Thinking of getting a trials bike- any thoughts?

shaunandco

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I'm thinking of getting a trials bike partly for fun and partly because as i get older and things start getting stiffer it might help with keeping me a bit more supple. There seems to be plenty of places to ride them round here but was just wondering if anyone else had used them to improve suppleness and did it work?!
 
It's likely the novelty of simply riding it around will soon wear off.
Join a local club and enter their events it'll keep you focussed and it's much more fun.
 
I'm thinking of getting a trials bike partly for fun and partly because as i get older and things start getting stiffer it might help with keeping me a bit more supple. There seems to be plenty of places to ride them round here but was just wondering if anyone else had used them to improve suppleness and did it work?!

Yes joining a club is a great idea , I think there’s a practice are in Tong . I’m sure they’ll be others too
 
I'm not sure I'd be up to competing but tong is only 20 mins up the road or there is cowm quarry 20 mins the other way.
 
I'm not sure I'd be up to competing but tong is only 20 mins up the road or there is cowm quarry 20 mins the other way.

"Competing" is not quite as daunting as it sounds. You are only competing against yourself when all is said and done, but having obstacles set out for you by someone else will keep it interesting for you. Most clubs offer a novice route which will let you start out easy.
Mark
 
I packed up Trials at age 47 - Club Trials had been enjoyable & certainly help to hone bike handling skills as well as keeping me riding over the winter period.

However, as time went by, some of the courses were getting a tad dangerous IMHO, even for the budding Dougies of this World, so I was ending up with the odd injury that was impacting on work. That said, without the competitive element, I have little doubt that my Gas Gas would have resided in the back of the garage, once the novelty had worn off.

These days, I would probably go mountain biking in preference, maybe with a bit of electric assistance even.
 
How about Pre-65 trials?

Buy a sorted 250 James or BSA/Drayton Bantam you will pay strong money but the upside will be very depreciation when you trade up to a big Ariel, AJS or Triumph:aidan

In your neck of the woods http://www.yorksclassictrials.co.uk/ http://www.redroseclassictrials.co.uk/ https://midlandclassic.co.uk/ (spoilt for choice) near me http://www.poacherspre65trials.co.uk/

Very friendly well organised clubs, go and take a look at the next event and see for yourself, might even be a suitable bike for sale!
 
How about Pre-65 trials?

Buy a sorted 250 James or BSA/Drayton Bantam you will pay strong money but the upside will be very depreciation when you trade up to a big Ariel, AJS or Triumph:aidan

In your neck of the woods http://www.yorksclassictrials.co.uk/ http://www.redroseclassictrials.co.uk/ https://midlandclassic.co.uk/ (spoilt for choice) near me http://www.poacherspre65trials.co.uk/

Very friendly well organised clubs, go and take a look at the next event and see for yourself, might even be a suitable bike for sale!

Indeed
I know of a very nice BSA C15, with a special frame which is coming up for sale and competes regularly at Yorks Classic
 
well it looks like the browsing for a bike might be starting. I'd probably stay away from putting strong money into a classic at least at the start and get something that is a) more disposable if/ when it goes wrong and b) until I've given it a reasonable go and decided that I definitely enjoy it. Mechanical issues don't worry me too much so maybe a fixer upper as long as it is a bike that you can get spares for.
 
Cowm is very good. Even had a hoot riding the GSA around there. WESS level hard stuff if your so inclined....no pun intended.
 
I started riding in pre65 trials nearly two years ago at the age of 65 for similar reasons, to keep me supple, bike fit and have fun. Surprising how it improved my low speed GS riding too.
Get the best possible bike that you can afford, a good one will make all of the difference as to whether you will enjoy it or not. If you buy some old nail it may just put you off before you get started.
A good bike will maintain its value, and in fact it may even go up if you buy right, so think of it as a temporary swop for your depreciating cash in the bank.
The Lincs Poachers is a very friendly club with lots of older guys enjoying themselves, plenty of lads in their 70’s riding, and riding well.
Would you fancy building your own?
Photo...This is my James 250cc
 

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I gave up competitive trials at 45yrs.....picked up too many injuries falling off.
So it didn't get fit just injured
I recently purchased a trials bike to get fit....
Failed dismally :rob
Now retired from all riding :rob
I'll be selling the trials bike when I have sorted it ;)
2019-07-25-11.41.13.jpg
 


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