New duallie under $2000 (AUD)!!!

[Jakamo]

Hey,
I'm looking to upgrade from my HT to a full suspension bike. I don't want to go in and spend a fortune though; just a bike that would do the job. I'm looking for a bike about $1500 but i guess i could go to about $2000. '
If you guys have any suggestions can you please post.

Thanks
--Jake

[alchemist]

I don't want to go in and spend a fortune though; just a bike that would do the job. I'm looking for a bike about $1500 but i guess i could go to about $2000.

What sort of job to you need it to do? $1500 will be hard to find a half decent (new) dually, but you may pick up some 2nd hand bargains.

Looking new, if you're a weird size you might find a 08 Giant trance x3, or KHS XCT or XC.

[HAKS]

I picked up a 2nd hand Giant 2006 reign for $1400. Def bargins in the 2nd hand market to be had if you do the research. Otherwise you might be struggling to get something new for that price range especially since the weak AU$ has pushed prices up.

[Jakamo]

Hey,
Thanks for the input. Alchemist; the job i want the bike to do is basically look good and perform well for the price. I just do light XC, so it doesn't need to be too flashy. I was also looking at the 08 Norco Fluid 3's and
Giant anthems...what do you guys reckon about them?

Thanks,
--Jake

[Gness]

See if you can find any 2008 Giant Trances which seem to be going for significantly cheaper than their 2009 counterparts. For light XC you could probably get away with a 2 or X2 - I was offered a X2 for $1650 about a month ago so have a look around.

[Jakamo]

Yeah, thanks Gness.
I ended up getting an 08' Trance 1

[Gness]

How much did you end up paying for it?

The only reason why I didn't take the X2 was because I was after a 1 or X1...and I still can't find a shop that has a small in stock!

[Jakamo]

I ended up going a little over my budget...but i worked the price down to about $2100

[Bnej]

I ended up going a little over my budget...but i worked the price down to about $2100

That's seriously cheap.

[Jakamo]

Yeah! I was looking at a few of the bikes in there and was about to buy one. The guy had gone to get one from out back when i saw it on special. Last one left - just happened to be my size Considering it's an $1100 fork and has top quality sram and shimano gear it seemed unreal. It just goes to show how much difference in price there is because the bike is a few months older technology.

[Bnej]

Yeah! I was looking at a few of the bikes in there and was about to buy one. The guy had gone to get one from out back when i saw it on special. Last one left - just happened to be my size Considering it's an $1100 fork and has top quality sram and shimano gear it seemed unreal. It just goes to show how much difference in price there is because the bike is a few months older technology.

I paid $2900 for the same bike. It's a great piece of kit and apart from the through-axle I don't see a lot of advantage to the new/more expensive 09 Trance X1.

The Michelin XCR-AT tyres are pretty poor on sand/hardpack though, which is most trails and tracks in Australia.

[Jakamo]

Good to know i've made a good investment. My last bike really lacked the confidence inspiring cornering i've heard this bike has so i was really looking for some solid tyres. Thanks for the info

[morcre]

Nice score on the bike.

If you want to get some good tyres for hardpack, check out the Schwauble (??) Racing Ralph. Nice and light with excellent rolling ability. I regularly find myself travelling faster downhill than other riders who are still pedalling. Also pretty good for cornering and negotiating rocks and tree roots.

[alchemist]

If you want to get some good tyres for hardpack, check out the Schwauble (??) Racing Ralph. Nice and light with excellent rolling ability.

That would be Schwalbe.

The Racing Ralph is a nice light tyre for it's size, but not one if you're prone to tearing side walls (they've got to save the weight from somewhere)

[trailgumby]

I use a Maxxis Ignitor 2.1 on the front and a 2.1 Crossmark Exception or 2.0 Larsen TT on the back. Doing a straw poll at Manly Dam today it's a very popular combo for general trail riding, and cheaper than Schwalbe. It's certainly improved my riding confidence.

The Ignitor offers great hold and control on the front, and on the couple of occasions it's washed out I've been able to catch it and stay upright. They clear OK when it's damp, although they are not a mud tyre. They roll OK.

The crossmarks are simply great rollers and have great hold when leaned over hard thanks to the side lugs. Great rear tyre, but use on the front only on hardpack or light loose-over-hardpack. The Larsens don't quite roll as well and offer a little less bite when leaned over, but they still roll very well and give better braking and climbing grip. Again, use on the front is appropriate for a narrower range of conditions than the rear

atm i have the crossmark on the back as I did the Fat Tyre Festival a couple of weeks ago and haven't gotten around to changing it back to the Larsen.

I run these tubeless on tubeless rims using Stan's sealant at 28 psi front and 30-32psi rear, non-UST kevlar bead versions. I can't comment on wear yet as I haven't been running them long enough.