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03-11-08, 04:58 PM
Hey everyone. I've been practicing bike trials on an old rigid 820 for about a half a year. And while I wouldn't exactly call myself a good rider, I can pivot up and down small stair sets, pivot in circles, drop of ledges and trackstand (bunny hopping still is hard as crap, and I sure as hell can't stay on one wheel). I figure I can benefit from having a dedicated trails bike now, but I'm not exactly sure on what I should get.
First off, should I get 20" (mod) or 26" (stock)? Which is better for a begginer? I imagine a 26" wheel would roll better up obstacles, but a 20" has some quality that I can't remember right now. I also imagine a 20" would be stiffer.
Second, I'm looking at dedicated trials machine, e.g., no seat, just a low top tube. Obviously these bikes are more obscure, and I'm fairly certain there aren't any dealers in Raleigh, so I can't get any recomendations/sizing help. What brands are good, and how does sizing compare to a standard MTB? Should I go steel or aluminum?
Finally, since I'm a begginer, I'm looking (preferably) for a whole trials bike, if they sell them. I can build up my own frame, but I'm not to apt on gearing (22/12?) for trials, and other parts. Also, should I go with a rear derailléur or not? It seems like a single speed would be better for a begginer as I'd be less prone to smashing it, plus I don't need gears anyway. My price range is ~$1,000. I'm not looking to spend a lot since I'm doing trials as a secondary sport to learn skills for MTB'ing, on recomendation from my LBS. I won't riding competively, so I don't need a sub-19 pound bike. However, would sub-24 pound be reasonable? Am I looking at mech disc brakes? I ask this becuase I have a set of hydros I'd like to stick on the bike.
Thanks, and excuse my ignorances. :)
EDIT- I'm looking at an urban trials bike, so I need a smooth bash guard, but I don't want a suspension fork.
EDIT 2x- I read a little more, and it seems like I want a modified bike. It also looks like they're cheaper, have more standover clearance, and have no derailléur to smash.
First off, should I get 20" (mod) or 26" (stock)? Which is better for a begginer? I imagine a 26" wheel would roll better up obstacles, but a 20" has some quality that I can't remember right now. I also imagine a 20" would be stiffer.
Second, I'm looking at dedicated trials machine, e.g., no seat, just a low top tube. Obviously these bikes are more obscure, and I'm fairly certain there aren't any dealers in Raleigh, so I can't get any recomendations/sizing help. What brands are good, and how does sizing compare to a standard MTB? Should I go steel or aluminum?
Finally, since I'm a begginer, I'm looking (preferably) for a whole trials bike, if they sell them. I can build up my own frame, but I'm not to apt on gearing (22/12?) for trials, and other parts. Also, should I go with a rear derailléur or not? It seems like a single speed would be better for a begginer as I'd be less prone to smashing it, plus I don't need gears anyway. My price range is ~$1,000. I'm not looking to spend a lot since I'm doing trials as a secondary sport to learn skills for MTB'ing, on recomendation from my LBS. I won't riding competively, so I don't need a sub-19 pound bike. However, would sub-24 pound be reasonable? Am I looking at mech disc brakes? I ask this becuase I have a set of hydros I'd like to stick on the bike.
Thanks, and excuse my ignorances. :)
EDIT- I'm looking at an urban trials bike, so I need a smooth bash guard, but I don't want a suspension fork.
EDIT 2x- I read a little more, and it seems like I want a modified bike. It also looks like they're cheaper, have more standover clearance, and have no derailléur to smash.