Trialsaddict
02-14-2006, 07:30 PM
The sport of Bike Trials is quickly growing in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Riders from different backgrounds such as mountain biking and BMX find this
sport to be a new way to challenge their bicycle handling skills. Trials is
the ultimate test for balance, discipline, control and strength. So what is
it, anyway?
In bike trials, riders use specially modified bicycles that they must
maneuver and balance on in order to overcome obstacles. These obstacles can
be natural or man-made hazards such as mud, rocks, water, logs, walls,
pallets, spools and even vehicles. The objective is to get the bike over the
obstacles with as little physical contact with the ground as possible.
There's a competitive side to trials as well. There are four different
classes at competitions in the United States: Beginner, Sport, Expert, and
Pro. Depending on the class, riders have either two or three minutes to
complete one "section," which consists of multiple obstacles. There are
usually about five different sections that are done 2 or 3 times each. The
objective is to complete the sections with as few points, or "dabs," as
possible. A dab is given to the rider if the rider's body or other parts of
the bicycle touch the ground. In the end, the rider with the fewest points
wins.
There are two categories of competition, one for each kind of trials bike:
20" (Modified) Trials Bikes
20" trials bikes are made specifically for the sport of bike trials.
Generally speaking, beginners and younger riders go for modified trials
bikes because they are simple to maintain, have no rear derailleur to break,
and often provide more clearance in the likely incident of a crash. Here are
some of the modifications you can find on a typical modified 20" bike:
. 20" front wheel
. 19" or 20" rear wheel with fat tire
. Wide rims
. Bash guard bolted to the frame to protect the chain ring/freewheel
. One gear (Single speed)
. Strong brakes
26" (Stock) Trials Bikes
This category includes 26" bikes made specifically for bike trials, as well
as cross country and dual slalom bikes that have been modified for bike
trials use. Stock bike modifications can include:
. 26" wheels with fat rear tire
. Low frame for extra stand-over room, with higher than normal bottom
bracket for added clearance
. Short chainstays for better balance on the rear wheel
. Wide rims
. Stronger brakes
. Bash ring on the crank arm to protect the chain ring
. Five or more gears, or the option to run as a single speed
It's easy to get started in the sport of trials. Anyone with a standard
mountain bike can easily learn the basics and begin to develop their skills.
If you're interested in learning more about bike trials or would like to get
involved with the local scene including special events or local group rides,
you can contact me here.
Riders from different backgrounds such as mountain biking and BMX find this
sport to be a new way to challenge their bicycle handling skills. Trials is
the ultimate test for balance, discipline, control and strength. So what is
it, anyway?
In bike trials, riders use specially modified bicycles that they must
maneuver and balance on in order to overcome obstacles. These obstacles can
be natural or man-made hazards such as mud, rocks, water, logs, walls,
pallets, spools and even vehicles. The objective is to get the bike over the
obstacles with as little physical contact with the ground as possible.
There's a competitive side to trials as well. There are four different
classes at competitions in the United States: Beginner, Sport, Expert, and
Pro. Depending on the class, riders have either two or three minutes to
complete one "section," which consists of multiple obstacles. There are
usually about five different sections that are done 2 or 3 times each. The
objective is to complete the sections with as few points, or "dabs," as
possible. A dab is given to the rider if the rider's body or other parts of
the bicycle touch the ground. In the end, the rider with the fewest points
wins.
There are two categories of competition, one for each kind of trials bike:
20" (Modified) Trials Bikes
20" trials bikes are made specifically for the sport of bike trials.
Generally speaking, beginners and younger riders go for modified trials
bikes because they are simple to maintain, have no rear derailleur to break,
and often provide more clearance in the likely incident of a crash. Here are
some of the modifications you can find on a typical modified 20" bike:
. 20" front wheel
. 19" or 20" rear wheel with fat tire
. Wide rims
. Bash guard bolted to the frame to protect the chain ring/freewheel
. One gear (Single speed)
. Strong brakes
26" (Stock) Trials Bikes
This category includes 26" bikes made specifically for bike trials, as well
as cross country and dual slalom bikes that have been modified for bike
trials use. Stock bike modifications can include:
. 26" wheels with fat rear tire
. Low frame for extra stand-over room, with higher than normal bottom
bracket for added clearance
. Short chainstays for better balance on the rear wheel
. Wide rims
. Stronger brakes
. Bash ring on the crank arm to protect the chain ring
. Five or more gears, or the option to run as a single speed
It's easy to get started in the sport of trials. Anyone with a standard
mountain bike can easily learn the basics and begin to develop their skills.
If you're interested in learning more about bike trials or would like to get
involved with the local scene including special events or local group rides,
you can contact me here.