the Posted May 15, 2013 Report Share Posted May 15, 2013 Hello, Over the years I've had many bikes including a 24" DMR and an Onza T-Pro. My key issue with both bikes was the wheel size. The 24" I used for dirt jumping and street nonsense, the Onza was supposed to be my stepping stone into learning trials and whilst I learnt a lot on it, I was never truly comfortable on the tiny wheels; this is the reason I have never gotten into BMX bikes. I am however completely competent and comfortable on a 26" mountain bike so I figured this would be the way to go on the trials scene. Life story over, I'd like to know some entry level bikes I can look into, new or second hand. I won't discuss budget as that'll keep it open to suggestions but I'm not looking for a top flight, pro model bike. I've seen a 2nd hand Phase Mad 1.2 26" listed on PB and after giving the bike a Google it looks fine. Is this the sort of thing I should be looking for or should I avoid them completely? All help appreciated, thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Revolver Posted May 15, 2013 Report Share Posted May 15, 2013 A phase is good, there's some bits that you ought to change soonish if it's standard spec but if it's second hand it might have been done for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the Posted May 15, 2013 Author Report Share Posted May 15, 2013 I've requested some photos but the listing is as follows: "26" Wheels - all true and straight. Light new, barely used. only used in the garden for balance improvement. no hopping about on it ever. magura hydros, alex rims, maxxis tyres, single speed" What would you suggest changing from stock other than the Vs to Mags? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Revolver Posted May 15, 2013 Report Share Posted May 15, 2013 If it's got vee mounts, stick with vee brakes, you can get a solid setup with them, and you can get good pads. Sounds like it has maguras already though. Normally on phase bikes the first thing to go is the gears, which is done, and then the rear hub, which you'd want to swap out for a hope pro II. You could change the stem and bars to ones that suit you better, do this after you've ridden it and got a feel for it, and where it could be improved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the Posted May 15, 2013 Author Report Share Posted May 15, 2013 Good advice, thank you. I'll keep that all in mind. Should this bike have already gone, what else should I search for? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Revolver Posted May 15, 2013 Report Share Posted May 15, 2013 Phases are great for a first bike so hopefully it won't go. Otherwise you can look out for Onza or Echo bikes on ebay. You might find a nice Zoo Piranha, for example. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the Posted May 15, 2013 Author Report Share Posted May 15, 2013 Fingers crossed eh! Thanks for your help, I appreciate it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Revolver Posted May 15, 2013 Report Share Posted May 15, 2013 No problem, buddy. There's nothing like starting something new! Everything's an adventure and a challenge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the Posted May 15, 2013 Author Report Share Posted May 15, 2013 That previous bike is now showing as sold. Found this though - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/230977851259?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649 Ideal? Could probably secure a fairly low price too. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ash-Kennard Posted May 15, 2013 Report Share Posted May 15, 2013 (edited) if the hub is a pro2t then get it! looks like a great deal set your limit for about 170 IMO Edited May 15, 2013 by Ash-Kennard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the Posted May 15, 2013 Author Report Share Posted May 15, 2013 I got the bike for £142 and the fella lives under an hour away to go and collect it which is decent. Not sure what the hub is but I will know on Saturday morning and naturally give you all a spec run down! Not bad for a days work, eh! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the Posted May 18, 2013 Author Report Share Posted May 18, 2013 It's a Formula rear hub Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UK_SPAWN Posted May 18, 2013 Report Share Posted May 18, 2013 How is the bike bud? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the Posted May 18, 2013 Author Report Share Posted May 18, 2013 Bike is fine except for the rear hub! Having a wheel built with a Pro2 on the existing rim. Expensive but it'll last! