Simon2009 Posted June 19, 2009 Report Share Posted June 19, 2009 Hi folks,Not new to cycling but am certainly new to Trials.Generally a bit of a two wheeled addict and after spending a good few years watching the trials boys do their thing I have finally decided to give it a whirl myself. I'm sure I am going to end up in a whole world of hurt but if you don't give something a go, you'll never know.So I just wanted, initially, a bit of advice on choosing a bike. I don't want to spend a fortune on my first bike but at the same time I've never been one for buying junk so I'm not looking for the absolute cheapest.I've been scouring Tartybikes and intend to order a bike from them but before I do, I just want some general info.Firstly I'm a fairly tall rider - 6'3" and lanky with it. I only weigh about 12 stone so I'm not massively heavy (I have no idea whether this info makes any difference incidentally!)I'm a fairly competent downhiller/trail rider but have never dabbled in any form of trials riding. So, with all that in mind could some over some advice on bike choice? 26" or 20" wheels etc?Thanks in advance.SimonJust to add an extra note. I'm looking at the Onza Bird.On paper looks a fairly decent spec.Any thoughts? particularly considering my height? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willriseley Posted June 19, 2009 Report Share Posted June 19, 2009 i started on a 20" bike when I was 18 and loved it, the size and weight of them makes you feel confident with it and seems to be easier to ride than a larger bike. i have just bought an Onza rip which is the budget bike in the range but to get me back into it, it will be fine for my purposes and in the future I may well upgrade if funds allow it.I personally would say 20" but thats just me and the fact I dont get on with a big 26" bikeWill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamie905 Posted June 19, 2009 Report Share Posted June 19, 2009 I think like the matey above said, it is personal preference. I've just got into trials having come from BMX for 3 years, and got on better with a 26" stock than another small bike. Weird eh? Have a play around what feels more fun and comfortable Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bikeperson45 Posted June 19, 2009 Report Share Posted June 19, 2009 WHeel surface is just down to personall preference. Judging from your trail/downhill experience, you might be more comfortable sticking with 26" wheels. It also depends on what style you like, watch some videos and have a look around.Also worth looking in the for sale section when your validated.Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon2009 Posted June 19, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 19, 2009 Thanks for the info guys.I'm more tempted to go for the 20" just because it's something different to the usual bikes I ride.Plus I prefer riding a smaller set-up.Is there a big enough difference between the Onza Bird and the Onza Pro for a newbie to really notice?The differences in weight and dimensions on paper seem negligible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon2009 Posted June 19, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 19, 2009 Or would an Onza T-Pro 2009 for £382.00?Is that a good price for a new T-Pro? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redneck Posted June 19, 2009 Report Share Posted June 19, 2009 you said you didnt want to spend a load of cash, why not a used bike? you can pick one up usually for a fair price. also look at pawn shops, i found my monty there for less than 240 bucks with very little wear. i like my little 20incher, it seems to be much more flickable then a 26er. smaller wheels though so it wont roll over some things like a 26er will. BTW, how much is 12 stone? im from the US so im used to pounds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maladie Posted June 19, 2009 Report Share Posted June 19, 2009 Hey there mate, At 6 3" a stock would probably suit you better, as you have experience in downhill aswell.But like it says on Tarty's bike choosing guide, you can ride a mod comfortably at any size!I have an Onza Bird myself, so I will recommend is an awesome buy for just £360. Front disc works awesome after you've set it up nice and bedded it in too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
afrobot Posted June 20, 2009 Report Share Posted June 20, 2009 (edited) you said you didnt want to spend a load of cash, why not a used bike? you can pick one up usually for a fair price. also look at pawn shops, i found my monty there for less than 240 bucks with very little wear. i like my little 20incher, it seems to be much more flickable then a 26er. smaller wheels though so it wont roll over some things like a 26er will. BTW, how much is 12 stone? im from the US so im used to pounds.1 stone=14 lbsx12=168lbs. Right on with the flickable vs. rolling ability. I'd like to see 24" bikes have the parts/ tire selections of 20/26 it's the perfect medium.Are you going street or more Natural. If street get a mod or a 24. On buying you can skimp on frame, cranks ,wheels etc. However shell out the coin for brakes and freewheel/ hub. Bad engagement and braking can make 3k feel like poo and make 750 feel not so bad. Money = weight & less is good to a point. Get some heavy DH tires with thick sidewalls first or you will pinch flat all the time until you you can put some butter on it. Edited June 20, 2009 by afrobot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob.c Posted June 20, 2009 Report Share Posted June 20, 2009 (edited) when i got my first bike it was a 20" and then had a brake from trials for a year and got a 26" koxx but just dent get on with it and went back to the trusty t-pro but thats just me if you are tall it may be nicer for you to ride. i am small lol Edited June 20, 2009 by rob.c Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurence--Trials Posted June 21, 2009 Report Share Posted June 21, 2009 well most people look for 20" bikes to start however (i am not 100% sure) but seeing as your quite tall your might want to think about a 26". i might be able to help a littlebit more if i know your price range.good luck.laurence. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon2009 Posted June 23, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 23, 2009 Thanks for all the advice guys. Hugely appreciated.I'm going to take your advice and look at a second hand bike in the 'For Sale' section of the forum (once I get validated)I think for a complete newbie to trials it's best to go for something second hand for a decent price. That way, if I don't find that I enjoy it, It's no big financial loss.So, once I get up and running on here fully I'll be zipping over to see what's for sale.Cheers again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onzatrip Posted June 23, 2009 Report Share Posted June 23, 2009 simon whrere abouts are in northamptonshire as theres a few riders in towcester and we have mod and stock bikes if you came down you could try out all of them to see what you feel comfortable on Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon2009 Posted June 24, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 24, 2009 simon whrere abouts are in northamptonshire as theres a few riders in towcester and we have mod and stock bikes if you came down you could try out all of them to see what you feel comfortable onI'm just down the road, I'm in Brackley.I might take you up on that offer dude. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onzatrip Posted June 24, 2009 Report Share Posted June 24, 2009 I'm just down the road, I'm in Brackley.I might take you up on that offer dude.do mate were all up for it and theres a new rider aswell so youl fit right in add me to msn its in profile! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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