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21 Posts
Can someone explain trials to me. I saw a guy riding a bike and asked him what it was, ala no seat, he said it was a trial bike? I Googled it but still not sure. You just go downhill really fast on it and time it?
This-Ian, check out Danny MacAskill on youtube -- young man will blow your mind!
It's a fun change. Even if you don't fully commit learning a little trials will help other aspects of riding. You can start learning trials on your XC bike before making the purchase.
TrashZen.com has a good amount of information on getting started if you want to learn more.
Because of a recent surge of interest in trials you can also find a lot of lightly used almost new trials bike online from people who gave up. Check out the for sale section of pinkbike.com Any new trials bike WILL feel completley awkward compared to anything else you've ever ridden. Similar to how uncomfortable driving a formula car might feel. It works amazing, but feels strange till you get used to it.
Hi CW,It's a fun change. Even if you don't fully commit learning a little trials will help other aspects of riding. You can start learning trials on your XC bike before making the purchase.
TrashZen.com has a good amount of information on getting started if you want to learn more.
Because of a recent surge of interest in trials you can also find a lot of lightly used almost new trials bike online from people who gave up. Check out the for sale section of pinkbike.com Any new trials bike WILL feel completley awkward compared to anything else you've ever ridden. Similar to how uncomfortable driving a formula car might feel. It works amazing, but feels strange till you get used to it.
It's exciting to hear your interest!!! Trials seems like a youth dominated sport but there are a fair number of riders over 50, many of whom come from a mototrials background. Trials is a lot fun! Enjoy it. Ride what you enjoy and just have the most fun you can imagine on a bike.
First let me give you a little inspiration:
Check out this youtube channel,
www.youtube.com/user/surfcoast
This guy started riding trials at age 50 (+/- a year) and has been creating little webisodes documenting his progress. They have become some of the most like videos in the online trials community. It's good to see.
The bikes you listed have some pro's and con's when being used for trials.
Pros:
-You can get a strong bike for a little less cash
-The low bb will make the bike feel very stable on two wheel moves
-They will feel more comfortable to ride. Not only because they have a seat but trials specific bikes can feel extremely awkward/different compared to other bikes
-They'll be easier to bunnyhop
Cons:
-Weight, they weigh more
-The low bb will make an rear wheel trialsy moves very difficult. Most trials bikes have a bb rise to help with this.
-As you advance in trials moves it may hold you back.
All in all I think they would be decent for learning. Depending on your budget I would recommend one of the more street oriented trials bikes such as the Inspired Hex (26") or Fourplay (24"). They fall imbetween these dirt jumpers and competition trials frames and have the best of both worlds. They are excellent to learn on and capable of some "real" trials. Inspired is the same brand ridden by Danny Mac. Also, the street bikes have a seat which would probably be a plus for you.
Check out: www.trialspads.com
Trialspads is an online shop based out of New Hampshire and is the North American dealer of inspired. They've currently got a sale on the 2010 bikes. (Trialspads is also my sponsor! I got my first box of goodies from them yeserday!!) Customer service is real. Aki (the owner) will help you out.
I rode a planet-x zebdi for years. (Actually the bike I'm riding in the video posted earlier in this thread) It has almost identical geometry to the inspired Hex. However it's no longer manufactured. I will never get rid of that frame, and hope to build it up again this year.
Also I would recommend if nothing else starting a light stretching routine to help prevent injury.
Craig