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the Posted May 18, 2013 Author Report Share Posted May 18, 2013 (edited) Now I'm back on my laptop and not typing from my phone I can inform you properly about the bike. Frame is fine, usual cable rub marks and an incredibly shallow dent in the underside. Will be perfect to learn on and eventually upgrade to something nice. Forks are Because Curved Blade in white. In fine condition, to be honest they look relatively new. I'm happy with them. Brakes are HS33's that are incredibly sharp with plenty of wear left on the pads. However I will be interested to know what pads to replace with when the time comes and I'm also tempted to change the levers for the longer ones as I prefer the shape. Front wheel is a white rim, (didn't get the brand), with 20mm holes drilled through laced to an Echo non-disc hub. Maxxis High Roller tyre. Rear wheel is an Alex DX32 laced to a Formula freehub. The freewheel mechanism was shot and subsequently slipping when I pedalled. I took it to my local bike shop thinking it was the bottom bracket but after the mechanic chucked it about he said it would be the hub. So I'm having the existing rim laced to a brand new Hope Pro 2 T/SS... cannot wait for the beautiful freewheel noise Also has a Maxxis High Roller tyre. I think everything else on the bike is stock. I'm glad I got the bike for cheap as this new wheel build will be costly. In the long run it will be worthwhile because I love the bike, I had a lot of fun on it today and can't wait to further my riding skills, and the Pro 2 is a hub for life. I can take it with me from bike to bike giving it the occasional new rim when I need to. Once I get to a competant level of riding I will consider upgrading the frame but for now I'm happy with how it is and can't wait to get it back so I can go riding!! Edited May 18, 2013 by the 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clerictgm Posted May 19, 2013 Report Share Posted May 19, 2013 (edited) Watch some videos to understand what you like/want. Buy some good bike (~1200 GBP brand new/~700+ GBP used). Ride. In case of wrong choice - switch bike. For example - I liked street-trials videos alot, but when 1'st time I saw IRL some skilled pure trials rider I was so impressed and bought pure trials bike. It was the wrong choice and then I switched to street-trials. Edited May 19, 2013 by clerictgm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jack1340 Posted May 19, 2013 Report Share Posted May 19, 2013 I've requested some photos but the listing is as follows: "26" Wheels - all true and straight. Light new, barely used. only used in the garden for balance improvement. no hopping about on it ever. magura hydros, alex rims, maxxis tyres, single speed" What would you suggest changing from stock other than the Vs to Mags? It's mine now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the Posted May 19, 2013 Author Report Share Posted May 19, 2013 Hahaha, did you buy it off PinkBike? Can I see some photos out of curiosity? How's it riding? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jack1340 Posted May 19, 2013 Report Share Posted May 19, 2013 Yeah I got it from pinkbike, it was a good ride but mods are more my thing so I only had it for a month before selling it for a profit 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the Posted May 19, 2013 Author Report Share Posted May 19, 2013 (edited) Good work! Fate intervened there I think, the bike I scored from eBay seems to be a better deal - minus the rear wheel haha! Was it effectively stock apart from the Mags? Edited May 19, 2013 by the Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jack1340 Posted May 20, 2013 Report Share Posted May 20, 2013 Yeah everything but the brakes was stock, got it for £130 and sold for £150 so not that bad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the Posted May 20, 2013 Author Report Share Posted May 20, 2013 Good effort!! What you hopping about on nowadays? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the Posted May 20, 2013 Author Report Share Posted May 20, 2013 (edited) So due to boredom and sheer annoyance at having to wait to get my bike back to ride, I've done some research into the stock version of the bike Vs what I bought off ebay. Chainset: Suntour Duro Trials crankset with ISIS spline BB set Brakes: Magura HS 33 hydraulic rim brakes Tyres: Maxxis High Roller super tacky compound Wheels: Alex trials rims and Formula hubs Gears: SRAM 3.0 8 speed rear gear Shifters: SRAM trigger shifter Frame: Professional MAD team design Alloy 7005 frame with an alloy front fork Geometry: 1075mm wheelbase, 5mm bottom bracket rise, 72.5¾ head angle This is the spec off the website, 2x2worldwide.com and something has immediately jumped out at me from the eBay listing. "Formula hubs." So when Mr eBay said he'd bought an, "£80 rear hub that hasn't been ridden." I think he was telling big fat porkies... hence my new wheel build. That aside though I think the fact that the forks, front wheel and drivetrain have been upgraded isn't necessarily a bad thing given the price I got it for. I think it will need new rubber soon and I might want to adjust the stem/handlebar setup. All a learning curve eh! I really don't want to wait a week to get my bike back... I can feel the bank holiday weekend going to waste. Might just sit on the floor and have a tantrum! Edited May 20, 2013 by the Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the Posted June 6, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 6, 2013 Got my bike back. Rides like a dream and the hub sounds incredible!! Brake squeal is a bit mental but I'll get used to it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the Posted June 6, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 6, 2013 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.