Newbie In Japan

[sprocketjockey]

Hi everyone.

Am a New Zealander living in Tokyo, Japan. Have previously ridden downhill for the past 4 years and before that was a dirt jumper. Have been bitten by the trials bug for a long time. Family friend rode motorcycle trials and this is what hooked me. Now im in Japan, everywhere I go in Tokyo its a concrete jungle. Perfect for trials!

I have read up on the sport and what it takes in order to become a good rider, how to execute tricks and so on. I like the look of the challenge. Downhill is all about how big your marbles are, there is a skill level involved although its pretty small compared to riding a trials bike.

In the country where everyone rides a biscuit wheeled bike with a carrier and a basket, im lucky in my part of Tokyo to have a specialist bike shop right there. I have access to only a 2007 Giant trials Pro. What i really want to find out is, can i learn to ride properly by starting out on a pro mod bike? (small wheel diameter). i cant order overseas via credit card so the pro really is my only option.

Anyone who would be able to give me some advice on this please do, as your all the experts and im junior.

Look forward to becomming an active member and learning from everyone.

Steve-O

[Krisboats]

Okay, small wheels (bmx size of 20") is called a MOD bike. Large wheels (normal mountain bike 26") is called a stock.

Loads of people use loads of different versions of each, echo, giant, onza, zoo!... etc

I would say the split between people riding mod and people riding stock has got to be somewhere around 50:50, and yes, many people start out on mod bikes as they are generally smaller, lighter and easier to through around, hence them being better to start on.

It roughly depends on your size though and what you feel most comfortable with. I'm 6'5" and find mod bikes fun for having a quick go but i couldn't ride one for a long time, and short people are the same with most stock bikes.

Have a go, see if you like it. Also see if the shop can order parts in, and see what sort of things are avalable to you for upgrades.

So long as the bike has good brakes and a reliable freehub/freewheel then you'll be alright.

If this is the one your on about it looks pretty damn good for a beginner depending on what the freewheel is. But theres no doubt about those discs being able to stop you in a hurry, very good brakes.

p.s. your english is better than most englich new members, i'm impressed

Edited January 10, 2007 by Krisboats

[sprocketjockey]

Thanks for the reply. That is the exact bike I was talking about, I found it interesting what you mentioned about the mod bike being easier to start on, makes perfect sense too.

I will go ahead and order the bike, get on it asap, we are in the middle of winter here in Japan and its damn cold but always going to be good to go out and have a hop around get used to the bike for when the warmer weather shows up.

Any tips and pointers you can give me for getting started would be much appreciated. It's going to be quite different to that of my 18kg freeride/downhill bike. :thumbsup:

Also I prefer to read proper English on forums, I work as an English teacher as well so it's kind of second nature hehe.

Cheers

Steve-O

[darrenhopper]

One of the finest tutorial websites I've come across is http://www.trashzen.com/.

I like to give it a look whenever I feel like it's time for something a bit more challenging.

And the Giant looks like a very nice bike! Best of luck with it.

[quick_spider]

Welcome to the forum.

I can't find the validation button in the new version of the board, but as soon as Tom or Danny (admin) point me in the right direction I'll upgrade you to a full member!

Jon

[kingzl3y]

Hey steve,

First off, welcome im new too

I used to ride downhill too, then trials..then both my bikes got robbed, so i just rode off/on road for like 5 years.. and i've had enough of being a computer engineer, i just wanna ride now, so im getting back in the whole ' trials ' scene - when i used to ride, i wasnt good..but had the hang of most things...

But im guessing i've forgot how to ride trials >< so im in your situation.

That site ' darrenhopper ' suggested (http://www.trashzen.com/) seems the shiz..

GL & HF

GreeetzZZZZZZZZ

Kings

[Krisboats]

Thanks for the reply. That is the exact bike I was talking about, I found it interesting what you mentioned about the mod bike being easier to start on, makes perfect sense too.

