Heavy Tools Trials To Zona Zenith

[isitafox]

I'm confused, was considering buying Muels old Zenith frame off him, fixing it, respraying it then swapping all the kit off my Heavy Tools onto it but after a bit of research on the net it turns out that both frames weigh near enough exactly the same!

So will I gain anything in running a more modern trials specific frame compared to my Heavy Tools Trials which I believe is officially a 14.75" frame when my overall bike will weigh exactly the same?

My brain hurts, HELP!!

[Alex Dark]

OH yes....the Zeniths ride amazingly, loved mine with a passion

[Muel]

If you want to come and try a more modern geo bike, you're welcome to pop round and have a go on the Simtra mate.

[isitafox]

If you want to come and try a more modern geo bike, you're welcome to pop round and have a go on the Simtra mate.

Gentle now sam, I can't afford that much!!

Tell you what, sod it I'll take the frame. At the end of the day its only £20 an if I decide I don't like it I can always stick it back on here.

Not like I've never spent more than £20 on summat I didn't use, bought a Specialized Rockhopper brand new for bout £750 a few years ago, took it off road over south head once an sold it a few weeks later for bout £575!

[chrishayton]

It might weigh the same but the heavy tools has long back end, short wheelbase and low bb. the zenith is long wb, short back end and mid height BB. It will be MUCH more stable on back wheel. Nicer to tap/gap/side. and low standover will make it much easier to ride on big moves and on natural

Your comparing a small xc frame to a modern comp bike. (technically I know its not a short xc frame but not far off)

[isitafox]

It might weigh the same but the heavy tools has long back end, short wheelbase and low bb. the zenith is long wb, short back end and mid height BB. It will be MUCH more stable on back wheel. Nicer to tap/gap/side. and low standover will make it much easier to ride on big moves and on natural

Your comparing a small xc frame to a modern comp bike. (technically I know its not a short xc frame but not far off)

Nice one, thats the kind of info I was looking for thanks!

[ibs_m]

Nice one, thats the kind of info I was looking for thanks!

if you bunny hop to rear wheel on you heavy tools at the minute then you will struggle to do that on the zona unless you pedal/wheelie the front end up. I switched from a DDG shooter frame to a simtra and I found it really hard to ride. The high bb makes it ride better for trials moves but only after alot of practice and changing your riding style. I got to grips with the simtra eventually but ended up ditching it and getting a echo 24 so I can bunny hop up stuff.

Glad I switched back to my old style of riding however glad I rode the simtra as I learnt loads of new stuff like bouncing on rear to up on front wheel on gaps, which I dont think you can do properly on an old skool Geo.

So get it, stick with it until you learn how to ride that style of frame then get a 24" and combine you new skills with the old.

Ibs

[Joe Papasnap Maher]

Zenith was undoubtedly my favourite bike to ride of all time.

[MadManMike]

If you want a Simtra, I have a frame here that I could do with shifting mate - would be pretty cheap

[Matt Burrows]

bouncing on rear to up on front wheel on gaps, which I dont think you can do properly on an old skool Geo.

Lol I think you're putting a bit too much emphasis on the bike!

Years before that video Ed Tongue was a master of front wheel moves as were the Trialskings, all on old skool bikes.

I get what you're saying about the Simtra, it's quite long and I don't think i'd enjoy it for my riding style (I like bunnyhops and spins.) But then on the other hand I have a friend who can dirt jump, ride skateparks and even backflip on his 1100mm wheelbase trials bike. Some people can jump on just about any bike and ride well! It makes you realise just how unimportant your equipment is unless you ride at a very high level.