So, I did Novice but would like to do amateur next time. I feel that would be my challenge there. Anyhow, the issue I am running into with RMTA is they are on Sat and Sun. To me it felt like more like a competitve supportive practice event, which I think why I fell in love with it. Sat and Sun are tough for me due to work, so wondering if there is another competition/event that holds on weekdays? or psosibly large get-together for all skill levels?
Yes, a trials bike is very uncomfortable when running long periods down roads. Thankfully you can stand back up to stretch at any given moment, An early pro model bike is not much different from current bikes as far as trail riding. Just do it more to build up stamina. Once you start riding events, you never think about standing all day as you are focused on riding. Now some of those long down hill sections can sure take a toll. We are talking miles at a time. Zippy is right about the bars. I have been cutting mine down for 52 years now. That`s the first thing anybody notices when they get on my bike.
Thank you!! I do not have any other trial bike to compare it to, so was never sure if it was proper or not. But I think I will eventually get used to it! And I 100% understand what you are saying. Once I get to my destination, I am not even focusing on the positioning haha its only when Im on my way to the destination. I was thinking about getting one of those velcro seats, then taking it off when I get to the playground but unsure if that would just be a waste of money. Unfortunately, it takes like 20mins to get to the practice area. And its funny because when I am there practicing, like you mentioned, all of that thinking goes away
OK quick arguing about whether tall or short is an advantage, it doesn't help answer this person's question.
@dirtrider86 When you state "older trials" are you referring 10-15 year old machine or even older? - but either way my notes below still apply to both.
I used to suffer from low back pain and sore wrists due to riding position. 2 small changes made all the difference so that I could support myself with my legs and not lean on the bars.
1. Bar risers - I didn't go crazy, I think I got the 10mm risers at V-Mar racing. https://vmar.com/barmounts.html#close - Same results could be gained using taller bars. and as @Tr1AL stated be sure to buy Trials bend, this is what they are designed for.
2. Bar width - I cut my bars shorter so that my forearm, wrist and hand were all in line. I will explain, this one takes some visualization to understand.
stand on your bike, place your hands as far apart on the bars as possible - notice that your wrists bend outward and your back is bending forward
Now bring your hands inward on the bars until your forearms and wrist are in a relative straight line. Your back will also move to a straighter position - you should be able to find a natural feeling position that is still somewhat bent forward.
Setting the bar width for my "wingspan" solved the sore back from having a too forward riding position and solved the sore wrists from having them bent at an uncomfortable angle.
Thank you so much! Yeah I just have nothing to compare it to, or see whats normal or not. I am about 6ft 1, I was thinking about risers, but did not want it to mess with my abilities to learn. I might ask questions and compare my bike at the trials event, just to see what is normal or not. I do notice its a bit hard for me to not put pressure on my wrists though just because im so hunched forward. Its a 2001 gas gas TXT pro. As a perspective, I can stand a lot longer on an enduro bike vs my trials, but im just not sure whats "normal" ha ha.
Probably a very dumb question, but I really have nothing to compare it to since I am new to this. But noticed when I go for a trail ride (to get to my destination) its very uncomfortable and very hunched forward; it is an older trials but perhaps something I need to get used to? or are there trials with a more "enduro" erogonmic type of stance, if that makes sense?
Yesterday when I went out to practice on very rocky terrain, i had a lot of pressure on my arms and wrist and lower back due to being hunched forward; again I am new to trials so just trying to fi gure it all out. Top it all off, I have "entered" my first trials event, so im sure I will get to experience a lot of things
Putting a seat on a trials bike is like putting an anchor on an airplane, it will cost you lots and buy you nothing. If you put a seat on a trials bike you will ride it the same as you rode the enduro bike and learn nothing about trials riding. Seen this happen many times in the last 2 years with many new trials riders coming off enduro bikes. There is no place for a saddle on a trials bike, it's a stand up machine.
Thank you! So, it was just to get to my destination. Lower back starts hurting on my way to the play spot. I can "somewhat" sit on the curve part on the trials ha ha but my plan was just to take it off when I get there. Perhaps I will get used to it, but im not trying to trail ride with the trials, i actually want to learn, the tight turns, the balance, the slow maneuvaering, etc. It seems like a lot of fun.
It's not so much about putt putt putt and then standing still as it is being able to accelerate over something and recover on the other side gracefully, retaining forward momentum when required and having control in down hills, bumpy terrain and possibly deep mud and water terrain. Add the cement block before you turn out for a competition or you might be over-whelmed by the first rock outcrop that has tape on both sides to make you go over and not around the rock.
