Brand new

[Pyr8willy]

I want to give trial riding a try. I used to race BMX and Ride street, but then I grew up. I now realize that growing up sucks. so I went out and bought a mountain bike and then started playn around w/ trial stuff. I am New to the sport so I can use any advise some one could give.
The bike I have is an 06 Gary fisher Tassajara.

[FDS2223]

I am also new to trials, and im putting the finishing touches on my first trials bike. My advice is to start out learning to trackstand(all 4 combos)/rock/hop and pivot and even get down some endos becuase they really improve your balance.

[Ross W.]

My advice, practice basic stuff, trackstands, pivots, rear wheel hops, pedalkicks and such, then, if you're still into it, upgrade. You can learn all the basics on your current bike, but if you want to progress beyond that, you'll want a dedicated trials bike.

[PsyKotyk]

You can definitely learn a lot on your regular mountain bike... that's what I've been doing for the last few years, but one thing I highly recommend.. go out and get a good rear hub with lots of engagement points (like the oh so expensive Chris King ones :werd:).

I finally got myself a real trials bike (Echo Control) and came to the sudden realization that I've been doing it wrong the whole time. On my regular mountain bike, I could just pull back and get on the back tire or pull a manual or bring the nose up a curb. With a trials bike, you MUST use the drivetrain.
I almost wrecked trying to hop a curb because the front end just barely cleared. :eek3:

So about the only thing that has xfered over is track standing, pivots, endos, and the concept of back hopping. Everything else like bunnyhops, manuals, pedal kicks etc is all new again, and it wouldn't have been if I had a decent rear hub from day one. :wtc:

[tubender]

..and get some trials brake pads, learn to grind your rims. You need killer brakes. trialsin.com is a good supplier of speciality items.

[multismith]

Spend some of your down time on this forum and read through posts....lots of stuff gets covered here.

Allocate time for Lots and lots of riding with zero seat/saddle time. Try different things and remember to have fun.

When riding a regular MTB such as your GF ride using 22T front ring and 18T or 19T rear cog and lower your seat all the way down. Don't run high tire pressure. If front forks allow for lockout, lock out front forks to minimize suspension travel.

hub engagement is important, at some point think about upgrading rear hub perhaps entire rear wheel to somthing a little wider and stronger that rear stays will allow without rub.

Get the basics down and perhaps consider getting a trials specific bike next year once you have decided to stick with the sport.

[publicenemy245]

i highly recomenened buying mastering the art of trials
by ryan leech