[Closed] Trials Bikes - anyone got one?

I had a quick go on one that a friend bought (Pashley 26Mhz IIRC), turns out my lack of ability to hop wasn't the bikes fault.

I've started getting interested in trials riding due a lack of doorstep trails and from watching lots of Sam Pilgrim, Fabio Wibmer, and Ali Clarkson on YouTube. Was thinking about getting a street trials bike from Tartys bikes, was looking at street trials bikes like the entry level 24" Inspired, or the Czar Ion (also 24" and with freewheel in cranks).

Have decided to instead just see how I get on with the basics on my rigid 26" (with cheap dropper) I use for commuting. It's fine for learning the basics on. Short daily commutes mean I have a bit of time to practice several times a week. Started with track stands, rocking, fakies, and very small side hops (can already bunny hop). Have started to focus more on track stands as they're pretty fundamental. Side hopping off things to the left is usally pretty disastrous, but hopping off to the right side no problem. Last night was pleased to go from endo to single rear wheel hop and ride off no dabbing of feet.

Enjoying it. Will see how it progresses, if I still maintain interest and start to need a proper trials bike then I'll consider it if finances allow. Am not so certain if I'll want a street trials bike or a full on trials bike now.

Some inspiration:

I have had quite a few but if you want a fun little 20inch mod get a late model Onza with decent brakes not vees unless they are really well set up.

Something like a 24inch Inspired or Zoot may be easier to manage though and better for more all round riding but prices are higher. Out and out trials bikes are really good at hopping on the back wheel but more street styled bikes are just as capable for mere mortals and more fun on the street and skateparks.

I've had the itch to mess about with one recently, mostly after someone posted that video of Pat Smage and then looking at some of his vids. I've always fancied one, but it seems so singularly purposed to be not a great value purchase. The skills would be handy though.

Sirromj; I’m in exactly the same place as you. I’ve been messing about on my rigid BFe (26”) for a year or so. I was thinking I don’t need anything else and I’m having plenty of fun so why worry about it.

Then I’ve been offered a very cheap 26” bike that’s a full-on Trials machine and I’m now thinking why not?

The n+1 aspect may not please Mrs JAG but I’m feeling more and more like I fancy trying it for a while 😀

I rode a lot of trials when i was younger - mostly on converted MTBs that got smaller and smaller (frames) - it worked in the 90s but I'd have something better now.

Dedicated bikes are much easier to do trials on (ie stand on one wheel) but they are much more difficult to ride on 2 - BB is above the axles on some bikes:  This makes them weirdly unstable on 2 wheels.

I've never ridden anything as modern as an Inspired or similar...

I got a wee Onza Bird, but I just couldn't ride it at all- it was too wee, too weird, I never felt comfortable on it. So I got an ancient Inspired Fourplay which has been much better. Going to put all those parts onto a newer Fourplay frame so I can put discs on it. I've not done anything more than dick around on it, it's improved my bike handling a bit but I can't really trials in any meaningful way- hope to do more of it this winter once i've got the bike sorted

(of course, you don't need anything as nice as I'm building, it's just that I'm a tart)

I’ve got a fully pimped Onza Limey that I’m looking to sell as I just don’t have the time to commit to it anymore. Weighs 19lbs!

Personally id go with a stock (26) rather than mod (20) as it feels more like riding a normal bike. Also, brakes and tyre pressures are everything. I’d not go for anything other than an HS22 for the rear brake, maybe a disc on the front. I did have an inspired with discs front and rear but kept bending rotors on the back but obviously Danny Mac et al don’t seem to have any issues.

Might have to dig mine out again for a spin, if I can find the time!

Just picked up a 2nd hand Inspired Console. Felt like a guilty purpose... it's not exactly for getting about on... but it'll take a bit of stress off the commuter. Gave it a quick spin and it does feel wierd, especially when you expect the saddle to be there. LLS hardtails with droppers can't really prepare you for how low these are. Strangely having this bike doesn't automagically make me a capable trials rider! (imagination run riot with me there a bit before picking it up). Looking forward to giving it spin this evening and getting to grips with it and enjoying it.

JAG did you get your trials bike?

This thread sums up my train of thought perfectly. Sometimes got an hour or two where I can't squeeze a proper ride in but little 24" trials bike would be perfect to stop me getting rusty. Been looking at inspired flow and then fit some brakes I have kickit around. Not many on eBay and they don't seem to be cheap even second hand.

My son has an Onza Bird disc he just doesnt use any more, he's too busy on all his other bikes! Its just taking up space now, if anybody is interested PM me, not looking for much for it.

my lack of skill would stop me from ever buying one, although I like a bit of street riding on my 4x bike.

I always assumed my DJ bikes would suffice for street/trials mucking about. Used to have a P2 and a Chase back in the day. A few years back a Marino bike popped up locally and I nabbed it. It's geo is very "Inspired" with 24" wheels and the like, so not a stock/mod setup at all. It's been great fun. I played about on a mates 24" pure trials bike and I messed about on a stock bike too... the pure trials/tgs stuff never really appealed to me. I'll say this though, while I'm no good at trials, I still enjoy myself on the bike and the manhandling skills learned on that yoke have transferred well to the trails. It's always nice to be able to side-hop out of trouble if needs be or endo-drop down when you chicken out of the huck and hope approach.