Entry level (social) dually

[vx255]

Shh, don't tell the missus I'm in here

Currently plodding the trails of Lysterfield on an 07 disc braked Giant Boulder.
Considering getting a dually, for a little more comfort, stability over rutted stuff, and pretty much cos I want to. I usually ride solo, and just take my time around the singletrack, nothing competitive or cutting edge required

Anyone able to throw out some makes n models that suit the entry level criteria? or are the entry level ones just not worth it.

Liking the look of the Kona Four, not looked into specs etc though.

[Deanj]

Whats your budget?

[vx255]

Whats your budget?

(AT) $1500 max, less the better to be honest.

I'm a roadie through and through, just enjoy getting off the black stuff from time to time.

[gsxrboy]

For that budget you are much better off getting a good hardtail, there are may great bits of kit around there, in both 26" and 29"

[Kalgrm]

I agree with gsxrboy - at that price point, you're not at "entry level" yet (you need >$2000 to play with the dually toys). At least, not at any level worthy of your money. Spend your money on a decent HT and learn how to pick the lines on a great bike.

Lysterfield is so well groomed that you do not need a dually. Anything more cushy than a hard tail is wasted there, and a full rigid bike would handle it easily with some experience.

Cheers,
Graeme

[leximack]

up your budget and look at the Giant Anthem 2 or Trance 2(??)
I think the rrp is $1999
Good luck with the miss's, do what the rest fo us do, buy her something of equal value (just out of the blue ) then she cant say no to your new bike

[black4tress]

Check out bikeexchange.com.au
My mate picked up a new Trance 2 in Melb for under $1700 and its a v sweet looking ride.

[Hawkeye]

+1 for bike exchange. I picked up a Mongoose Otero secondhand for the youngsta there for around $500, and he's rapt. Some bargains to be had there, and on fleaBay.

I bought my Cannondale Jekyll for $1500 a year ago - lefty fork, LX/XT componentry off fleaBay and it's a hoot to ride. Looking at $3k+ for something equivalent new.

[grantc84]

Hey I have recently started riding at lysterfield on a GT i-drive 5 3.0. Not 100% sure how much they are brand new but i picked it up second hand for $400 from a mate and only needed a new outer chain ring. Had a look around and there are some good second hand bikes out there. Does it need to be new or s/hand an option?

[brent84]

If u have ur heart set on a dually and $1500 is ur budget the giant yukon sx isnt too bad. Components arent great but thats what entry level is all about.
Mine has been punished severely over the past 6 months and the only thing i've broken so far is my seat (rider error i.e. a massive stack).

It's actually been replaced by the new Halo model but i'm not a fan of the new paint job and you'd be able to pick up a Yukon SX (Not the cheaper and crappier FX) fairly cheap. I picked mine up for about $1300 just after Christmas

[kukamunga]

Full review of the $1495 2009 Giant Halo 1 (available in different colors) in the upcoming Oct/Nov issue of AMB

[leximack]

Full review of the $1495 2009 Giant Halo 1 (available in different colors) in the upcoming Oct/Nov issue of AMB

Looks like pretty good value for $1500. Definately worth a look.

[mitzikatzi]

Mountain Bike Action magazine gave this bike a good review. Being new I can't post links. Review can be found via the Giant Australia web site.

[kukamunga]

Mitzikatzi from BVF, I assume..... Velkomm Komrade!

MTBAction review here. Think this issue might be in your local newsagent now.....

[brent84]

Mitzikatzi from BVF, I assume..... Velkomm Komrade!

MTBAction review here. Think this issue might be in your local newsagent now.....

This is the Yukon FX which has crappier components etc.

[vx255]

Sigh, Dually goodness put on hold as the missus wants a new roadie..

gives me ammo for N+1 later though.

[SupervillainX]

Yo, vx.
I've got a GIANT Yukon SX, [note: SX, not FX] and i love it.
Picked it up for $1250 at a local bike shop, but you can find them for just under $1000 new, if you look in the right places (Ivanhoe cycles for example).

I'd post a link but i can't yet.

My only problem with it is that the rear brakes squeal a bit when braking, and my rear gears cable has stretched a little but the bike shop said they'll change the pads for me and adjust the gears and stuff on my first (free) service. Otherwise i found the bike is awesome just for solo riding, nothing too serious, just cruising around enjoying yourself.

The rear suspension is nice when set up right for your weight, perfect for casual off-road riding (and jumping off gutters if that's your thing ).

[Bnej]

The Yukon FX or SX is good VFM but heavy, also the Mongoose Otero Super I've seen a good review for.

But very heavy, you will feel a 16-17 kg bike on any hill you ride. Another $1000 and you're about 3-4kg lighter.

[SupervillainX]

Is 3kg worth $1000, though? For a casual rider?

[Hawkeye]

Is 3kg worth $1000, though? For a casual rider?

That's down to individual choice, I suppose. Having a (secondhand) bike that would be in that +$1k category, I'd say probably yes. Being on a 13kg bike compared to 16-17kg, it does make the XC riding experience more enjoyable, for sure.

[Bnej]

Is 3kg worth $1000, though? For a casual rider?

3 kg and everything works better, better damping, shocks, frame, gears brakes...

Yep.

[mitzikatzi]

Mitzikatzi from BVF, I assume..... Velkomm Komrade!

MTBAction review [link edited out]. Think this issue might be in your local newsagent now.....

Guilty