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trials bikes


blackbetty's picture

By blackbetty - Posted on 09 July 2007

NB: Originally posted elsewhere on the Global Riders Network and appears via syndication.

does anyone here know anything much about trials bikes?
i'm having a ball on my fr bike but its not much fun just to ride down the street when your itching for a little riding fix but don't wanna go an an expedition.
i've been looking around a bit and decided that regardless of what people say, those 20" mods with no seat look heaps of fun.

i'd like to get a hold of a second hand one but even the farkin empire doesn't appear to have many for sale...

any thoughts?

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alchemist's picture

If you are just starting in trials a 26" is allegedy easier to start with. You may have better luck looking for a second hand bike on http://www.observedtrials.net/vb/forumdisplay.ph... or www.sydneytrials.com

blackbetty's picture

i've been looking around today and it appears difficult to come across second hand ones. manly cycles seems to sell them (monty and onza) but i think for my price range $400-700 i would be better off trying to score a second hand one.

as far as 26v20 im not sure, i'll have to have a test ride to see. personally i just rekon that phat 20" rear wheel just looks plain cool. i might go to a shop anyway just to get a feel for 20v26.

i guess the idea of hopping over obstacles and going on such a steep learning curve with riding a new style really appeals. does anyone on here ride trials?

i'll keep searching for a bargain...

Rob's picture

Man, some of those pictures on www.sydneytrials.com are great. The stuff by the beach is awesome, you could spend hours on the rocky Sydney beaches (North end of Balmoral for instance) honing your skills.

Well, most could, I'd probably spend a few minutes before retiring to the local hospital for a few pins & plates Sad

Sticking out tongue

Little-Ditty's picture

Saw a few of those. Man, those guys are amazing. I see what you mean about a hospital trip. A few of those tricks can end nastily if you don't keep your wits about you.

I have always wondered what sort of tyres these bikes have. They look pretty flat to me. How come they don't puncture? Are they tubeless?

Smiling

blackbetty's picture

they must have double or even quadruple ply side walls. i think the maxxis trials tyre is called the creapy crawly for 20" but they come in 26" in which case ive seen lots of highrollers about the place.

it does look amazing. i really want to ride one to see what it feels like...

Bruce's picture

most of the the bike I have seen locally are using 2 ply maxxis minions especially on the rear.

Matt's picture

I'm just guessing but they probably aren't stupidly low, I reckon they'd still be in the mid 30's at least. Anything's going to look flat if you're landing on a narrow ledge on one wheel and it would have to have a fair bit of pressure to avoid a rim crunch.

alchemist's picture

No, they're stupidly low, usually in the 20 psi range and sometimes lower.

bri's picture

the guy to talk to is adam at city bike depot.he does the web site sydney trials and is very helpful guy.he should steer you in the right direction.

Matt's picture

Cheers Rob, I'll get me coat... ;-}

alchemist's picture

Caro is the expert on here - she came 2nd in the State Trials Comp in January Eye-wink

blackbetty's picture

i decided to see what is possible on a FR bike, namely my reign. and i came to the conclusion that... not a lot. most movement seems to be absorbed by all the travel(especially trying to hop on the spot like they seem to do all the time). however, riding backwards is just something i plain suck at....

ive looked on some other forums and there seems to be a few cheap bikes about the place,, i dont think i can resist the urge...

GAZZA's picture

im gonna put a deposit down on one tomorrow! you can all have a go if you like. its not a super flash one but its ok for starters.

blackbetty's picture

what sort / where are you getting it from? i'd love to have a go. i rekon most of us with be fine with crap ones just for a muck around...

Rob's picture

Great Gazza. I really need some skills like this... give us a go! Eye-wink

BTW - for those that don't know Gazza can bounce on the rear wheel of his XC stead anyhow, so who knows how this will improve his feats?

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