ProFail

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.

markhr

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bike_trials_riding - list of forums at the bottom

ALWAYS take wiki-"let's make crap up"-pedia with a massive pinch of salt

ProFail

Also, thanks.

markhr

No problem - the british forum I was going to recommend seems to be AWOL. Good luck with the skills.

edit: doh! I think I was looking in the wrong place - https://www.trialsforum.com/vb/index.php

bidaci

try observedtrials.net they have a for sale section as well as regional boards. Would be a great place to start...

biknbrian

I recently bought a 20 inch BMX to ride when I take my kids to ride at park and paths. I've started to ride what is best described as trials since I'm moving relativley slowly and more focused on balance and obstacle negotiation than faster, flashier "tricks". I can just about trackstand indefinetley, ride up onto object at least as tall as my 20 inch wheels, rock and rotate to a certain extent, and j-hop about 8 inches high. I've been considering buying a 20 inch mod bike, but there is still so much more I can do with my BMX bike. Maybe in a few years I'lll give my son my BMX and get a dedicated trials bike.

Anyway try this site, this is a link to the bikes section, but the whole site has been very informative.

https://www.trials-online.com/trials-bikes.php

Also I think it would be nice to start a trials section here at bike forums, any opinions?

FlatFender

As a beginner, dont make the same mistake I made. Get a bike with a LOW bottom bracket. I started out on an Adamant A1 with a +55mm BB, and it was way too hard to keep balance on. I then switched all my crap over to an echo pure frame, and it was the tits.
I built up my first bike on a $500 budget, the second bike threw me over the $1000 mark.
I have since sold them both because my knee does not agree with riding trials.
Good luck, its a LOT harder than it looks.

biknbrian

That's quite unfortunate since some of the things I see look pretty darn hard.

ProFail

Still harder than it looks.

Siu Blue Wind

Hey ProFail! I was just wondering - I know you are just beginning but I was curious if you had any vid of you practicing? I always like to watch trials vids and it would be cool to see how you progress.

ProFail

Unfortunately, we don't have a digital video camera. I'm trying to use my debating skilz to get one. My argument is that I need a camera so I can post videos of my piano compositions online and get feedback. I've gotten invitations to play at cocktail parties (I don't write lounge music), so my parents really want me to progress. I think it'll work.

Of course, I don't think I'll post many piano videos.

If I get a camera, I'll be sure to tape my progress. It'll be super slow, however. And I'm also debating between a trials bike and a DH or Freeride bike. I've started doing 4 and a 1/2 foot drops-to-flat on my trail bike, and I'm sure that's not good for it. Plus I'd like to go bigger later.

Siu Blue Wind

Aww bummer. Oh well. Thanks anyway.



By the way, if you DO decide to film your piano composition, I'd like to see it, just PM me, okay?

ProFail

I have 7 compositions for the piano and 2 for a symphony.

Siu Blue Wind

Make sure you film that AND the trials.

xcracer13

I really wanna learn trials but alls I have is my fully and a carbon hardtail.