Thank you! That is a good way to put it!! I noticed trials has been giving me that confidence to learn that aspect...at a low level since im not very good. However I love tight maneuvering obstacles where I have to hop and move the rear tire...although I am probably ages away from it...to me that looks super fun as oddly as it sounds haha. But I am going to join a trials event. Hopefully I will just join in and some new rider stuff for me
It`s virtually impossible to learn trials correctly without some help from another rider that knows how t ride proper. By yourself you will devolop bad habits that will be hard to resolve. First and foremost is a proper turn on flat ground, then on a hill and then figure 8`s with multi off cambers. When and only when you are doing well you throw some ledges and then mix in some rollers. Splats and zaps will be the last things you need to learn as a roll up has to become automatic as 90% of anything you can ride will be easily conquered with this most basic move. Then the next step is the double blip which cause most people to just give up as there are too many things happening at once.
Again riding with trials riders and competing will speed your progress 10 fold vs by yourself.
Thank you! This is exactly what I am scared of! I would like to get into trials events or coaching. So these events you just show up and ride? ask for help when needed, or is it more competition? I am definitely going to look into this. I am in Pueblo, CO so that Canon City one would be great! What website would you recommend for competing?
Ive been late just focusing on tight turns and balance, which I seem to do ok in. I also been riding, then stop to balance then continue on. Sometimes I can do it for a few seconds, others for 10+ seconds. So, Ill probably continue that until I join a class and or at least get static balancing pretty well
I would love to join a trials class, but cant due to time, so im stuck learning on my own. as of now, im just somewhat trail riding and learning to get over somewhat technical ledges about 1ft high, slow riding, and just trying to static balance.
I am hoping someone can somewhat guide me on what order I should do things. I met someone and they told me, just find a playground for now with small ledges, climbs, etc and ride over them slowly, get over them slowly. Try Static balance at the start, just a little before the obstacle and try getting over it, then slowly pick more technical lines.
So i combined this list to see if anyone can offer some advice and this is the order that I should learn how to do things for now as a beginner.
1. Learn to pop front tire to get over 1ft - 2ft ledges. Slow riding and balance and very slow pace.
(Do i need to learn to zap for 2 feet ledge obstacles?)
2. Static Balance 30 seconds
3. Static Balance 60 Seconds Both sides
4. Static Balance 60 Seconds and change handle bar positioning.
5. Start Learning Front hops, then learn front hops side to side.
6. Stoppies and rear stoppie pivots.
7. Small Zap techniques, to eventually getting over 3 feet obstacles
I think the main question would be too, when do I need to start popping clutch to get my front tire over stuff instead of just throttle?
You dont say if you find your 300 too powerful. Given the age, its probably equivalent to a newish 250 regarding power. Depends what your intentions are. If its to do tight technical stuff id say keep it small, 250. If you want to ride it more like a trail bike, a montesa would maybe suit better. Getting a more modern bike will benefit you most with its lighter weight when it comes to hopping the bike around. Doesnt sound like you are at that stage yet. Will a new bike help? Yes, but for general riding around, clubman level riding and below, not that much
Thank you for everyones feedback! Sorry I was at work. So, for normal trail riding, not at all. Slow technical, using clutch to pop my tires at a standstill, yes. Now I am not sure if I will feel that way with any trials bike since the front comes up way easier than an enduro bike. Only reason I bought a 300 TXT was the cost, got it for about $1500.
I am 40 years old, and weigh about 200 lbs without gear but ride in about 6k feet elevation. definitely a super entry level trials rider ha ha
Have a quick question, a Montesa been seeing those with a seat?
Hey all, so new trials rider here, but an average enduro rider you can say. Nothng special. I did trials for a bit, but stopped, then now started again. Probably 3 months of trials riding all together. Mostly learning to get over "trail obstacles" I know nothing of fundamentals, learning static balancing
Not sure if I should just stick to this older 300 and all I need to progress, or soon enough I should look for a new trials. My biggest thing is E start haha. Sometimes I get into some nasty terrain to play in and makes it difficult to kick start due to the pitch
Not sure if 125, 200 or 250... 2 stroke 4 stroke etc
Thanks for all of the feedback! I am located by Canon City, Colorado. I think I will start off as many say, just have fun and trail ride with the trials. There are some pretty tough technical single tracks out by Canon City so I might start riding them and let the natural ways of trials force me to stand and get my balance right. Hopefully when it warms up, trials events start happing so I can join some! I would just like some coaching on what to practice and how to start, but heard many do just that, just trail ride some tougher enduro trails. Either way tons of fun! And I feel good that I cant get stuck like a traditional enduro bike since they are so easy to push up things
All along hwy 50 is tons of trials area to ride. Many if the RMTA club live from Pueblo to Salida. Also you might try Mountain West Vintage Trials Association to. Very laid back club that half the members ride modern bikes. Check out Turkey Rock for an area to ride. ITs BLM property in Howard.