I will go ahead and order the bike, get on it asap, we are in the middle of winter here in Japan and its damn cold but always going to be good to go out and have a hop around get used to the bike for when the warmer weather shows up.

Any tips and pointers you can give me for getting started would be much appreciated. It's going to be quite different to that of my 18kg freeride/downhill bike. :thumbsup:

Also I prefer to read proper English on forums, I work as an English teacher as well so it's kind of second nature hehe.

Cheers

Steve-O

Ah, if its winter there i'm sure you'll find the dual discs to be very good indeed, seeing as how they perform better in wet conditions than rim brakes. Yeah, it won't be anywhere near 18kg, i would imagine it to be around half that.

Remember to post up some pics of it when you get it and if you have any troubles with it or with riding in general don't hesitate to ask on here, you'll usually get a decent and accurate reply. Trashzen as recommended by darrenhopper and many others is one of the best and most accurate instructional guides available with many hours and a lot of effort going into making it.

Only real tip i can give is go out, have fun and don't get frustrated if you don't seem able to do everything straight away. Trials takes a lot more time to get the hang of compared to other biking disciplines but you'll get the hang of it with a little determination.

[jonny_smith]

Hi everyone.

Am a New Zealander living in Tokyo, Japan. Have previously ridden downhill for the past 4 years and before that was a dirt jumper. Have been bitten by the trials bug for a long time. Family friend rode motorcycle trials and this is what hooked me. Now im in Japan, everywhere I go in Tokyo its a concrete jungle. Perfect for trials!

I have read up on the sport and what it takes in order to become a good rider, how to execute tricks and so on. I like the look of the challenge. Downhill is all about how big your marbles are, there is a skill level involved although its pretty small compared to riding a trials bike.

In the country where everyone rides a biscuit wheeled bike with a carrier and a basket, im lucky in my part of Tokyo to have a specialist bike shop right there. I have access to only a 2007 Giant trials Pro. What i really want to find out is, can i learn to ride properly by starting out on a pro mod bike? (small wheel diameter). i cant order overseas via credit card so the pro really is my only option.

Anyone who would be able to give me some advice on this please do, as your all the experts and im junior.

Look forward to becomming an active member and learning from everyone.

Steve-O

sorry. bit off topic but that bike looks niiiiice!!

[Louth Trials]

ahhh that looks sexy how much is that in GBP or dollars?

EDIT: Just worked it out it's 863.314 GBP lol we all love currency converters!!!

Edited January 10, 2007 by monty ryder

[Simpson]

ahhh that looks sexy how much is that in GBP or dollars?

EDIT: Just worked it out it's 863.314 GBP lol we all love currency converters!!!

well when sponge went china it was like 60quid for a frame which costs 280 out here

so even if he tells us wont give us an indicator of how much the RRP will be if it comes to the UK

[jackamory]

sorry this is off topic totally but do you have Chinese letters on a keyboard in china???? if so can i buy one from anywhere on the internet????

thanks, jack

Edited January 10, 2007 by jackamory

[sprocketjockey]

sorry this is off topic totally but do you have Chinese letters on a keyboard in china???? if so can i buy one from anywhere on the internet????

thanks, jack

Im in Japan but they of course use the Kanji writing script same as Chinese. I could be tempted into a mission to play with the demo computers in the department stores hehe

The bike is available now 07 Giant trials pro 20, will be rocking in and ordering it this weekend hopefully. Shouldn't be too far away then.

[Token]

Make sure you post up some pics of you riding your new bike. Be good to see, not only the bike, but what the riding is like in Japan.

Oh and welcome to the forum.

[sprocketjockey]

Make sure you post up some pics of you riding your new bike. Be good to see, not only the bike, but what the riding is like in Japan.

Oh and welcome to the forum.

Thanks! I will post some photos of Tokyo for people to see as soon as I have access to the other forums and so on...urban Tokyo is a trials riders dream! Inner Tokyo is ALL concrete, rails, stairs, and loads of drops. Makes VERY good to urban freeride too.

