Toronto-based RSD Bikes has made some small but meaningful updates to their one and only full suspension mountain bike, the Wildcat. Now entering its third generation, the Wildcat V3 increases its rear wheel travel from 120mm to 125mm with the introduction of metric shock sizing, still benefiting from sliding dropouts that are said to make it mullet compatible. Word is, there’s a long travel Wildcat in the works, but for now, let’s take a closer look at this short travel aluminium trail bike.
RSD Wildcat V3
For 2022, the RSD Wildcat V3 sees a front triangle refresh, featuring significantly shorter and straighter seat tubes across the S-XL size range for the fitment of longer travel dropper seat posts. The aluminium frame is also updated to house cable routing internally for a cleaner overall aesthetic. The rear triangle remains unchanged, still featuring sliding dropouts that permit effective rear-centre length tuning across a 15mm range (425-440mm).
The new frameset still runs a Horst-Link suspension platform but has moved to metric shock sizing, specifically 210mm x 52.5mm, resulting in a modest increase in rear wheel travel to 125-128mm, dependent on rear-centre length. With a 425mm stay, 125mm of travel is permitted, increasing to 128mm in the longer 440mm position.
Head tube and seat tube angles remain unchanged, at 65° and 76°, respectively. Reach figures are also consistent with the V2 Wildcat, stretching across a 434mm to 502mm range. See the complete geometry chart below, measurements within which are based off a 27.5″+ wheelset with 2.8″ tires, paired with a 140mm travel fork (551mm A2C).
While the Wildcat V3 is designed around 29″ and 27.5″+ wheelsets, they do tell us the chainstay length adjustment also makes it mullet-compatible. There is no flip-chip to be seen, thus nothing to compensate for the geometry changes that will occur with the switch to a 27.5″ rear wheel; namely, a lower bottom bracket height, slacker seat and head tube angles, as well as a slight reduction in reach. Switching out the stock 140mm fork for a 130mm travel option would correct for some, but not all of these changes. Head to the RSD Bikes website for more info on the Wildcat V3 geometry.
Pricing & Availability
The RSD Wildcat V3 is available to pre-order now, as a frameset or complete bike, with shipping expected in May 2022. The frameset (with DVO Topaz T2) retails at $1799 USD while pricing for complete bikes starts at $3749 USD.