Hey all, so I come from a background of enduro riding and rmec racing, so nothing super tough. Im not a skilled rider, just your basic trail, single track and "rougher" enduro rider. Many times, I still sit on rocky terrain and obstacles (to give you an idea of my riding level). As some of you know I am starting off with a trials 300 txt gasgas, and I have no idea where to begin or do ha ha. so here are some questions. Yes I know youtube has a lot of videos, but I still feel like I need to build up to get there. Im hoping one day I can meet a trials rider in Colorado so they can show me how to start. As of now, I dont think many events are taking place since its winter. However I still have that canyon to ride near by.
1. Should I start off using my trials to trail ride on harder single track/enduro type of terrain and learn the balance and riding skills there? I took my trials on some harder single track and noticed I take my feet off a lot and dab a lot. This shows me, I rely too much on sitting now. Should I just start riding the harder trails till I get used to standing and not dabbing all the time? Is this part of learning trials? simple as just taking it to tough trails?
2. What drills, practice skills should I start off with, either on the trails or open fields? I honestly have no idea what I am doing or what to practice. pretty much I am just static balancing, I ride off, then static balance and been practicing that. I also been practicing popping front tires over little logs and such
3. How do you work to bigger obstacles without being intimidated? there are some ledges and tough obstacles where you require to splatter, talking about 4ft - 6ft ledges with a kicker. I stare at that and I feel like I will never be able to do that. Just looking at it is super intimidating and I know it is do-able because ive seen normal enduro bikes do it. But how do they work up to it without being terrified of something like that?
Yeah, I've been using my Sherco 250 mostly for trail riding after I broke my enduro bike trying to do silly things with it (I may have dropped it off a bit of a cliff, the recovery was a PITA and took 3 people and lots of climbing ropes), though for the coming year I'm going over to a Rieju Tango for more range.
Trail riding on a trials bike is fab once you've got the hang of it!
Oh no! Ive been in a similar situation! had my enduro fall off a cliff ha ha! But it was all soft grass so luckily nothing happened! As long as you are ok is all that matters!
When you trail ride, how long can you go without needing a break to sit down? is that something you get used to? That is the issue I run into while Im getting to the canyon on my trials, lower back starts hurting ha ha. I know trials is not meant to be trail ridden, but I assume it can help you by forcing yourself to stand up all the time through obstacles and true fundamentals of riding a bike, but my tolerance is so low haha
Hey guys, quick question, anyone knows if I can fit any generic trials fork springs? or even normal dirt bike springs into any trials? Trying to find front fork springs for my 2004 gas gas 300 TXT but finding it to be pretty tough
Hello and welcome, whereabouts are you? Have you got your own bike already? How are you finding the experience so far?
Thank you!! I am near Canon City, Colorado and I started off with a TXT 300 pro 2004. Pretty happy with my decision since originally I wanted to start off with a 125 - 250 but now I am seeing at the beginning I dont really need one yet. I actually mostly trail ride with the trials on very rocky terrain and I go up and down the canon. Trying to get my balance right and forcing myself to stand up. so the 300 works perfect the way it is.
I think once I get "more into true trials" like zapping, bigger obstacles, I might downsize into a 200 or 250 for more precise control.
So far I really love it! Ive been very hooked and all I think about. Dont know because its new to me or what ha ha! But I also feel safer as well to venture out on my own and not get stuck. Its easy to lift and push your bike just about any obstacle. So I might just dedicate myself to trials only now ha ha
That's been my experience, and from what I've seen of American clubs on video they look like they have the same kind of attitude - trials is very humbling and doesn't have a macho image, so those who want to throw their metaphorical weight around don't stick with it compared to enduro or MX.
If you can't find at least one local person to practice with, I'd suggest trying to convert a friend ... even as complete newbies, two people together can have lots of fun (my other half has zero love of observed trials, only long distance trials, but she loves going out for a practice with me )
Yeah that tends to be the thing almost anywhere you go from ATVs, UTVs, Dirt Bikes to sports of course. The whole I am better than you attitude. Trials dont seem to be that way. But I hope I can find someone even to trail ride a bit with the trials and practice some obstacles. But at least your other half goes out with you! ha ha I tried getting mine into dirt bikes, but unfortunately it is a scary sport for her. maybe one day!
