rich500

Only one bike for you Bryan... Montesa 315. Problem might be finding a good one, as they get snapped up. (Wish I didn't sell mine years ago now). Perfect for beginners (and advanced riders really), smooth power delivery, ultra reliable and can be got on a fairy low budget - plus the beauty of them is that they hold their value really well, not many modern trials bikes do that these days! Good luck.

30 is nothing mate! You've got plenty of time and judging by the pic you're already making some great shapes on the bike. I met a chap at a trial a few months ago that was about to ride his first trial at 71!!!! ?

Welcome to trials Mike! Be careful because it's far more contagious than the virus!

Welcome back mate! You'll soon shake the cobwebs off...

I certainly wouldn't describe them as fiery, completey the opposite in fact! I'm on my third evo 300 and can't get enough of them. Granted nobody at club trial level 'needs' a 300 but having compared them with a 250 I just much prefer the power delivery of the 300. Haven't tried a 200 but heard great things.

Good for you mate, trials never leaves you! I met a chap the other day riding his first trial in his mid seventies! Age is just a number. All the best Bill. Rich.

As @5again said it's far too early, normally Jan/Feb time...

This debate could (and will) run and run, as @duggan says it's down to personal preference. As for myself I had years on 2 strokes, but simply had to scratch the 4 stroke itch so got myslef a repsol 4rt, I have to say it was the most fun I'd ever had on a trials bike, the problem for me was I simply wasn't as competitive as I was on the 2 stroke, like @davy1 I couldn't get it consistenty right, I found it unpredictable sometimes, so despite the fun it was frustrating when I'd clean a section 3 times then 5 it on the last lap after losing grip and couldn't work out why. If money was no object I would have both in the garage but as it's not I went back to a beta 2 stroke and was immediately more competitive. Had this dicussion with a few riders after a trial on Sunday and one of them even said to me 'I wish you'd go back to a 4 stroke again as I could get closer to you when you were on that!' Summed it up for me really.

Yep water is getting in there, reckon Huski is right...

Welcome to trials mate! No harm in starting at 57, I met a fella the other week about to ride his first trial at 71! Plenty of slow figure of 8 turns in the garden will rid you of those motorcoss habits! ? Best of luck!

Montesa 315 would be the perfect bike for you to get started on! Cracking bikes, will hold it's value too (creeping up if anything). Couple on ebay at the moment in your budget.

Welcome to TC Chris! I had one of Steve Colleys Beta Technos back in the day, cracking bikes and still look good. Now go get it muddy...!!!

Tim, first of all sorry for your loss. Re the mont, great bike to get started on, I reckon best place for spares/help is H&D, 315 specialists - http://www.handdracing.co.uk Best of luck getting it sorted and welcome back to the sport!

@2stroke4stroke Ha! I hope he is cycling there, I might have a chance then! I wish I had Bunny Wards fitness though, I'm out of breath cycling to the pub! (And it's only 3 doors down!)

@cleanorbust Cheers for the vote of confidence mate, although Guy has a knack of being epic at anything on 2 wheels and I have a feeling he'll be the same at trials so I'm not so sure...!

@ Charlie Prescott, Great thanks for posting on BSA Otter news, appreciate it. It's my dads bike so I'll ask him to get in touch with some info on it but Jim Susans did actually help with the build many years ago. I remember visiting his workshop as a nipper!

Thanks laird387, really appreciate it.

Cheers Spen! All the best.

Wow! Thanks so much Spen, very generous of you! If you visit www.justgiving.com/richv donations can be made there which go directly to the charity. Really appreciate it.

2 weeks to go till I get thumped by Guy Martin so thought it was finally time to learn how to ride the big bertha! Made the quick video below while I was at it for anyone who's interested! I'll be riding the trial for a cancer charity in fond memory of my mum if anyone can spare a few pennies! Huge thanks to those who already have. Cheers for looking.