 2.1 tires. I definitely gotta try + tires soon
Just going to 2.4s is a huge change from 2.1s. 3.0s are fun. Like silly fun.
Banshee Paradox next? Love that Middle Child, owning one is on my future bucket list.
I have their hardtail Mayor Fatbike and its amazing, the Geo is perfection for me. I plan on getting their Wildcat Full Squish end of season or earlier if it gets in stock.
The wildcat is a rad bike too.
@@hardtailparty Just watched your Video review of it, thanks for doing that there is not much out there for videos of it in action! looks amazing and pretty much exactly what I am looking for.
Steal my heart! That is a sexy bike! Those brakes are works of art!
Hey! I really like that you cut that top tube connecter. I've got a 2016 Kona Unit SS and everything about it is perfect, but, I'd love to get a longer dropper on there. The seat tube is 27.2 so I think 125 is about the most I could go with available options. I'm invested in my non boost 1st gen Chris King Hubs so, I'd rather not move to a boost frame. Do you know anyone who could swap my seat tube for something wider? Thanks!
Custom framebuilder a can do that, but it's not going to be cheap.
Lovely rig...looks a little like my Kona Rajin Ti bike (frame made by Lynskey)
what hardtail should
I buy under 2000/2500.
love the bike
One question: what size length is the stem ?
50mm
Great build
Such a sick bike! Love this channel! Would you prefer 27,5 3inch or 29 2.8 inch tires?
Tough call, depends on how it's used. Fortunately, this bike fits both (just not in all chaonstay positions)
@@hardtailparty wanna get a second wheelset for my Ragley Big Al. Might want to go for a more playfull feel so I guess 27.5+
What are your thoughts on an El Mariachi TI? I’ve had mine a short while and love it so far!
In glad you dig it. That's all that really matters.
@@hardtailparty Yep, that’s true.
You mentioned using a 10-speed chain on your bikes regardless of drivetrain configuration. Can you use a 12-speed chain on an 11-speed configured bike? What are the cons with not using the correct chain for the drivetrain?
I think you misunderstood. I run a 10 speed chain with my 10 speed drivetrains and with my ss drivetrains. All of my personal bikes are running a 10 speed drivetrain.
You don't want to mix and amtxh chains across 10, 11, and 12 speed fricetraons. You'll wear your drivetrain out sooner, potentially damage/break your chain, and shifting will be sloppy. A 12 speed chain is narrower than an 11 speed.
im building this over the next year
I know you were not a huge fan of the carbon chameleon, but how does the Ti Middle Child compare to something like that in terms of all day pedaling? Do you find that it is comfortable enough to put in long days even with a slacker HT angle?
RSD spec's the bike with a 51mm offset fork...why did you go with a 42mm offset fork? Does it feel any different?
See my video on the topic of fork offset where intest the ence fork
Cushcore?
Did you add that brass looking piece on the chain tensioner? I haven't seen that on stock MC. If you did add it I was just curious as to what it changes or does differently.
Im testing it out right now. It's just a brass knurled nut on the bolt
@@hardtailparty Thanks for replying, I had noticed it a while ago and had been curious about it.
Where to ask for consultation ? I haven't find a link or naything. I sent an e-mail from your homepage.
I Love my RSD Ti singlespeed
What tire pressure’s are you running front and rear ?
Do you like riding 27.5x2.6 or 2.8? Or just plus size?
Are you going to try a DVO fork ?
I've ridden dvos before.
@@hardtailparty opinion of them
Heavy
Maintenance
Performance
Just wondering cuz RSD is specking them now , maybe just get Frame and build , the frame is the main thing .
The rear wheel on my hardtail has multiple dents from square and side impacts. It spins straight and holds air. Should I care or just ride it till it dies?
You can pull the tire off and straighten the dents out with an adjustable wrench. That's what I do on my aluminum rims.
Do you still ride your Banshee Paradox?
Yes, all the time.
That's a gorgeous bike. I wish Santa Cruz would make a titanium chameleon, or Kona would bring back the ti honzo.
Check out the stanton line.
@@hardtailparty I will, thanks!
So which ti frame do you recommend for single speed with thru axle?
So why do you like shorter cranks on your geared bikes?
The comment regarding crank arm length raised my eye brows too. A person needs to be sure he is not spinning too big a circles and having the anatomical disadvantage subtract out the leverage advantage. There is an optimal crank arm length for each person, and it’s not likely you would want to be changing it from bike to bike. I don't think. A good example, is to imagine walking up a super long flight of stairs - there is range of optimal tread height that works with your particular anatomy, and if each step is too tall you will quickly bonk on your climb. Likewise, if each thread is too short you’ll notice awkwardness too. Likewise with the circles you are spinning with your crank. I suspect a person should find the crank length that is the sweet spot for your anatomy and stick with it. But I am no expert...
what are the brands of bikes you want to try in the future?
All the brands.
Can’t justify the titanium unfortunately. I commented on another one of your videos that I have a MC AL-V2 pre-ordered (29er)… looking like a July delivery at the moment.
I thought I saw you mention that you were going to do a review of the Aluminum Middle Child at one point (way back) but I wasn’t able to find one. If you have could you post a link? If not do you have any plans to do one down the road (possibly of the V2 when it becomes available)? It would be interesting to hear your opinion of the aluminum MC compared the steel and titanium.
Edit: just saw the comment a few down from mine on the AL 😊
Hoping to get one in for review soon.
Nice bike 💪🏻
I just biked very often single speed until I was 45. No good idea at all, just damages the knees. Now I am 56, still cycle a lot, but really regret to ever had been cycling on sind single speed. Don't do it you may also regret it....
New sub hardtail the best
Welcome to the party
Awesome !
So sweet
Classic bike
I love your bike
Thanks. That makes two of us. This bike is so special
I've been looking for a hardtail for a while, there are 2 hartails that interest me the canyon stoic 4 and the commencal meta ht am which of the two would you recommand.
PSA: Never ever ride a cracked rim.
10:00 you could sell it to me (if I had money)
So you're saying i still can't sell it? ;)
@@hardtailparty Welllllllllll................. theoretically, yes - but I would buy it if you were to sell it and I had the money - so yes and no or neither or maybe -- you know which ever