Starting off!

[joshUK]

Hi Guys,

I'm starting up trials and I was wondering what's the cheapest I could get a decent set up for i.e buying parts or just buying a complete set up already to roll?

I downhill and freeride mtb so I'm no stranger to building bikes from scratch

[BradJohnson]

Second hand is you're best bet! anything from the Onza range should be fine to start off with.

[Blake]

find a second hand t pro or something similiar

if you're unsure run it by someone on here

[ogre]

i assume that your used to paying a decent amount to acquire a good bike that won't demand upgrades and extra parts from the get go... with that in mind cheapest tends to be about 4-500 second hand, or a new echo will run you about £900. are you after 20" or 26" or a 24"?

the most important bits on a bike are brakes and freewheel; you want quality brakes asap, they'll help with your confidence and you shouldn't have any hang ups about bike failure letting you down when you try new things. same applies to your freewheel, since trials are singlespeed and low ratio you need a freewheel with alot of engagement points so your bike feels responsive. echo 108s are popular as they're high performance and relatively low cost. i prefer the eno, as it's far more reliable (in my opinion)

most trials stuff is pretty simple and fairly universal as far as fitting different brands together. try and get something with an isis bottom bracket, as it'll outlast square taper and give you plenty of choices for drivetrain parts in the future.

[joshUK]

I'm a 24" wheel person. I do have a set of 24" Halo Combat in my garage I occasionally use for mtb. Beautiful set of wheels sterdy as anything! I'm 6ft 2" so i'm also wanting a nice frame to suit me. I like the really sloped down tube frames also that run seats. Sort of like an inspired fourplay frame or what MacASkill rides. Hydraulic or mechanic disc brakes? Or V's?

[isitafox]

If you want 24 then get a zoot, decent geometry for learning on, 24" wheels and the option to put dual disc or dual V though I'd recommend dual hydraulic discs.

[ogre]

the halo rims are plenty sturdy (albeit a little heavier than trials ones) but you'll find the rear hub won't have a reliable enough freehub, you need (or will quickly find yourself needing) a hope pro2, a king, or a screw on type hub that you can fit a trials freewheel too. or you will struggle with 'pure' trials moves. trials frames aren't really like other bike disciplines where you have a certain size to fit a rider, you just pick a stem that reflects your height, i'm 6ft, i ride a 20", but i've spent enough time on 24s and 26s too. so don't feel your size should affect your choice.

the fourplays are brilliant frames, they're made very well and the geo is awesome. i will say i think it's much harder to learn trials on a streety bike, and that it's easier to learn on a seatless 'pure' trials bike, with geometry that compliments trials moves. what sort of riding are you wanting to be doing?

as far as brakes go, good cable brakes (avid bb7) are just as good as the premium hydraulics(shimano saints and hope mono trials) Vee brakes can be very good if you take the time setting them up and run some of the premium pads that are available.