Following up on our announcement last month regarding new models and new colors from WILDE, we have more news.
The new models being released this year aren't just the Dark Star. We have now received the cyclocross racer: the Mean Jean.
Some of you may already know that WILDE support rider Kosshi / @vhlg has been racing on the prototype (please be sure to check out his interview article as well!).
That prototype has reached its final form and has finally arrived.
A WILDE Take on a CX Racer
When you think of WILDE, the US-made Earth Ship comes to mind, along with models like the Rambler and Rambler SL, which are produced in Taiwan and have become the pillars of the brand while maintaining a strong market presence as gravel bikes.
Given that, it was quite unexpected that the founder of WILDE, Jeff, wanted to create a pure cyclocross racer this time around.
It makes sense, however, given that Jeff was actively involved in releasing cyclocross models back at ALL CITY, and he even enjoyed participating in cyclocross races when he visited Japan.
I used to race cyclocross myself back in the day, and before the concept of a "gravel bike" existed, I would put 40c tires on my cyclocross bike to explore dirt roads that my road bike couldn't handle during the off-season.
Nowadays, the gravel bike genre and riding style are well-established, with plenty of bikes designed for that specific purpose.
Until recently, the approach was often to design bikes that covered both the cyclocross and gravel genres. Precisely because WILDE already has a solid lineup of gravel bikes, it was quite sensational that they chose to build a pure, dedicated cyclocross bike.
Stripped-down Simplicity
Jeff's intention was to "incorporate aggressive race geometry, because there is no longer a need to force a cyclocross bike to double as a gravel bike."
It clears tires up to 700x44c, and with its short wheelbase and agile handling, it offers a nimble, punchy ride rather than a stability-oriented feel on dirt.
There are no unnecessary eyelets for fenders or racks—only bottle cage mounts on the down tube and seat tube.
Furthermore, it features a special version of WILDE's original Waypoint Carbon Fork, stripped of its triple bottle cage mounts, showing just how focused they are.
The charm of this bike lies in its simplicity, with every unnecessary element stripped away.
Simple, Yet Thoughtful Details
As mentioned, the bike is finished with simplicity in mind throughout, but you can't overlook the thoughtful details Jeff has sprinkled into key areas.
Sliding Dropouts
These allow for fine-tuning the chainstay length and make it easy to run the bike as a single speed.
UDH Compatible Dropouts
Starting this year, all of WILDE’s Taiwan-produced models, including new ones, feature UDH-compatible dropouts. This allows for the installation of SRAM's full-mount rear derailleurs. Naturally, other standard rear derailleurs are also compatible.
Internal Cable Routing
Whether you want a single speed or geared setup, or even a geared setup with electric or mechanical components...
With assembly options becoming so diverse these days, it’s a relief that they’ve adopted a cable routing design that supports various setups while still allowing for a clean build.
Custom-made BOSS Tubing
The frame uses WILDE’s original BOSS tubing, which is also featured on the Dark Star.
This is a custom-made, heat-treated, seamless tubing produced according to WILDE's specific needs and priorities. This frees them from the constraints of off-the-shelf tubing, allowing them to push the boundaries and balance the conflicting qualities of strength and lightness at the highest level possible.
For the Mean Jean, this tube has been processed and utilized specifically to optimize it for a cyclocross racer.
WILDE Mean Jean Frame Set
Color: Purple / Pink Sparkle
Sizes: S, M, L
Price: 275,000 JPY (tax included)
This is a machine we highly recommend not just for cyclocross racing, but for those who want to take advantage of its agile handling to enjoy rides both on and off-road. Please give it some consideration!
Beyond the Mean Jean, our full WILDE lineup is now available, so please be sure to check out the blog entry below as well!
