Even if looks shouldn't play a role in a driving test, the first sight of the Dune XR inevitably raises eyebrows. The first few metres of touring also take some getting used to, as the steering is extremely direct. The riding position is good on the climbs and you don't really need the fork drop. Nevertheless, the smooth steering gives the feeling that the front wheel is going to rise at any moment. Confusing. With the platform activated, the Dune XR climbs well. After a few hundred metres of climbing, the motor has adapted to the new conditions and is ready for the descent. And this immediately leads to an aha effect: the enduro bike handles like a fat freerider and remains very agile at the same time. An unusual combination, especially on steep terrain. You feel safe, but you don't buy this feeling with sluggish handling. On root passages, you feel lateral impacts on the front wheel more intensely - a negative effect of the short stem, which is only partially compensated for by the wide handlebars. Quick changes of direction are as easy as on a trail bike. The grip on the front wheel is very good because it's easy to shift your weight towards the handlebars, as you always stay far behind the hub and feel safe. It gets a little bulky in tight hairpin bends. The long wheelbase has a negative effect when turning. Here, the Dune XR suddenly feels unwieldy. But only here. The Forward Geometry is a revelation on normal trails and tours that go beyond rough, winding Alpine roads. The bike is also fun in the bike park. Drops are no longer scary and the Forward Geometry doesn't make you feel like you're going to roll over.
ConclusionThree tours and a visit to the bike park with the stub stem. Steep downhill is great. Steep uphill and tight bends are unusual.
A comparison with the Dune RR and further information can be found below as a PDF download.
