timdog

I used to tow a trailer using my A3 but got sick of potential damage and the muck! Bought a transit connect crew cab, the double and single rear seats are easily removed or folded for a mix of bikes/passengers. Drives like a car does 45mpg and I use it most of the time now the car just sits there, love the van.

I use a lwb high roof transit connect and can easily fit 3 bikes in, happy to go out in the rain and measure it. I know its 6 foot from back of seats to inside of back doors, plenty of headroom and I've seen plenty of bikes in the normal roof version.

Worth checking the chain isn't too slack too as there is no tensioner fitted.

Welcome trials scene here is great, great clubs putting on excellent trials every week. You probably know but if you go to ACU website and click members link you can join club and get your licence online. Everyone will be helpful so don't be shy best way to practice come along and have a ride then try any sections on easy route you fancy, just have fun

My sons Oset recently lost all power, the problem was traced to the relay mounted under the rear fender, there was voltage across the two small spade terminal wires entering but nothing on the main switch wires and no audible "click" when switching on. Although this appeared well protected being shrink wrapped in plastic and housed in a velcro pouch, on removal it was found to be open to the elements where the wires entered the wrapping and I was surprised to see that the contacts for the switch were visible through a large opening in the relay body, I.e open to the elements themselves. Wd40 sprayed into the relay and it worked again. I have ordered a replacement incase it seizes again when the wd40 dries out but this time I will make sure the relay is safely enclosed and waterproof. A quick easy mod which could prevent anyone else suffering the same, not that there's any water or mud around!

Good point, just tried it and no click will look at bypassing it to check, cheers

Hoping someone has come across this and found the cause. 2015 oset 20R one day working perfect, the next on turning the throttle there is a momentary lurch , wheel turns slowly about a half turn, then nothing. Lights show full charge, batteries are charged and balanced and showing 48v at the switch. I've tried unplugging each of the controllers, speed power and throttle response as suggested elsewhere. No difference. All connections appear ok beyond that, stumped!!

Usually if the venue is suitable clubs are happy for parents to mark out some sections for the kids seperate to the trial, so the more youngsters that turn up the better

There have been few conducted trials in the Durham/Northumberland area recently, unfortunately there aren't many youngsters coming with bikes at this time. But all the trials organisers here allow my 7yr old to use his bike to just ride round and practice if he registers and has a licence. Warden law (northeast karting) is still on the go to practice but now charge £15 each

How much to spend is simple, buy the best bike you can afford,or more to the point justify. if you buy brand new and decide it's not for you there's a bigger loss but if you go too old you could spend more on maintenance and fixing someone's old problems. Also depends on how happy you are working on a bike. Plenty of bikes around just a few years old but how it's been serviced and looked after means as much as actual age. Good idea to visit a trial and talk to people, someone may know of a good bike for sale rather than an unknown on an auction site. The classified ads on here will give you an idea of prices Assuming you are looking for a modern bike, its all personal and down to what you want to do. Modern bike will be easier to ride in many ways but twinshocks have a great following too. Personaly I went modern and it's a world away from my old Bultaco although I keep looking at them and thinking,

Meant to add, look at the calendar section for upcoming events but they're often not listed until the week before. Look at ACU website to find contact details of your local club too

Meant to add, look at the calendar section for upcoming events but they're often not listed until the week before. Look at ACU website to find contact details of your local club too

Greetings and nice to see not everyone is watching the rubbish on Christmas tv. I recently needed a break from pedalling the mountain bike uphill at 50 so came back to trials, I just missed out on what was described as the perfect newbie bike, a 200 beta and ended up with a 250 sherco. This bike has more than enough power for my 14 stone 6 foot plus, but is still very manageable. I was warned about overbiking with a 300. Even if I ever move up to the mid route the 250 will be more than enough as I ride with people on 125s who have no problems. Someone may suggest a different experience so I suggest trying to get a ride on a bike off road to see how you manage In the N East we have at least 1 trial on a week and I'm sure the N West will be the same.

Sorrym just read yours again, thought you had a transit connect, full size transit has tons of room

Shouldn't be any problem, I use a long wheelbase high roof connect and can fit 2 adult bikes and an oset in with one of the back seats still in place. I know someone with a short wheelbase who carries a bike, but it might have to go diagonally

Try Richard Allen 01933 314145 07917 406313 he has a stock of parts from bikes broken for spares www.allensusedtrialsspares

I just had a kickstart return spring made by a spring engineering company here in England, took the broken one in and they made a perfect copy for £10. If you can find a local company if not can post the details here and maybe worth sending yours over

Just had a stator pepaired, it was done and back with me in 3 days, works perfect and half the price if a new one. You need to send yours to pepair rather than get replaced. Give him a ring very helpful

Any judder when you brake, that would show a bent disc

My 7 yr old has had the oset 20 racing for 5 months, so far no issues. Batteries last up to 3 hours depending on type of riding. I was in the dealers this week looking at the new Beta 20 and he tried it out for comparrison. Looking at the bikes the Beta looks lighter (which it is but the weight of the Oset isn't a problem for him), the forks look more like ones from a kids bike and a few cosmetic differences, such as small weaker looking footrests. The weight saving might make the bike handle even better but again i haven't seen anyone on an Oset having problems. The lighter looking suspension might suit a lighter rider but he didn't get to try the Beta off road Build quality looked good as you would expect from Beta and time will tell how they perform. The Beta, like the Oset has settings for power etc so you can increase it as confidence grows, they are both 48v, both happily pulled me round the car park. The big difference is the price, Beta being £500 cheaper,the Oset is fetching good money second hand but that £500 will buy a lot of kit! Not everyone will agree the electric bikes are the best start but just look at the number of youngsters 3yrs up on them having fun and learning balance etc who can also take them places you wouldn't get away with on a petrol bike.

If you have no spark it's highly likely to be the stator, before spending £180 on a new one look up companies such as Bradford ignitions. I just had mine tested for faults, repaired and returned within 2 days. Excellent service for £80

I started my youngster off on a balance bike( bike without pedals)at the age of 2, he learned to scoot along and subsequently balance. So when he was too big and moved onto a regular bike he never needed stabilisers. At 7 he got an Oset and loves it, he has done a few organised conducted trials aimed at kids, with sections that are changed to suit riders of all abilities, the emphasis being on having fun with other kids. Most clubs here are happy to allow supervised youngsters to ride round/practice while a trial is on and for parents to mark out some sections. This is important as they can have no pressure fun until they're ready to advance. It's a bit of a supply and demand situation, if there were more youngsters in an area then more would be put on for them. I have seen kids as young as 3 on an Oset, a great start as the bikes are so adjustable as they gain confidence. The main thing at that age is simply to have fun without pressure.