matchymarty

Hi all, Have scoured the WWW's for some time looking for the information I'm after to no avail. I currently own a 2021 GG TXT Racing 250, and a 2018 TRS One 125 (my partners). I bought the TRS second hand sight unseen and had to rebuild everything - to the point of new linkages and bearings, and fork stanchions and bushes, wheel bearings, MC's, calipers and piston and rings. I did the rear end and wheel bearings and a few other jobs myself. After building and installing the TRS linkages and swing arm, I found it imensely easier to work on and quicker, than my GG (and previous 2014 GG) , which I just stripped and lubed the swing arm bearings and linkages. Just wondering: I often find myself lusting over a Beta Evo , and wonder if if anyone has had experience with all the brands of Trials bikes, (current) and know the fors and againsts of serviceability and, rideability of the various designs of suspension? (also not to mention things like spark plug access etc... as I do believe Vertigo's need the gas tank removed to get to the plug??) From what I can gather (from owning a GG and TRS) - i'm guessing all Trials bikes have play in the rear ends, even when looked after. My GG has developed play, after around 30 hours, (can't be sure) but has now got just under 50 hours on it. Suspension definitely needed grease, and rear wheel bearings are shot. Cheers.

Hi all, I have a '55 US model G80CS pretty original condition that I ride regularily in Historic bike club rallies and rides. I have been doing modern trials for a year now, and feel like my skills are at the point where I can trust myself on an 'old bike' without the fear of trashing it too much. So, I am starting the thought process of deciding on what bike to buy, build or find! A friend of mine has an original G3LC trials, believed to be '56, which has the same full width hubs as my G80CS, seemingly correct rear subframe, and gerling shocks. That said, he'd never let me ride it in a trial, however, I've ridden it more than he has! At least I have good reference bike. Finding an original Matchless trials bike here in OZ, would be all but impossible - and as such, I may be forced to convert a road bike or, build one from scratch. My question really is, is there any documentation or , can anyone point me in the direction of information on the differences between factory rigid and sprung frame geometry? A modern trials bike has a wheelbase of around 1320mm (52") and a head angle around 26 deg, though unspecified by manufacturers. Wondering if I'd be better served weight, wheelbase, and steering wise (and money wise!) with a rigid matchless frame? I know the front end on my G80CS is very 'slack' and it is hard to steer on the road, suspect it would be hard to steer off road in a trials environment? IS there any comparisons between wheelbase and head angle on the early rigid vs later 50's sprung frames? A wild guess here, but I suspect the head angle is probably not a lot different between the sprun and rigid frames, and , likewise, between road and scrambles frames. Please correct me if I'm wrong! Pic for attention.

Just to add to this thread - I have a 2014 GG TXT PRO 250 and recently got a 2018 TRS One R 125 for my partner. When I got my GG, I replaced wheel bearings and all suspension linkage bearings as they were toast. The difference in simple design and engineering between the GG and the TRS is amazing. I've only had the TRS 3 weeks, and did wheel bearings and the linkage and swing arm bearings also. 2 bolts removes the entire swing arm in about 5 mins on the TRS. The GG is MUCH more involved and finicky in disassembly proceedure. Pretty much every aspect of maintaining the TRS is better than my '14 GG. I did MC kits in front and rear brakes and clutch lever also. To bleed the rear brake on the GG is a nightmare, and, even getting the brake lever and MC off is a pain. The TRS is a 2 second job, and it has a remote resevoir so, makes for easy brake bleeding. To ride? The TRS Has a nice solid easy shifting 5 speed and the GG a 6 speed. I often have trouble with the top 3 gear selections on my GG, but that might be due to age and wear and tear. THe TRS shifts easy and clean and positive. My GG shift lever also falls off constantly due to vibration despite loads of locktite on shaft and bolt. Bolt stays done up, but still vibrates off the shaft! The TRS has a lock ring. Simple. The TRS's suspension feels much more plush and supportive than my GG - that that also might be due to age and wear and tear. I'm thinking about upgrading my GG soon... which will I get? Not sure actually - I love the look and sound and FIT of the GG for me as it feels a little bigger than the TRS and I'm 6'3". But from a maintainence and 'bombproof' point of view? The TRS sure seems easier and simplier to maintain by a country mile.