WaltX Dune 1: ChooseMyBicycle.com Expert Review

The WaltX Dune 1 has been made using a TIG welded Steel frame. The TIG tech’s advanced welding ensures strong and smooth welds to the tubes and also ensures that the frame is tensile and responsive - ideal for rough roads and uneven terrain. This combined with tapered tubing are factors that are likely to have contributed to the overall reduced weight of the Steel frame. Additionally, the seat tube splits into the 2 tubes at the bottom which translate to balanced strength and even weight distribution, ensuring that the vibrations of the surface are absorbed evenly. This makes the overall on-saddle experience comfortable and smooth, without any excessive vibrations transferred to the rider when riding on rugged surfaces. The ergonomically designed frame geometry ensures a comfortable and relaxed riding position with no compromise on performance. The frame has the provision to attach a water bottle holder to it.

The bicycle comes equipped with a rigid Steel fork which works well to absorb shock felt from a varying range of terrains. This bicycle is available in a single sizing option – 18”.

The WaltX Dune 1 emphasizes on the broad appeal of simplicity and clean aesthetics. Available in a primary colour of Matte Black with Traffic Orange graphics, the bicycle comes off as sleek and eye catching with simple branding that is not overwhelming when seen. Additonally, the high quality matte finish and the colour coded wheel rims enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the bicycle.

The WaltX Dune 1 is a 21-Speed bicycle. The bicycle comes equipped with Shimano Tourney TZ30 front and rear derailleurs whose shifting is controlled by Shimano EF500 Alloy trigger shifters. When on the test ride, the shifting was crisp and precise with no evident lag. The gear transmission was smooth, responsive and quick and the trigger shifters were easy to operate, requiring just the lightest click to shift between gears.

The WaltX Dune 1 comes equipped with a pair of Mechanical Disc brakes at the front and rear. The braking was adequate for use on urban surfaces and mild rugged roads. However, I feel that the brakes lacked in power to bring the bicycle to a complete stop and thus could do with added stoppage power for precise braking, especially on extremely uneven terrains that require precision control.

A wide 640mm handlebar ensures an ‘open-chested’ riding position that is comfortable. Additionally, the length of the handlebar ensured supreme control of the bicycle and quick handling and maneuvering while in congested riding conditions, such as traffic ridden urban roads and on uneven and rugged terrains. The bar grips are on the harder side, while this may not affect the overall performance when used on flat/paved roads however, it could be uncomfortable when used on rugged and uneven surfaces.

The WaltX Dune 1 rolls on a pair of 26” x 4” tires. The ‘raised button’ bulky treading on the tires is placed close to eachother and offers added grip and superior traction on all terrains. The tires offer ultimate grip and offer added balance and stability. The wheels on the bicycle ensure that it is well-equipped to easily handle a range of terrain including sand, mud, tar and snow.

The WaltX Dune 1 comes equipped with an Ergonomic MTB saddle. The saddle is wide enough to comfortably accomodate one’s sit bones. However, I found that the saddle was slightly long and could do with a little extra cushioning. The seat post has a QR option that enables easy and quick adjustment of the saddle height.