PeterWest Posted December 5, 2010 Report Share Posted December 5, 2010 Hi All I was hoping that you guys could give me some advice on this, I currently have a MTB (26") that is not in use. Now the question is how easy is it converting it to trials, changing the frame, rear brakes to HS33's, Will it work? Regards Peter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Franksx2005 Posted December 5, 2010 Report Share Posted December 5, 2010 depends on what sort of bike you have. decent rear hub, brakes, some rigid forks and a bash ring will get you goin for starters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
isitafox Posted December 5, 2010 Report Share Posted December 5, 2010 And bear in mind that most normal bike rims will be far too narrow to work on a proper trials frame so if you bought a new frame then you'll probably need wheels as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davey1991 Posted December 6, 2010 Report Share Posted December 6, 2010 If you don't buy a new frame it will be very very different to riding a modern trials bike, i mean you could learn the basics on it but it will hold you back in the future. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe O'Connor Posted December 6, 2010 Report Share Posted December 6, 2010 Trials on a MTB is very hard. The geo's are not even comparable. I learnt the basics on a Specialized P2, it was very hard. Learn the basics on a MTB while saving up for a proper trials bike. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
isitafox Posted December 6, 2010 Report Share Posted December 6, 2010 Trials on a MTB is very hard. The geo's are not even comparable. I learnt the basics on a Specialized P2, it was very hard. Learn the basics on a MTB while saving up for a proper trials bike. I wouldn't say it was very hard, years ago all we had were normal mountain bikes converted to ride trials. I'll admit things are easier on proper bikes with trials geo but that doesn't mean it can't be done on any other bike! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe O'Connor Posted December 6, 2010 Report Share Posted December 6, 2010 I wouldn't say it was very hard, years ago all we had were normal mountain bikes converted to ride trials. I'll admit things are easier on proper bikes with trials geo but that doesn't mean it can't be done on any other bike! Im not saying that its not possible, but it certainly is harder. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Franksx2005 Posted December 6, 2010 Report Share Posted December 6, 2010 Im not saying that its not possible, but it certainly is harder. Its just one of those things, if he doesnt want to spend a lot of money but wants to give trials a go then converting his mtb would be a good idea, But there is a chance that due to it being harder to learn on an mtb he will loose interest. He could go all out and buy a trials bike but then the problem is if he doesnt enjoy it the chances are he will loose money. Decisions! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N.Wood Posted December 6, 2010 Report Share Posted December 6, 2010 due to it being harder to learn on an mtb he will loose interest. True, but then again most people on this forum who are over about 18 would have started on a standard mtb and we're all still here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Franksx2005 Posted December 6, 2010 Report Share Posted December 6, 2010 True, but then again most people on this forum who are over about 18 would have started on a standard mtb and we're all still here. I said there is a chance, i started on an mtb too! But im sure there is a fair few people who are not on this forum because they tried and realised how hard the sport is and gave up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kheridr Posted December 6, 2010 Report Share Posted December 6, 2010 Converting, will be more expensive then buying a new trials bike, i,e you need to change the wheels and tyres, as the mb setup is usually to skinny single speed kit i would buy better brakes and a lower seat setup and change forks to rigid but none the less, this is all too pointless as with mb frames the geomotry is wrong and the frames are usually too high so your best bet is to buy a new trials bike completely hope this helps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JD™ Posted December 6, 2010 Report Share Posted December 6, 2010 (edited) I always try to stay out of these topics, but I always end up having to say something. People saying it will be more expensive to convert or whatever are talking out of their arses generally. Just ride what you've got in a 'trialsy' manner - get the basics down and if you haven't got too frustrated to want to give up then its well worth thinking about buying a full trials bike. Or you can just upgrade your brakes and other bits and bobs over time, which can all be used when you move over to another frame without the risk of spending a grand and then giving up 2 months later because the sport isn't for you. As many people have said, us guys who were riding trials before specific parts were about did exactly what you're thinking of doing, and a lot of them were riding better then than most of the kids can now - even with all the kit thats available now. I'd been riding about 3 years by the time my MTB had evolved into this thing, and I probably never got to a point where I was too good for the bikes abilities! (this was about 6 years ago, it doesn't exist now obviously...) Obviously all the purpose built kit is better, but I'd be more fussed about wasting money if I were you. Edited December 6, 2010 by JD™ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
isitafox Posted December 6, 2010 Report Share Posted December 6, 2010 (edited) Completely with you there JD, this was my first bought for purpose "trials" bike. Did me fine for more than long enough! The only bits that didn't come standard are the tyres, pedals, bars and DCD. Edited December 6, 2010 by isitafox Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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