Wanting some advice from you experts, have been reading a little and read something about a long frame and a short frame, is this for all trials bikes or one type in particular. The Giant trials pro 20 (2007 model) is this a short or long? What is the difference? I only have access to this bike, one choice and its the mod. Im 6ft 1" tall and weigh about 62 kg. My background as I mentioned before was Downhill, the front forks and bars are quite outstretched, the seat position of my DH bike is midway over the back wheel. Of course you dont sit down on a trials bike unless the tyre is scraping your butt clean for you while your riding.

Judging by my height is that particular bike going to be ok for me? I have never done trials before and cannot ride a bike before buying so just want to come as close to getting it right as i can...

This is the bike here: http://www.giant.co.jp/2007/mtb/competr/trials-pro-20.html

Close up of the bike: http://www.giant.co.jp/2007/mtb/large/trials-pro-20.html

Cheers

Steve-O

[Barbra]

There are three lengths of frame (on a mod) The shortest is 1000mm, medium 1030mm and the longest which is 1045mm wheelbase. I can't find much information on that frame but it looks pretty long, it should be fine for you matey The only difference i can see between lengths is the fact that generally taller people find long bikes more comfortable and shorter people find shorter bikes more comfortable.

[sprocketjockey]

There are three lengths of frame (on a mod) The shortest is 1000mm, medium 1030mm and the longest which is 1045mm wheelbase. I can't find much information on that frame but it looks pretty long, it should be fine for you matey The only difference i can see between lengths is the fact that generally taller people find long bikes more comfortable and shorter people find shorter bikes more comfortable.

Just translated the Japanese and the frame from hub to hub (if im right with the geometry readings) is 1000mm. So provided this is going to be ok then im happy. Having never ridden another trials bike before I suppose I don't have to worry about having a smaller frame because I have no experience of riding trials on any other frame size.

Thanks for the expert advice, it's nice to see everyone here so willing to help newcomers to the sport. Makes the image of trials riding so much nicer, I remember when I was a co-driver in a rallycar it was a dog eat dog world, no one was willing to help you out at all. Was miserable haha.

Will be placing an order within 2-3 days.

Cheers!

Aaron

[bite me]

Just wanted to say, welcome mate!

Good luck with your riding, its a very nice bike.

Should go stock after you get good.

Its deffinatley the way forward.

Enjoy.

Adam

[moza]

Hey Steve,

welcome to trials-forum, hope you get all the info you need out of all us guys. that looks like one nice bike , good luck with the riding, and as people have said i would move upto 26" after you get good

moza

[Simpson]

Ignore those people! lol no mods are good for all ages of riding its more personal prefrence wether you think its good or not!

but yea get riding! sounds like a well interesting life style and stuff!!! wish i got out of essex a lot more~!

urm the bike has a shortish wheel base which will make it easy to bunny hop but heavier when you hop on the rear wheel

is easy way to describe it but yea get it! let us lot know how it rides!

[gianttrials]

That giant mod looks very sweet. I ride a giant '05 stock trials bike and it's good for learning on or pushing yourself that much further. I have to say though that it's quite a short frame but it doesn't matter to much as i get on well with it. It would be interesting to know how the giant mod rides, and i think the hayes hfx brakes should more than adequate enough,

Good luck, Ben g WST

p.s Japan is awesome (i'm so jealous)

[Egg Fried Rice]

sorry this is off topic totally but do you have Chinese letters on a keyboard in china???? if so can i buy one from anywhere on the internet????

thanks, jack

i hate it when people think Japanese and Chinese is the same thing i get it all the time. chinese and japanese writing is typed out via number codes i think, thats how my friend does it, it very weird and complicated. you just download a programme that does it, but you got to know chinese/japanese to obviously type out what you want. the words arent "spelt" like ABC.

JK

Edited January 11, 2007 by J-KAY

[jackamory]

Look forward to becomming an active member and learning from everyone.

Steve-O

Didn't take long i think that must be one of the quickest validations ever. I was gona say your well lucky but thinking about it it wasnt luck it was your perfect post keep em coming. jack