Long Bikes, Short Bikes And Street Style...

[Joeyjoejoe]

I started riding back in the day when bikes were bikes not barges. I've never been a fan of long bikes. I've been riding Leeson bikes for the past 10 years, but is it time to throw in the towel and say "If you can't beat them join them”? I'm stuck in two minds, I don’t know if I should stick or twist.

I'm currently riding a Fluid 609 with a 1010 wheelbase. I love the bike to bits it's a lot of fun, rides smooth and makes spins easy. I switched from a Clear660 1 year ago after riding a lot with Joel Bennett and thinking more street was the way to go. I’ve really enjoyed riding it and it has helped me take my riding to the next level. I've seen the videos of Phil Feeney and he totally shreds on a short bike and is still able to gap big and get big ups, but lately I've been thinking is it me or the bike that’s holding me back from that next jump. Maybe I could gap bigger or get up bigger stuff on a longer bike, but I stand to lose so much of my style if I switch to a longer bike. I'm not the tallest at 5'7. Or maybe I just need to get to the gym and start building a bigger upper body.

So what do you guys think do you think trials still needs riders on really short bikes? Should I switch and compromise my style of riding for going bigger? Or just head to the Gym?

[Revolver]

A longer bike will help, but it doesn't mean you have to buy a barge.

Perhaps you'd be interested in the inspired fourplay or the rockman switch frames, these will allow you to keep your style but you'd have more room for bigger moves.

There are other shorter trials frame options, the echo pure and control both come in short, so does the zoo piranha. These are 1065 or so, though.

[Ross McArthur]

If you fancy a change, I have a Marino frame for sale. Its 1060, 380, +20, 71ha. Which by todays standards is quite streety. Your style wont be compromised by whatever bike your on, its not the bike that has style, its the rider.