captainslackdabber

Ha ha! I hear Hebo do a nice Toni Bou replica box. It even comes with a knife to cut out the eye holes. Just don't get it wet.

I recently tried a Hebo lid, sized XL and was surprised to find it a reasonable fit. I usually wear medium, 58, in road lids. Is this the norm for trials lids?

I've just bought a pair of Diadora Stone 3's with the waterproof booty thing. I got the brown oiled leather type and so far I really like them. I wore them for the first time on sunday and they were very comfy. I can only recommend that you keep trying them on until you find a boot that suits your foot. The Stone 2's I tried initially felt horrible, as did Hebo's.

Ok, thanks for that Rich.

As Pete says, the club route is probably the best option. Loads of advice, maybe even the opportunity to try a few bikes before commiting to buying anything.

I've just furnished myself with an '04 TXT Pro 250. I know the question has probably been asked a gazillion times before, but just humour me guys. I've read and been told that G-G recommend NOT to use Silkolene products. So the question is, is there a particular oil that suits these engines, or will any good fully synthetic oil do?

Sadly, no one was able to bully me into purchasing the pics from the official photographer, so evidence of my sterling efforts no longer exists. Shame, eh? In my defence, I was loaned a booby trapped bike. It is a G-G 125 with a really badly dragging clutch. With the lever pulled right into the bar it was still moving forwards. I was trying to slip the clutch around a slow turn, but it was more like an on/off switch which resulted in the weight coming off the front wheel sufficiently enough for it to tuck in. Throw in some loose chalk and a healthy camber and down I went. Anyway, thats my excuse and I'm sticking to it. . However, the unfortunate episode didn't detract from the days fun. I can't wait to do it all again (apart from the close inspection episode obviously, but I do suspect it'll be the first of many such occurences)

Did m'first one yesterday, weavers and wobblers sort of thing, on a loaned 125. Absolutely loved it. Haven't had so much fun in years. Top bunch of people, all very friendly and welcoming, even if they did take loads of pictures of me inspecting the bash plate whilst on the move......on the first corner of the first section....swine!

Can you pick one up for me whilst you're there? Mine was giving me serious jip this morning.

you're right of course, there will be another one along any minute. Yes, i'm in the uk. It's currently at

Just got back from looking at it. The bike was very tidy, seemed very genuine as did the owner. Fork seals were weeping and there was a very small leak from the clutch cover. Chain and sprockets were nearing the end, but overall a very nice bike. Unfortunately it is for sale on that well known internet auction site and already it has exceeded what I would call a resonable price for a bike of its age. It still has the best part of a day to run so my guess is that it will go for quite a bit more yet. Shame, but thats the way the cookie crumbles. Thanks everyone for all the input. Back to the classifieds for me.

Thanks Gman, exactly the kind of input i was hoping for. I've been in touch with a g-g specialist in the states who backs up your comments. I'll let you guys know the outcome of tonights visit.

According to the vendor this one has had very little use over the last six years. It looks like new in the pics. If it is as good in the flesh it should represent a good buy, assuming the mechanicals are as well tended as the cosmetics. I'm going to see it tomorow with a mate who knows his stuff, and has owned a G-G, albeit a later model.

No price has been discussed as yet, but i have a maximum in mind. Sorry Ralphy, i think i missed it, did you make a remark regarding it's age?

haha!.....your not funny, you know.

I'm hoping to view one of these this weekend, with a view to purchase. Are there any known problems with this model that I should look out for?

Cheers for all the tips guys, I'll be adding the Cota to my list of potentials. I suspect, with my amount of trials bike experience, that I won't appreciate the differences in handling between the different models. Although, as far a road bikes go, I do like a light front end. I'm a bit of 'make the best of what you've got' kinda bloke anyway, and I'm determined to make good use of,and enjoy whatever I end up with.

Thanks Jordi

Thanks for all the advice guys, some very helpful comments. I'm still not sure about the Gas Gas though. I get the message that it is old and possibly a bit overpowered, but lets say I've decided to go for a 250. Would it be any worse or better than another 250 of similar vintage? The one I have my eye on is in very good nick and quite local, although a price has yet to be discussed. Like a lot of beginners I'm aiming to spend around

I had been looking at 315's Smalley, but reading through various topics and reviews had drawn the conclusion they were a bit old tech and heavy. Maybe in my inexperience I wouldn't notice the difference?

Hmmm, I appreciate what you are saying Ralphy. Unfortunately 200's are pretty thin on the ground around here. but I had thought abought a 125. I wasn't sure whether a smaller bike would require better technique. I may have access to a Sherco 270 and GG125 next weekend in a beginners trial, which should be helpful.

Hi Guys. I've been reading some topics on here regarding machine choice for first timers and opinions seem divided as to which one is best. So rather than ask for someone to recommend a specific make and model, my question is this. Would a year 2000 Gas Gas txt250 be suitable for a novice trial rider? I'll be competing in the 'ahem', over 40's class, and I've covered more miles on road bikes than I'd care to think about. So, what do you lot think?

Hi Chaps. My name is Paul, I live in Sussex. I've been following the sport on and off for many years (Rathmell vs Lampkin at school) and now find myself in a position to participate. I will be entering my first trial next w/e. A friend from work has kindly offered me the loan of a bike for a begginers comp. at Golding barn, can't wait! I'll be looking for my own bike and will put a post in the general section regarding machine choice. Paul.