The Hudski Dualist is a Do it all ATB With Personality

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San Rafael, California, is the home of Hudski Bikes. And here at Sea Otter 2025, they launched a new bike, called the Dualist. We teased it last year, and now the new “Jack of all trades, and a master of most” is here. It can be all the bikes in one: a versatile rigid MTB, a bikepacker, a gravel bike, or a city bike. It looks like it can do it all.

Sea Otter Hudski Dualist front side — (Photos / R. Frazelle)

The Dualist rocks flip chip axles for both front and rear wheels. It has Boost rear spacing and is UDH compatible. It can be set up however you want, with most of the parts in your parts bin. Or, you can buy the complete bike, which is decked out with a Shimano SLX group.

The Dualist pulls inspiration from the DNA of the Hudski Doggler, keeping the Doggler’s best attributes, the Dualist takes it to the next level with bigger tire clearance and UDH compatibility.

Sea Otter Hudski Dualist cool head badge

The frame is made from 6061 aluminum, and the fork is full carbon. The geo has been slightly tweaked when compared to its inspiration, the Doggler. The geo lends itself to be stable when going down rough descents, but still “snappy and playful on more subdued rides”.

Flippin’ the Chip

Sea Otter Hudski Dualist flip chip front

The Dualist’s versatility comes from the front and rear flip chip. The front axle can be adjusted +/- 10mm, and the rear by +/- 15mm. That means you can play around with 4 distinct geometry settings, which is pretty cool.

Sea Otter Hudski Dualist flip chip rear do

435/44 – offers the shortest wheelbase and the longest trail. This setting will increase steering stability. Hudski recommends using a 700c, 29″ wheel, with a 2.4″ or 50c tire. Great setting for enjoying single track.
450/54 – This is the longest wheelbase and shortest trail. This setting will give you the best and most even front and rear weight distribution. Great setting for bikepacking and commuting, while still offering nimble and fun steering.
435/54 – This is the best setting for riding the Dualist like a rigid mountain bike. The shorter chainstays offer a sharp, precise, and playful rear end, while keeping the steering nimble.
450/44 – The setting will get you a little closer to the geo of the Doggler. This means you’ll get identical front and rear offsets, putting the rider in a position where weight distribution is more over the front axle. You can run 27.5 x 2.8 (and some 3.0) tires with this setting.