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
But it's not the same machine. A real dual-sport motorcycle with a microscopic carbon foot print, would out perform this electrical bicycle toy by a series of magnitudes. No joke.
Those old-person motorcycles that have two wheels up front; they look weird and not sure if that even makes it more stable or safer.
I guess if you run out of juice..in the middle of nowhere.. you can peddle?
“And you’ll look sweet
Upon the seat
Of a bicycle built for two….front wheels.”
Holy crow that looks heavy. No way.
In late 1982 Trek gave select dealers a pre production mountain bike to gin up interest for when the production ones would come out in the early spring.
I went to the bike shop on a Sunday and the p/t salesman did not know not to sell it. It was only in the shop a few days
I paid $356 + tax the suggested retail price.
Monday morning came back from class and had a message the bike store owner called. He said he wanted the bike back-it was not to have been sold and when the new ones came out he would sell it to me at cost plus throw in some gloves etc.
I put a ton of miles on it that Sunday and it was an extreme attention getter. No one had seen anything like it.
I did not know until months later he could not get another for display or I would have probably gave it back.
I plan on donating it to a bike museum but not ready yet. A GF used to ride with me in late 80’s and painted a message to me on the top tube. We eventually broke up and I found out she died of cancer about 10 years ago and it is hard to part with.
How much does a Santa Cruz Heckler cost?
Priced from $7399 (MSRP)
“. Or an on-street golf cart. “
I thought those teasler things were a lot more expensive?
In a Word?
NO.
“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.”
How many hundreds of thousand aging Californians live on hills that limit us to not use regular bikes.
I can think of about a dozen guys and a few gals, who might buy it on our cul de sac. We have steep hills to get to and from our homes.
This would enable us to get up the hills and back home after taking some great rides over the increasing bike paths in many areas.
Wonder, if we could put training wheels on the rear wheels for our wives and some of us?
How much does a Santa Cruz Heckler cost?
Priced from $7399 (MSRP)
—
Yup. Santa Cruz bikes are not cheap, especially if it is one of their e-bikes.
I personally don’t get e-bikes, but they are definitely the rage right now. I suppose if someone lives in a place like Colorodo and you like the descent but hate the climb, an e-MTB provides you with a built-in shuttle service to the top of the mountain.
For 5K is should pedal itself.
I could find better uses for that $$$$ like putting food on the table and keeping the lights on.
I have a Harley Electraglide
Works for me
Thanks.
$5000 is a mid range MTB.
I mean yes, there are better ways to spend money but for a mountain bike this doesn’t even raise an eyebrow.
What am I missing? What advantage do the dual front wheels positioned so close together provide? The article says that the bike is better suited for cruising on gravel roads but that doesn’t explain to me what the two wheels in front accomplish.
” A GF used to ride with me in late 80’s and painted a message to me on the top tube...”
I get it and understand your connection to it.
I purchased a watch in Rapid City, SD in the ‘80’s for $895 (plus tax). It was a good watch, a bit pricey for the time but I was working and had made a goodly amount of money on this business trip to afford the watch.
Over the years it became valuable due to: 1) limited production and 2) Paul Neuman racing with the exact same watch.
I eventually sold it for enough for enough money to purchase my first car (cash) and another Rolex...
The one I sold is currently worth over $150,000.
Keep your bicycle!
“Around my mountain it would pick up a rock between those two front wheels.”
Agreed, as well as other natural goodies like tree limb parts, etc. Imagine mud getting clogged up between the tires.
This bike is not made for a mountain or off trail use.
It’s made for lefties wearing those goofy helmets on paved bike trails.
Most hiking boots are not made for the rough trails and backwoods either. To prevent ankle injuries, the boot needs to be well above the ankle, like an army or work boot.
$4,899?
Suckers!
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