Trial bike: features and recommendations for choosing

Bicycles are considered vehicles that you can just hop on and ride. But in fact, this only applies to simple driving models. A trial bike is a completely different matter, and you have to choose it, handle it in a completely different way; the experience of an ordinary cyclist will hardly help here.

You cannot sit on a trial bike in the usual sense of the word.

If we turn to the English language, then it is easy to find that the term "trial" has many meanings. It can hide:

• "Attempt";
• "test";
• "Race";
• "Misadventure".

It is even difficult to answer the question of what kind of meaning is the basis of the name of the bicycle. Probably, these are all meanings at once to some extent. After all, the essence of the trial as a sport is to overcome obstacles of various types. Such training should be taken as seriously as possible - after all, trial cycling has already become part of international competitions. Street trial involves overcoming obstacles encountered in the most ordinary city.

Such competitions are distinguished by:

• special dynamism;
• increased track saturation with various obstacles;
• the absence of extended ascents and descents (although there are exceptions).

But in Russian practice, another discipline has become widespread - the urban trial. This means skating around the city, accompanied by the performance of tricks and various beautiful maneuvers, jumps. There is also a cross country bike trial when you have to overcome natural obstacles.And the list of applications for a trial bike ends with a ride on a professional, purposefully created track (track, as the athletes themselves say).

Based on all these tests, it is not difficult to highlight the most basic features of such a bike:

• the ability to carry significant loads in statics and dynamics;
• frame rigidity;
• minimum frame dimensions;
• maximum ease, since the exercising cyclist must capture his "horse" while jumping;
• the ability to stop instantly (achieved by disc brakes);
• the presence of a single gear with a ratio of teeth 18 to 16 or 22 to 19;
• increased strength of the pedals and their increased width;
• the presence of spikes on the pedals that provide improved foot contact;
• use of medium-sized (maximum 26 inches) wheels;
• active use of titanium in design.

Trial bikes are divided into two main groups - mod and stock. According to them, two main categories of athletes are distinguished - stockers and modernizers. As you might guess, a bicycle is called a mod, which was originally created for driving through numerous obstacles. It is customary to call a converted mountain bike a drain (in any case, experienced riders only use this meaning of the term).

Mods have much better dynamics and are distinguished by their "agility", literally tearing from their place. However, it is better not to rely on such a bicycle unit where accuracy is needed. The reason for this weakness is the insufficient size of the propellers. Therefore, it can be difficult to jump onto a curb of small width. But the mod is shorter than the drain, and is more maneuverable when turning from side to side.

True, only experienced riders will be able to make a jump above 1.4 m on it.

But the stock bike obviously weighs more. Therefore, without taking into account the specific mass and training of athletes, it makes almost no sense to compare the "jumping" of bikes. Stock is preferable if:

• in the first place is the accuracy of maneuvers;
• the roll is especially important;
• Maintaining balance while driving plays an important role.

A good option would be the Czar Ion 24_cstm bike. This model is ideal for street trial lovers. The dimensions of the wheels are 24 inches. The default is a combination seat. Grips and a base of 0.975 m are provided.

Czar Neuron 26 can be considered as an alternative. The Flipper Echo 26x25x2 does its best. The Avid BB5 180 brakes work exceptionally well, too. The head tube angle is 74.5 degrees. Other modifications are ideal:

• Stark Trial S. T. R .;
• Argon E-118;
• Polygon Rudge 3 20.

When choosing a specific device, you must first decide whether you need a folding bike or not. Folding is especially useful if there is not enough storage space at home, or if you plan to frequently transport the bike over long distances.

Important: in any case, you should contact specialized sports equipment stores and large retail outlets from leading companies. It is worth asking about the availability of spare parts for a specific model - given the peculiarities of using the trial, the probability of its breakdown is very high.

Some of them may even, contrary to the general rule, be equipped with seats. A characteristic feature is also the presence of slightly raised feathers. This innovation guarantees increased maneuverability and ease of handling. However, tricks that require rolling over the rear wheel are problematic.

An inexpensive trial bike is equipped mainly with loose-type bearings. "Closed" products are more expensive, but more practical. The axle of a budget class bicycle is made of steel, while an expensive one is made of titanium-based alloy. The most practical option is to hold the hub to the fork with bolts.Usually the hub is designed for 28 or 32 spokes; the 36-spoke variant should be chosen by experienced cyclists who are clearly aware of the consequences of their actions.

In terms of performance, the hydraulic and mechanical brakes are identical. But the trial bike will inevitably fall. Therefore, mechanical structures, as more resistant to destruction, are much safer and more reliable. When using hydraulics, it is worthwhile to additionally mount a booster in order to increase the rigidity of the system. An official certificate of conformity should always be required from sellers. And, of course, get acquainted with independent reviews.

You can learn about trial bikes and riding rules from the video.