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I'm thinking that even if a 4rt did weigh about 65 kilos it would still feel much heavier than a similar 2 stroke. Nothing personal but didn't they try to ruin the the European trials industry by trying to get us all on 4 strokes a few years ago. Anyway I'll stick to the Ossa which I'll probably have to put in the wheelie bin shortly but it least it doesn't feel like I'm taking my gran on a date every time I go to a trial.

He was going well on the Vertigo ,sure Martin Lampkin said "never change a winning bike" though I don't know if he followed his own advice.

My feeling is most front wheel punctures are caused by high speed impacts between sections. Can't mind the last one I've had and most would say I've been around too long. Maybe I run a bit harder than most at 6 psi? anyway you can still ride with a front wheel puncture so no worries.

Don't think many trials riders are fooled by this I think most buy new bikes to keep maintainence down to a minimum.Frankly I couldn't tell the difference between any Evo beta and much the same goes for Gas Gas and Montesa.

I've already said you can't run a trial to please all abilities. It seems obvious to me that club trials should be there to bring riders into the sport and a bit of fun for the rest of the entry National/Centre trials should cater for experienced riders. Up here the 3 AMCA clubs really only run a beginners route with a few extra gates for the more experienced .Never really had a poor entry and always new folk at every event. Dead easy to run . You get a bit of stick though because as riders get better they want the trials stiffened up as they don't really get what it's all about.You've got to let them go,

Things aside I imagine Trials must be the biggest participant motorsport in the UK. I know no ones heard of it but there's a few thousand of us out and about every weekend.. I've said many a time there's plenty trials riders out there they just haven't heard about trials yet.

While I agree with most of your points I feel too many routes is not the answer. You've got to ask who are you running the trial for and if you're answer is everyone it wont work. You try to please everyone and it just turns out a compromise. We run trials for beginners and casual riders and basically ignore the more advanced types I really don't believe club trials should be used as a training ground for experienced riders . Trial really consists of only one easy route with a maximum of 3 extra gates for the more experienced. This way the new folk don't get intimidated. So my point really is don't try to run a trial for all abilities. As for getting new folk in .running entry level trials concentrating on the fun element seems to work

I feel riding Trials is so time consuming and people are just so busy these days it's hard to fit events in. If you ride on Sunday it's the whole day plus a few hours later in the week giving the bike a going over and washing the gear.. That's if you don't have kids if so add another couple of hours for each of them. As we're all aware the old 8 till 5 shift is a thing of the past work spills out over the weekend and nights now. I know at our club the guys you can rely on are the 40 plus brigade the ones that are free from heavy parental responsibilities, young folk with kids are a rarity they just can't fit a trial in. There's plenty riders around but a lot can't get out but I do think modern trials with multi routes and more classes than you can shake a stick it are how can I put it crap.

Osets are an area of Trials that I'm pretty ignorant to be honest. Richard Younie and Alan Drysdale are the 2 lads I know as keen Oset supporters. You'll get Alan at Drysdale motorcycles in Perth. The Oset trials often run alongside regular trials on a separate course so check the SACU site. As for our Lothian/Wobblers/Montrose AMCA events we've never really had enough interest to run an Oset route though I have tried. Still I would encorage any Oset riders to come along for a play. Pesonally 4 is quite young and trials is hard even or an adult to get there head round my wee boy (nearly 8) just plays on his at the trial he could probably get round but it would take the fun out of it.

Double standards old bean, go into any local woodland on a slope and you'll find it's some sort of improvised downhill MTB track. You put one wheelmark down and you're for the Tower even though moving tons of earth cutting trees and breaking up walls seems to be tolerated if you've a set of pedals. All this "digging" is usually accompanied by a wide range of litter just to top the whole thing off. Like yourself I like the old MTBs too but haven't fitted the optional shovel /axe carrier.

I don't know most us Scots up here are on a disability benefit of some kind so this could be a goer. Mind you as we're all all about clinically obese I think run time could be further ruduced hardly make it to the local chippy on the old EM.

Hi Cabby I don't think there's a problem as I don't think any electric bike would finish a decent wobblers trial on the one battery. Be fantastic for the first hour and a real workout for the next 4 pushing it off the hill.. Give the hill walkers a good laugh.

Tip I would give is regardless of the bike have it well set up. Controls', tyre pressures suspension carb etc just get it spot on. I ride loads of different bikes thers always give aways on most beginners bike like a loose grip loads of play in the throttle tickover to high/low just basic stuff that an experienced rider wouldn't have. Happy hunting.

I'm not familiar with the Falkirk area but imagine there's a few places where a wee play on a Trials bike will go unnoticed. Personally I would be discreet as getting permission is tricky for a lot of reasons. Not like you need much ground a grassy bank would be enough to practice the basics. No doubt the locals will have places they go so keep an eye out. Disclaimer The author in no way condones illegal practicing on this forum.

Hello Gordon got a few riders in your area that would certainly offer a bit help transports a big ask though? Some are regular TC users so might get in touch. I would suggest go to a local trial to get the lowdown we've one on Sunday but there's plenty more if you check the SACU website. Maybe see you around.

I really don't know how trials riders think. Vertigo have won the SSDT 3 times on the trot and the only Vertigo in the top 50 this year was Lampkins also there was no Montesas in the top 50 though Bou's won everything. Round here there's loads of Scorpas because we have a great dealer thats the way I go support the local guy it pays in the long run. .

Looks the part too, could this be the thin end of the wedge for petrol bikes? .

For sure it's an Ossa swingarm most of the frame too and plastics.

As a side issue the rear mudguard is superb mines done 3 SSDTs without a crack, Pity they didn't make the main bearings out of the same stuff.

Hi as mines got Beta foks on it I can't really help, however what I generally do with forks is guess and I'm never far off. Try about 275 ml in each leg and see how they feel you can always add a bit more if they're bottoming out. Check there's clearance at the clutch lever as this will cerainly cause clutch slip.cheap fix if it is. Cheers.

You'll always get the odd rubbish decision be it stop or non stop in the long run they'll balance out' never heard anyone complaining about not getting a 5 for a stop. I imagine Bou will get the benefit of the doubt pretty often ,however I suppose all those years ago when he wasn't world champ he got plenty dodgy 5s just like any other upcoming rider.

Can't be many about I've a 250 and run it about 80.1 . Frames are poor look for cracks and look carfully at the rear of the engine where it bolts on to the swingarm.. Imagine some stuffs really hard to get for them as they're so rare.

Quite right it's a national disgrace and while I'm on have you ever seen a hill walker smile? Here's another one have you noticed that ever acre of sloping wood land now has a makeshift downhill MTB track on it.This envolves moving tons of soil cutting down trees and geneally depositing a wide selection of litter througout, Can hardly get the Ossa down some of them.

Cabby my wee Scorpas run with the old dog turd strip in it for months right on the outer edge of the sidewall too.

Sure was an awsome ride on the wee bike, The clubmen probably need a bigger motor than the good guys to lug them out of trouble when it goes wrong but I'll put my hands up. I also thought the 4rts were total puddins up there didn't like the dry conditions one bit lucky if a couple made the top 50.