dansharpy Posted August 30, 2011 Report Share Posted August 30, 2011 So i last rode trials about 10 years ago and have decided im getting fat and lazy so want to get back into it! However, when i last did it i dont even think there were trials bikes without seats, the bike to have back then was a GT Zaskar!! So having now looked around for a while im still a bit stuck so was hoping for a few bits of advice. I think im pretty set on a 26". Id also like a seat as i live on the outskirts of Bristol so will want to ride it to wherever i want to session. That and as i said im getting fat and lazy so will undoubtedly need to sit down at some point!! Could someone also explain to me the difference between a mod and stock bike/frame, as im completely lost on that one!! I remember bending alot of rims back in the day as well (we used to use downhill rims back then because they didnt make trials specific rims!) are disc brakes a good idea when starting out, as im more likely to bend rims then? Or are there now trials specific rims which im not going to be able to buckle so get some maguras? I know how to build wheels so if you've got rim/hub recommendations (CHEAP!!) let me know! I also think i might want a few gears, just so it makes it easier to get to wherever i want to ride. So basically im after recommendations on full bikes/parts to get? Im on a tight budget as im starting out again and would rather get something cheap and cheerful i can ride out the box, and then upgrade the bits as they break. I dont mind getting stuck in and building a bike from scratch either if its cheaper to buy parts separate! If anyone has any tips/good bits they need to sell/give me then please feel free! Thanks in advance and maybe ill get to meet some of you out on the streets!!! p.s. I dont actually know anyone that rides anymore so if anyone lives in the Bristol area and wants to go for a ride* give me a shout!! *read this as- 'teach an older unfit, lazy, fat guy how to ride again!!!' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
isitafox Posted August 30, 2011 Report Share Posted August 30, 2011 If you want a cheap and cheerful bike with gears to ride straight out the box and with the potential to upgrade then your best bet is a MAD Phase 1.2. Sadly though you'll struggle to get a bike with a seat unless you splash out a bit of cash on a 26" Inspired. What is your budget exactly? Luckily nowadays we have a full set of trials parts available to build with (I used to ride back in about 98 so know where your coming from) so you should have no problems running maguras, if you want to run a disc then stick with one purely up front as they tend to not be as good on a 26" (stock) as they are on a 20" (mod). Also don't make the mistake of buying an oldskool frame like an old cannondale, giant or even an old GT as trials rims are now considerably wider than the ones we used to use so you won't get the brakes to fit on. I used to run Sun Mammoth rims which at 35mm were one of the widest you could get at the time and now even front rims come wider! Have a good look on the for sale forum on here and the buy/sell section at the top, buying a full build 2nd hand will generally save you a fortune though the chances are it'll be a single speed as most bikes are nowadays. As I said before the Phase 1.2 is a great starter bike and cheap to buy, check one out here, it comes with maguras and a rear freehub with gears so when you've got a bit more cash handy you can always upgrade the rear wheel (which you will do eventually) and stick a Hope trials hub on. Hope this has helped you out a bit! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dansharpy Posted August 30, 2011 Author Report Share Posted August 30, 2011 Thats excellent, thanks so much! Its all so confusing these days!! Back when i was riding last you just brought a normal mountain bike with a small frame, whack a wide back wheel and v-brakes on it and you were away!! You just had to rebuild the wheels every sunday night and you'd spend about an hour out of 5 riding fixing punctures!! Ok so sounds like maguras are the way to go! I think im probably going to get parts and then build it up as i can afford it. So if anyone can recommend parts that they've had and liked or spots a good deal on ebay or something then please let me know!! So if i brought a rear wheel which was single speed, could i not just get a new hub, derailleur etc. and convert it to 8 speed? Or does it depend on the frame as well? Also when you talk about 20" and 26" what is that dimension in relation to? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wozz Posted August 30, 2011 Report Share Posted August 30, 2011 (edited) 20" and 26" is the size of the wheel (is thats what you mean? or have i just confused the whole situation?) Edited August 30, 2011 by wozz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
isitafox Posted August 30, 2011 Report Share Posted August 30, 2011 Right, 20" and 26" or mod and stock relates to the wheel size and 26" is standard mountain bike size that you'll probably want. As for the wheel thing I wouldn't bother buying a single speed wheel and stripping it for parts I'd either look for a fully built wheel with a pro 2 trials hub or find one 2nd hand and buy a new rim and spokes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dansharpy Posted August 30, 2011 Author Report Share Posted August 30, 2011 Thanks guys! Slowly getting my head round it now!! Guess ill get into the classifieds and ebay and start looking for bits! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusevelt Posted August 31, 2011 Report Share Posted August 31, 2011 (edited) Grab one of these whilst stocks last. An ideal starter bike with few upgrades needed. http://www.discountcyclesdirect.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=11930 http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/17096/MAD_Phase_12_Trials_Bike_2010 Edited August 31, 2011 by Rusevelt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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