sprocketjockey

Just translated the Japanese and the frame from hub to hub (if im right with the geometry readings) is 1000mm. So provided this is going to be ok then im happy. Having never ridden another trials bike before I suppose I don't have to worry about having a smaller frame because I have no experience of riding trials on any other frame size. Thanks for the expert advice, it's nice to see everyone here so willing to help newcomers to the sport. Makes the image of trials riding so much nicer, I remember when I was a co-driver in a rallycar it was a dog eat dog world, no one was willing to help you out at all. Was miserable haha. Will be placing an order within 2-3 days. Cheers! Aaron

Thanks! I will post some photos of Tokyo for people to see as soon as I have access to the other forums and so on...urban Tokyo is a trials riders dream! Inner Tokyo is ALL concrete, rails, stairs, and loads of drops. Makes VERY good to urban freeride too. Wanting some advice from you experts, have been reading a little and read something about a long frame and a short frame, is this for all trials bikes or one type in particular. The Giant trials pro 20 (2007 model) is this a short or long? What is the difference? I only have access to this bike, one choice and its the mod. Im 6ft 1" tall and weigh about 62 kg. My background as I mentioned before was Downhill, the front forks and bars are quite outstretched, the seat position of my DH bike is midway over the back wheel. Of course you dont sit down on a trials bike unless the tyre is scraping your butt clean for you while your riding. Judging by my height is that particular bike going to be ok for me? I have never done trials before and cannot ride a bike before buying so just want to come as close to getting it right as i can... This is the bike here: http://www.giant.co.jp/2007/mtb/competr/trials-pro-20.html Close up of the bike: http://www.giant.co.jp/2007/mtb/large/trials-pro-20.html Cheers Steve-O

Im in Japan but they of course use the Kanji writing script same as Chinese. I could be tempted into a mission to play with the demo computers in the department stores hehe The bike is available now 07 Giant trials pro 20, will be rocking in and ordering it this weekend hopefully. Shouldn't be too far away then.

Thanks for the reply. That is the exact bike I was talking about, I found it interesting what you mentioned about the mod bike being easier to start on, makes perfect sense too. I will go ahead and order the bike, get on it asap, we are in the middle of winter here in Japan and its damn cold but always going to be good to go out and have a hop around get used to the bike for when the warmer weather shows up. Any tips and pointers you can give me for getting started would be much appreciated. It's going to be quite different to that of my 18kg freeride/downhill bike. :thumbsup: Also I prefer to read proper English on forums, I work as an English teacher as well so it's kind of second nature hehe. Cheers Steve-O

Hi everyone. Am a New Zealander living in Tokyo, Japan. Have previously ridden downhill for the past 4 years and before that was a dirt jumper. Have been bitten by the trials bug for a long time. Family friend rode motorcycle trials and this is what hooked me. Now im in Japan, everywhere I go in Tokyo its a concrete jungle. Perfect for trials! I have read up on the sport and what it takes in order to become a good rider, how to execute tricks and so on. I like the look of the challenge. Downhill is all about how big your marbles are, there is a skill level involved although its pretty small compared to riding a trials bike. In the country where everyone rides a biscuit wheeled bike with a carrier and a basket, im lucky in my part of Tokyo to have a specialist bike shop right there. I have access to only a 2007 Giant trials Pro. What i really want to find out is, can i learn to ride properly by starting out on a pro mod bike? (small wheel diameter). i cant order overseas via credit card so the pro really is my only option. Anyone who would be able to give me some advice on this please do, as your all the experts and im junior. Look forward to becomming an active member and learning from everyone. Steve-O