[Closed] Pump track build - real world difference between DMR Trailstar and DMR Sidekick?

You want the bike so you can improve your skills but you're worried there might be another bike which wouldn't need so much skill? 🙂

(In other words: I think you're focusing more on the image of you being awesome on a pump track, and you're in denial about the bit that comes before it, which involves starting from the "underskilled" bit and dealing with the fact that the "middle-aged" bit makes it harder to progress. I mean, I'm not judging, I'd be thinking along the exact same lines, but that's why I've got a long history of buying, building, under-using and eventually selling bicycles and I'm crap on a pump track.)

Can't comment on the comparison, but I had a Sidekick for ages. Great frame.

Not much help, but I've got a parts bin Sidekick for pump track/jump sessions/arsing about on and it's bloody great!
5'10, fit is no bother. Stupidly harsh though! Not that it matters for this usage.

Bez - you nailed it I think!

I love the build and want to give myself the best opportunity to improve. Not necessarily make it easier, but at least not make it any harder than it needs to be!

Trailstar was always a bit bigger and longer I believe. Sidekick shorter with slightly more trialsy angles but perfectly capable of building into a jump bike.

Trailstar not really any longer, but suited to a longer travel fork (105mm vs 90mm on sidekick)
BB slightly higher on sidekick (10mm) which is either good or bad depending on how you like your bikes to feel.
Get yourself a 24" Rhythm frame for the ultimate pump track DMR frame.

Thanks all.
Now I’ve got two frames 🤦🏼‍♂️

One will be up for sale on here next week. Oops

Like buses...both on the same day... this could be a tough choice!
Interestingly, both same length, same back end. Trailstar more slack and Sidekick slightly shorter seattube. Hmmmm...

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Sidekicks were marketed as trials frames as DaveyBoy says. I seem to remember BB was or seemed high when I rode one.

Overthinking it hombre.
Build bike, ride bike.

bobbyspangles

Overthinking it hombre.
Build bike, ride bike

Yup...that’s the truth

If you want suspension keep the Trailstar, if you want to go rigid keep the Sidekick. That's the way I would do it. FWIW I'm pretty sure the DMR dropout from CRC would allow you to run gears on the Sidekick if that was what you wanted to do.

Anyway, the Trailstar looks like a Mk1 (no APS canti bosses or ISCG mount) and the Sidekick a Mk2 (aforementioned APS bosses). Not sure where those paint jobs came from though, guessing end of Mk1 or start of Mk2 era.

Thanks Squirrelking....

The sidekick is almost a raw steel grey but with American BB so possibly an import? The Trailstar red paint is almost candy red and looks rad.

Cheers for the info and recommendations

Iirc they were available with either BMX it MTB BBs.
I think mine is a mk1. Sort of light bronze colour, APS things but derailleur dropouts.

Not sure what I’ve got then...haha

My Rhythm frame had the same clearcoat grey colour as that sidekick, loved it.
You can buy an adapter for the US BB to run a standard threaded BB if you don't want to run BMX three piece cranks - DMR Wondercups.

Right oh...I’m off the fence and the Sidekick and Bombers are being built up.

Pics to come.

Unfortunately that means I have to find a new home for a lovely red Trailstar and some carbon forks 😁
https://singletrackmag.com/classifieds/advert/dmr-trailstar-16-and-exotic-carbon-forks/

What bombers are they outta interest...?

Any pics to update this build

Chose wisely the grey sidekick me thinks

Pics hopefully later.

Bombers are classic vintage 2002 MX comp air I think. 100mm travel. Bombproof and cheap and cheerful!

2002 bombers will be dire.

Get some lowered Pikes or something worth while.

Thanks nwmlarge...Pikes or 36’s would be nice but I’ll make do with what I’ve got for now..unless you’ve got some you’d like to donate to a worthy build😀👍🏻

Early days but think it’s going to be fun!

Yes I know...hoses, grass, zip ties, door varnish, seat angle.... haha

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Excellent stuff OP - Think it was you I was talking to a while ago (picked up a spin bike for my wife) - let me know if the track in Cov is any good - if not there's one in Bishop's Tachbrook which is OK as well 🙂

(The forks will be fine - mine's built up with proper budget early 2000s Marzocchi Dirt Jams)

👍🏻Thanks submarined. Will let you know

Those will be fine for pump track, you don't need anything sophisticated.

Looks good, is that a BMX BB?

Yes BMX BB squirrelking. Just need adapter then will steal the cranks off my donor bike (poor kona).

👍🏻

Almost there...
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