Posted on 01/19/2022 10:59:31 AM PST by Red Badger
The Rungu Dualie e-bike looks like one rugged adventurer.
The evolution of the mountain bike is certainly an interesting story that can be nerded out for hours and hours on end. A lifelong mountain biker myself, I’d like to think that I know a thing or two about these go-anywhere two-wheelers. I currently have seven MTBs of different eras and types in my collection, including one with an electric-assist motor. However, even I was surprised when I saw this strange three-wheeled contraption.
The Rungu Dualie is essentially an electric mountain bike fitted with two wheels up front. However, what makes it strange is the way the two front wheels are mounted. Rather than sharing a single suspension strut on either wheel, as is the case with the Yamaha Niken, the Dualie gets two front forks situated side-by-side. That’s right, it literally uses two standard MTB forks and steers with two stems and two fork tubes. The steering is then unified with a linkage that connects the two stems. Pretty strange, if you ask me.
Now, certainly, the Dualie will have a hard time tackling technical single-track trails with tight corners and steep climbs and descents. It’s clear, though, that it wasn’t built for that. Instead, it seems that the Dualie is better suited for leisure riding on gravel roads and rural areas. Its laid-back ergonomics, tall handlebars, and luggage rack mounted at the back are a testament to this. However, I’m not thoroughly convinced that it’ll be any more capable than a decent electric mountain bike.
Nonetheless, the Dualie’s spec sheet is pretty impressive, and so, too, is its price tag. For the tidy sum of $4,899, which is the same money you'd be paying for a lightweight 400cc naked bike, you get a 52V mid-mounted motor that pumps out a claimed 328 Nm of torque. It draws power from a range of battery packs available from 780 Wh to 936 Wh, depending on the model. Rungu claims that the bike’s powertrain is capable of powering through inclines of up to 27 degrees, not bad.
Apart from the torquey motor, the Dualie also gets two suspension forks up front, as well as two hydraulic discs at the front, and one at the back. It rolls on fat bike-spec Maxxis tires, and features a wide-ratio rear sprocket and derailleur assembly for even more efficient riding. Rungu doesn’t state how many gears it has, however, based on the pictures, it looks to be an eight-speed system. The Dualie gets an LCD instrument panel, LED lights, and can even be fitted with an optional trailer hitch to fit accessories onto, or to tow a small cargo cart.
Sources: BikeDekho, Rungu
Nope.
I wouldn’t.
$4,899
WHAT?!?!
I have a Marin East Peak Mountain bike....Old school, but works for me.
looks heavy.
242 lb/ft of torque? If true, that’s a lot more than some “pocket rocket” automobiles. Hope the motor doesn’t burn out when the throttle is opened up.
I predict that that company will go back to two wheels.
For $5,000.00 (I used to be able to) a very credible full-sized used pickup truck.
Not so much today under the Biden-Pelosi-Harris dictatorship, but it is still in the range of 4-wheeler utility off-roader. Or an on-street golf cart. /Peachtree City, GA
5,000++ for a butt ugly electric bike?
This must be a joke.
I see all these new bike designs and they all have the same problems. They seem to be art designs rather than functional bikes, no fenders and one too many digits in the price tag.
Looks like it would high side in very turn.
“I have a Marin East Peak Mountain bike....Old school, but works for me.”
I have one of the earliest Trek mountain bikes ever made. It was a preproduction display only model that was sold to me mistakingly by a bike store near OSU Columbus in late 1982.
Lots of handmade pre production parts on it. Display only stamped on the bottom tube
Have lots of people trying to buy it.
You have a valuable bike.
Around my mountain it would pick up a rock between those two front wheels.
Oh, that’s about average for electric bikes.
Them’s ain’t cheap.
Now, certainly, the Dualie will have a hard time tackling technical single-track trails with tight corners and steep climbs and descents. It’s clear, though, that it wasn’t built for that. Instead, it seems that the Dualie is better suited for leisure riding on gravel roads and rural areas.
—
The bike world is inventive. Many of the inventions don’t “stick”, but sometimes they do, like dropper posts or full-suspension MTBs.
I don’t think this dual front wheel is going to “stick”. With two forks, an extra front wheel and tire, plus the linkage to keep the forks aligned thru the steering, it likely adds at least 15 pounds to the bike.
The site says the Rungu bikes weigh between 85 and 120 lbs! That is insanely heavy even for an e-bike. A Santa Cruz Hecker, admittedly a high-end MTB, clocks in at 45 lbs.
Now if you just going to the corner greedy-mart for a slurpy, I guess it would be fine.
“WHAT?!?!”
(Note: I am a sucker for technical things and I do like bicycles*)
Bicycles can be very expensive these days.
Very technical.
Six years ago I was driving in my smallish town and stopped at a stoplight behind a $20,000 Ford Focus with three interesting bicycles (all alike except for colors) on a hitch mounted bike rack...I wrote down the name on the frame (not that I can recall it now...).
After a quick web search the three bicycles were $15,000 each without a ‘gruppo’ - meaning gears, crank, brakes etc. That $20,000 car had $60,000 of bicycles on it’s hitch.
The son of my neighbor (he takes care of his mother after his father/her husband died of ALS) has an electric bicycle - I’m sure it was $3,000. It get’s around well.
*I’ve done ALOT of cycling (I pretty much HATE bicyclists these days due to their arrogance) and have five 100+ miles days. My bicycle, though 30 years old is quite valuable for it’s 1st gen. Delta brakes and other very rare bits...
5 grand is nothing when it comes to bicycles — especially electric bicycles...
Best to you in ‘22 FRiend.
And mine will also carry a passenger if need be.
“I have one of the earliest Trek mountain bikes ever made. It was a preproduction display only model that was sold to me mistakingly by a bike store near OSU Columbus in late 1982.
Lots of handmade pre production parts on it. Display only stamped on the bottom tube
Have lots of people trying to buy it.”
NICE!
Keep it!
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