trials_noob

Thanks for the help Will give it a shot today and see how it goes. Is it better to try kicking slightly or just continue with brakes locked for the moment?

Can you pedal kick/hop yet? If you can how did you learn and what methods did you use? I am in the same situation as you, going from XC to trials only i now ride a mod. I am the same with trackstanding but when the front wheel is on something and brakes on foot comes down as you said. I am using both the bench method and rocking into it method. I have been told to start practicing going forwards with pedal kicks, as its more useful.

I think i'll try out the snowys then post a review of them up for you all! Thanks for all the help everone.

You may find riding a stock bike easier due to your height. Here's a page with comparisons between mods and stocks Click

I have tried the trackstand then kick method but i can't get the front wheel high enough when doing this, is it just a matter of leaning back more? I have the 'mastering the art of trials' dvd by Ryan Leech if they're similar? Also i take it the brake need to be pretty sharp for pedal kicking/hopping? I have kool stop pads at the moment and they're pretty crap but i'm chaing them soon, maybe to Zoos or heatsink reds. It's a pain because i have to brake with two fingers as the brake doesn't have enough bite/hold. Tidytrials have you got msn? Cheers

I recorded me trying to hop on the rear wheel today and was wondering if the more experienced riders could give me some tips on how to balance better and hop better after watching the video? Clicky I can manage a couple hops before loosing balance at the moment. I have been practising for about a day so far and just want to know the best way to go about it. I tried two methods in the video. What is the best way to practise? And is it easier to learn this or pedal kicks first? Thanks

Are you after a mod (20'') or stock (26'') bike? Also do you want to buy new or not? I recently bought a second hand Onza T-bird in brilliant conditon and i am loving riding it. I went from riding XC on 26'' bike to trials on the mod and found it fine. I think it's a great learner bike and can be bought new for £329 from www.supercycles.co.uk I am 5' 10'' and about 12 stone so i'm sure a mod would be fine for you. Or if you want a stock bike you could buy a decent second hand bike for your budget, have a look around ebay and the for sale/wanted section here on the forum.

I am looking to get some new pads for a smooth rim, as i am currently using kool stops and they're crap. My choise is between heatsink snowys, reds or blues? Has anyone used the snowys yet? I tried the search but can't find anything on the snowys! Or i could get Zoos? Which would be the best for smooth rims? Thanks

Cheers

Thanks for the help everyone. When hopping on the back wheel, i can manage about 3-5 hops now and then have to put a foot down. Is there an easy way to stay on the bike and let it fall?

What is the best way to improve balance on the back wheel? Is the bench method good for that?

I can now get on the back wheel using the rocking method. But the thing i'm struggling with now is hopping on the back wheel. I get up then try a few hops and manage roughly two before falling back onto both wheels. Is there any tips for hopping on the back wheel? And i sometimes keep falling to one side and need to put a foot down. Thanks I'm now off to watch the Ryan Leech dvd to try and get some more tips.

No, i think only senior members and mods can delete them

OK, was the steps you gave under trials hopping for pedal kickng? It seems similar. Also do you have any tips for balancing on the back wheel to be able to hop on it? Thanks

I'm not sure i 100% get that, can you explain it a bit clearer? Thanks

Yeah i can trackstand without brakes. I have started backhopping today following the guide on trashzen which is really good. Can anyone give me any trade secrets or key tips on balancing on the back wheel and then bouncing on it? Thanks

I am unsure how strong HS11's can be made, maybe a set of good pads. And a full set of HS33's will cost £99.99 here

Is that from The Art of Trials by Ryan Leech? I have the dvd! Anyway thanks for the help. So once i get all those basics sorted you reckon the backhop is the best to start with. Also i have read about people learning balance with the front wheel on a bench, does this work? And what help does it give you? I have been getting most guides from trashzen which is great. Its just some of the explanations aren't detailed enough. Thanks

I have just recieved my T-bird which is my first trials bike and was wondering what i should learn first after trackstanding as i can do that. Eg backhops etc? thanks

Do you mean when you get to the top of the acension you are missing the back brake so you go backwards and loose the bike from under you? If that's what you mean, i have the same problem. I think it's just down to practise and try pedalling up a bit smoother.

Not sure if this helps but i read on the heatsink website that you can use baby oil, like the johnson's stuff as it is much cheaper and exactly the same as expensive branded oil for the brakes.

How quickly does a grind wear out the pads?

I know there is loads of pad topics but i cant seem to find the opinions on best pads for smooth rims. But i now have that information so thanks!

What's the best pads to use with Magura HS33's for a smooth rim? I've read a bit about the Onza Citrus ones and think they look good, cheap aswell.

Hold the brakes on whilst stantionary then let them go and pedal the 1/4 turn and pull/lean back, once your above rear hub pull the brake back on. Hope thats clear