So I wanted to share my experience riding my friend's RSD MC (aluminum/ Medium). I love riding other bikes because you get to sample things and see what you like, setup differences, parts, geometry, sizing etc. I learned quite a few things...
Firstly, my friend built a heck of a bike. Not only is it beautifully styled, but it's very dialed in. It seemed a bit more poppy and a bit faster than my RSD MC (steel/ Small). I also felt pretty comfortable on the medium, a bit more stretched out, but I think more comfortable when out of the seat when riding more aggressively. I think Medium may be preferable for me. I gotta ride my Small again.
Secondly, this bike is setup with 2.6" tires and I wasn't missing my 2.8's at all. I rode them at 20psi front 18 rear. I could have dropped some and been ok I'm sure, but I didn't feel I had to. I don't love alot of jiggly feel. I feel like with an aggressive geometry bike like this one all you have to do (for most trails I've ridden) is loosen up the body, lighten up the feet, let the fork do the work and the bike handles most roots/chunk just fine. I also think the 2.6's probably aide in feeling a bit faster.
Thirdly, Magura MT8 carbon brakes are AMAZING. The one finger braking on them, the feel, the power, everything. Game changer. This is the bar I will judge all brakes on. It gave me confidence and being a touchpoint that's used SO much, it really made the quality feel of the bike go way up. I think I need to go with Magura one day.
Finally, although I'm still considering getting a full suspension mostly to get some comfort on some of the harder trails, I had so much fun riding the hardtail that I really think I need to always have a hardtail... even if I get a full suspension. The hardtail must stay. The connection with the trail, the challenge, makes smaller features in the trail more fun. More fun is what it's all about.
Overall, I had alot of fun riding this bike. Admittedly a bit more than my own MiddleChild... so I'm going to have to do something about that.
Check out this beauty
I'm not much of a jumper yet, but got a bit of air time after this nice wall feature.