Dawg Deluxe

[BJBinga]

Hi,

not sure where to post this as the bike is described as a "back country" bike, just wondering what people's thoughts were on these and kona bikes in general.

i ride mainly xc, single track sort of stuff, Stromlo and Mt Majura mainly but don't mind the idea of it being a bit of a free ride bike.

Thanks guys sorry to dribble but any info is good.

[jmmaturana]

Hey... you're in luck -- I owned a Dawg Primo 06 (before it was stolen last month) and can give you some advice. This is more freeride than XC/enduro, definitely what you would term a "big" bike. I loved it, but always wished I'd gone for something lighter. The Kona 120 would be closer. Kona make great bikes, but just can't shake the "hucker" tag.

You didn't say if you'd be happy enough with 4" or wanted something plusher.

I've now got an Ibis Mojo on the way, which could be more what you're after: lightweight climber with loads of travel. Much pricier than the Dawg but I find myself in this privileged position thanks to insurance.

Have you considered a Giant Trance? Pretty much any model in the trance range will suit what you're after at a kick-ass price -- I have a good friend with the base model and it's plenty light for the comfort you're getting. Spec is awesome too. Hope this helps!

Good luck.

[BJBinga]

Thanks for the info, you wouldn't know how much it weighs or where i could find that sort of info?

[jmmaturana]

Yeah it's pretty hard info to find, and with reason: it's just not that light! I know the Dawg Deluxe 06/07 weighed in at just over 14kg, but since then the frame has become lighter and parts have improved, so maybe closer to 13.5kg? Try googling it (I couldn't hunt it down)

That ain't too bad for all mountain but there are lighter bikes that will do the same. Is price a factor? If so, look at Giant. If not, check out Scott, Yeti or Santa Cruz -- all brilliant makers of longer-travel "xc" bikes. And there is the Ibis Mojo!

Then again, the Dawg could be just what you're after (it was for me 2 years ago) and it's downright unbreakable. It's just not enduro or XC. I should know, I bloody rode it at an 8hr and 6hr, and it really hurts in the final laps.

[...jim]

i ride mainly xc, single track sort of stuff, Stromlo and Mt Majura mainly but don't mind the idea of it being a bit of a free ride bike.


If your idea of Nirvana is bombing down the beginner DH track on the back of Stromlo - and you're prepared to suffer a little more than your lighter-shod mates to get up to the start - the Dawg might be the go.

But there are lighter, more climbworthy bikes out there that will be similarly capable on the rough stuff. Giant is the benchmark for design/spec/value - and you're probably talking Trance (or Reign if you're really keen about bombing down). Were I starting from scratch, I'd find the Giant that I wanted, then see if you can find another bike, similarly capable, that made me more excited (bling factor, spec, colour, brand, price, whatever) and work out if I could/should go there.

Ya gotta remember that regardless of the bike you will spend more time climbing than descending on any loop ride, and if when that becomes a burden that's when you say, "meh, not today"....and it's all over.

[BJBinga]

Thanks guys, i might wait another couple of months and see what the 09 giants look like in the flesh at the local shop.

Cheers again

[jmmaturana]

For the price a Giant Trance X2 is almost unbeatable ($2699 rrp). I can't post the link but you'll find it if you go to the official site.

Or, spend more and get the X1. It will still be cheaper than a dawg deluxe, have a superior suspension platform, lighter frame, better parts and best of all: you avoid the heinous Kona graphics. It's like they kept the work experience kid on to do the paint jobs for their MTBs. This may sound superficial, but you've got to love your bike when you see it.

Some people can b*tch and whine about Giant all they like but I reckon their bikes are ace.