Absolute Beginner

[theshadow351]

Hi, I'm 15 am have never riden trials before.

Yes, I know what your thinking, another lame starting post, but I have a few quick questions:
http://www.bikepedlar.co.uk/acatalog/rockadilealgents07.jpg

1. I ride a Mongoose Pro Rockadile AL (similar to above) thats a few years old (2000 maybe) that I use for CX. Is there a way I can set this up so it will be ok to learn on, as i have no real job and cant afford a new bike

2. Should I practise moves, one at a time, until i get them right, or just go out and find lines, learning them as I need them?

Thanks in advance,

theshadow

[trialsrider50]

trials isn't like jumping. you don't just do a jump. trials is everytime you ride. each time you ride over a section of rocks, each time you trackstand at a stoplight, trials is the essence of bicycle skill.

1. anything is good to learn on. a trials specific bike will be enormously different but If it is beyond your means monetarily then ride what you've got.

2. practice move's all the time. I guaruntee that at this point, you don't really know enough to go out and search for cool trials places. You would'nt be able to ride much of it. Just start kicking it around town and playing around. you'll figure out what you need to do.

The most important thing is to just keep riding.

Welcome to trials. Good Luck!

[popsicle]

some gear u should buy i would suggest buying shiny guards what guys reccomend 661 veggie wraps or lizard skins as im also a kid younger then you and when u slip a pedel they arre the best i would also reccomend a pair of gloves i ride with 661 gloves and the most impotent a good helment (i use skate board helment) a bash ring or to go around youir front sprocket and if u have those cheap plastic pedels u should buy a set of medel ones from your local bike shop



Some gear you should buy I would suggest buying shin guards. What guys recommend are 661 veggie wraps or lizard skins.

As i'm also a kid younger than you, when you slip a pedal they are the best.

I would also reccomend a pair of gloves. I ride with 661 gloves. Most importantly buy a good helmet (I use a skate board helmet), a bash ring to go around your front sprocket, and if you have those cheap plastic pedals you should buy a set of metal ones from your local bike shop.

[DaMoonRulz#1]

That bike should be just fine to start learning the basics on. Practice your trackstands and learn how to shift your weight on the bike. Start using half a pedal rotation to bring your front wheel up and onto stuff. Also when you are riding it as a trials bike drop that gearing down to something low, The gearing doesnt make a huge differance until you get to the point where you are using your pedals to bring the front end up instead of just pulling up. So ya just go at it and have fun, watch a lot of videos, and try to find somebody else to ride with so you dont get bored trackstanding in the street by yourself.

[theshadow351]

thanks, I already have a pair off full-finger gloves, metal pedals (they hurt when you slip on them), and a good helmet. I have also put the seat really low, as i found it gets in the way when I'm trying to shift my weight.

Also, once I have the money, what is a good begginers bike and how much are they? It would be good to have a goal for my savings.

Thanks,

theshadow

[DaMoonRulz#1]

The cost of a "good" beginners bike will vary quite a bit depending on what you are looking for. First decide if you want to go stock or mod, and then if you want to go complete or build one piece by piece. There are always deals on this site, so you should frequently go through the for sale section. I sold my first trials bike to somebody on here for 400 usd plus shipping, but most of the completes on here sell for a lot more. If you have access to tools or know somebody who works on bikes you might think about building one, but that can end up being way more expensive in the long run. I would say look at spending on average somewhere between 500-1000+ usd on a trials specific bike.