Trials
Chris -- I've two trials bikes , a TY80 that the children have out grown and is now seeing service with a friend's offspring , and a Montesa 315 that I use as something to fall off , fettle , get muddy , clean , fall off , fettle , clean etc.
To answer your queries in order : -
i/ - Loads of places to practice , from Sheffield you only need drop down into the Peaks to be spoiled for choice . However , you need to make sure that the ground you are using is a permitted practice area and that you have the landowner and / or club's permission to ride . Also , never practice on your own , you will fall off and it's only a matter of time before you'll need someone to help get you out from under your bike !
ii/ - You'll need to assess your needs , abilities , intended goals etc. , in order to determine which bike might be best for you . There are lots of different options .
iii/ - Trials bikes are very different from road , enduro , MX , green lane etc. bikes . Modern trials bikes are state of the art bikes that almost mirror push bikes with engines ! Until you've ridden a modern trials bike you probably would not believe quite how light , small , robust and responsive they are . Believe me , they are so good that they can even make me look halfway competent !
iv/ - No , trials bike engines tend not to need re-building as frequently as MXers , depending on the use / abuse they are subjected to , a weekly fettle in season followed by a full service at the end of a season will see a bike lasting for many years . I clean the filters after every trial / practice , change the oil after every three trials (approx, every 60 - 70 miles) and replace anything that needs it asap - it's my toy . You'll find that the majority of mature trials riders adopt a similar regime , so there will be lots of quality bikes out there .
v/ - Lots of second-hand bikes available , often last year's models which have seen not a lot of use and are being swopped for this years "shinny , shinny must have" model ! So , profit from others fashion victim status and grab a bargain .
vi/ - You can chose between two-stroke , or four stroke engines , each have their devotees . My bike's a two-stroke and more than enough for my limited abilities , but I admit I'm hankering after a four-stroke - I'm getting old !
vii/ - Get a copy of "Trials & Motorcross" , (TMX) , out each Friday and look for local clubs , trials , second-hand bikes etc.
viii/ - Go along to a local trial , get talking to the people there and they'll tell you about places to practice , local service suppliers , good bikes for sale etc. etc.
ix/ - If you're ever tempted to enter your first competative trial , I'd recommend giving one of the "Dead Easy" events run by the Manchester 17 club a go . They are based in Stockport and run several very easy trials each year based in Derbyshire , are very friendly and welcome wobblers like us .
Finally , enjoy yourself , and remember it's addictive .
All the best , Jim .
ps. - if you want some help - viewing a prospective purchase , having a visit to some of the practice grounds that I use , etc. I'd be more than happy to get involved - give me a pm and we can arrange details .
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