Forum menu
Long time lurker, first time poster here, looking for some noob advice...
I've been watching too many cool videos of people ripping pump tracks and doing sick street trials. I've been trying some on my super long hardcore hardtail but I think it's just a bit too much effort to move the long bike around with 29ers on too.
So I'm looking for a 26" frame to build up. I've seen a 16" SS Inbred up on ebay, does anyone think this would be a good frame to go for or should I just bike the bullet and get a proper bike like an Inspired Hex? TIA
An inbred might be a bit skinny for that sort of riding, if you're on a budget then something like an original Trailstar or 456 might be a better option for jumping about on.
TBH I've been dicking around on my new Scandal which is fairly long/slack (460 reach, 66deg HA) in the back garden, I'm no Danny MacAskill but even I can just about get the front wheel up and balance it there for a moment, still working on the hopping bit! I've borrowed a trials bike in the past and confirm they don't really make it any easier, they just gain things like bash rings and tiny rear mechs that don't cost £100 when you fall off!
I'd just get a purpose-designed frame, the needs for trials vs jump & pump are fairly different though, particularly with gearing
the needs for trials vs jump & pump are fairly different though, particularly with gearing
Specifically it would be more things like geometry and stem length. Trials bikes tend to have longer stems to give you a longer lever over the front end. Gearing For trials is about 32", or a 32t chainring and 26t sprocket, so you'll be fine with an old 8/9/10speed drive chain and single chainring (until you feel the need to swap to 22-18 singlespeed to gain that last half inch of ground clearance).
Start by clicking here- LINK
Jump bikes and trials bikes are very different though. If you want to ride pump tracks and do bmx style tricks rather than hopping about on your back wheel, look for a DJ style bike.
I think a DJ bike would be the best all rounder, dedicated trials bikes wouldn't work well for dirt jumping or pump tracks. Something like a 4x setup would be best, basically a DJ with a few gears and a front brake. Would be a bit more versatile.
Sidekick for the win.
The inbred won't be the best choice for either.
If you were more inclined to be on pumptracks or dirt jumps, get a DJ bike. If you're going to be spending far more time learning street trials, get the hex and put on a shorter stem for jumpy and pumpy stuff.
I think a DJ bike would be the best all rounder, dedicated trials bikes wouldn’t work well for dirt jumping or pump tracks. Something like a 4x setup would be best, basically a DJ with a few gears and a front brake. Would be a bit more versatile.
Yeah, this. Riding a (proper) trials bike on jumps is not particularly enjoyable. Mainly because of the gearing, but also the riding position is all wrong. Probably a 24" inspired is a bit more forgiving, but it'll still suck on a BMX track. Whereas whilst a DJ bike isn't going to get to the trials world champs, it will let you have a bash. For just dicking around doing wheelies, bunny hops and the odd back hop it'll be fine. In fact, even a hardtail XC bike is pretty good for trials, even better on a rigid small frame. I used to ride trials on a Sidekick before many dedicated trials frames were around.
Thanks for all the replies boys and girls. It's been very helpful