15 minutes ago, faussy said:
I think @lineawaymay be from your neck of the woods. He might be able to point you in t the direction of local clubs.
Yeah definitely! I am near Canon City, CO so maybe anyone around here hopefully!
Join a club, there are plenty dotted about. What you will find is that in trials it doesn't matter what level you are at you wont be judged, in fact you will find more riders close to your riding capabilities than experts and all will welcome you. Give it a go, you can't loose.
Thank you!! I found rocky mountain trials association https://rockymountaintrials.org/ but I think they are done for the season. unfortunately they are a tad bit away from me. but ill drive 2 hours or so to them. Hoping something comes along! one of the reasons I want to join trials, ive heard many of them dont judge, big open arms, and just a great bunch of group. unfortunately the riding I was doing, enduro and hard enduro I felt too much pressure and stopped being fun for me, this is why I ride alone now.
A great place to practice and ride, if your in any doubt watch some videos of the SSDT or Scott trial on YouTube and you’ll see you have a superb practice area.
Thank you!! Pretty excited now! I am now able to roll and static balance, once in a while I can ride quick and static balance for a full 30 sec and continue riding! still not good enough to do it on the trails yet. Ill be coming here tomorrow! finally able to hop the front 2 or 3 times w/o falling lol
So I picked up trials, I have no idea what these machines are capable of or if I should bother trying. So this is the terrain I ride in. My short term goal is to ride a small section of rock (some areas get very technical with drops) roll over them, static balance on the rocks, then look for a line and continue to roll on, static balance again, maybe a few front hops and rear hops to realign. Is this do-able on this terrain over time?
I can static balance on flat dirt pavement, but when it comes to trail riding over rough terrain its impossible for me to do so. Granted its my 2nd day of riding trials, and not knowing if its achievable or not, this is why I am asking.
So the below picture is some of the terrain I ride in. so what I am asking, is it achievable with practice? or is it very incredibly hard to do where thats like pro level already? I have no grasp of the capabilities and time frame. so trying to see if my goal is a realistic one and not a "difficult" one in the world of trials with some practice, if that makes sense
You need to master the static balance to be any good. More than a few days, more than a few weeks. There are masses of youtube videos to show technique. But while all of that is great and helpful in the end if you cannot balance you will put a foot down. Balance skills don't last forever and you need to practice balance all the time or lose it. My friend was in the British Ladies team but struggles with balance now after a couple of years off.
I keep my bike at work and try to do a few minutes when it is quiet. But motivation is the hardest thing to keep up. I have grown lazy after getting the basics.
When the novelty wears off you will soon see if you are going to ride trials or not.
Yeah exactly. that is the main thing I am wondering about and why I looked for a cheap trials. Dirt Bike riding, sure super fun but I can sit and ride about any average trail and will never lose its fun.
Trials, super excited about it and its all im thinking about but not sure if its because it is new to me. However few things im loving more than dirt bikes. Im not scared to go alone since its so easy to push up crazy obstacles. i tried it yesterday to see if I can push it up a 6 ft rock face and climbed right up. so much easier to go anywhere with confidence too. sure its not "trials" way, but I see trials has way more pros than dirt biking. the fact I dont have to worry about getting stuck on a solo ride is amazing. The con, woo my back hurts fast! so I do hope I can build tolerance to stand for a long time on a trials.
anyhow, I didnt buy a trials to just trail ride, but I partially did too haha. My main short term goal is to static balance, ride over rocks and stuff, then static balance. i might ask this question on another section as it relates to technique. but as of now im super excited.!
I talked to some folks who I met on the trail they also said to upgrade my springs since I am not really going into a trials area per say. im more of a hybrid/trials guy. I ride about 5 10 miles, the cruise along to my next practice area. With stiffer spring he said technically I can take more hits as a trail ride esp in the rocky terrain and easier to float over obstacle. I also have to ride a bit to get to this area when I am not practicing at my house. Thanks all!!
Anyone knows where to get the springs for a TXT 300 trials from 2004? no idea if I can just use any. Front and rear?
)
Did my first trials event, and in love with it! Any other competition/events? in the CO area?
in General Trials Talk
Posted
So, I did Novice but would like to do amateur next time. I feel that would be my challenge there. Anyhow, the issue I am running into with RMTA is they are on Sat and Sun. To me it felt like more like a competitve supportive practice event, which I think why I fell in love with it. Sat and Sun are tough for me due to work, so wondering if there is another competition/event that holds on weekdays? or psosibly large get-together for all skill levels?