I didn't think pictures would help much but here goes
As to disc comment. The disks are much thicker than std 4rt discs - approximately 4mm thick. The face the disk attaches to on the rear is approximately 9mm further from the spoke holes on the older wheels compared to the 4rt - the fronts Ive not compared yet.
I dont honestly think any boots fare that well in trials! I opted for the expensive but supposedly good Gaerne oiled boots and found the quality to be pretty poor. The boot leather on one boot is miles worse than the other, tearing and rubbing and generally looking a much older boot. One dries out within a day or 2, the other in a week or so. They still are relatively watertight (except when I fall off in the streams!) but I wouldnt recommend them nor buy another pair! Mine are just over a year old but have had issues from new!
I think we got to face the facts that the sport is pretty hard on footwear and they are basically disposable items but you should see the Citizens Advice Bureau as the goods are obviously not fit for purpose! They are trials boots, not slippers - therefore being used for trials they should last more than a year!
God luck getting them replaced or finding a better boot
Jordi, yeah I did think of that but chose the cheaper option (so I thought anyway!!!) of newer handlebars.
Perce and JSE, after trailing through the web, thats the opinion I was coming to, but I just hoped that there was someone who knew a supplier of 1 1/8" to 7/8" shim or spacer - surely there must be a company that allows the older size handlebars fit the newer size clamps. Ive found 1 1/8" down to 1" but not any further. Surely, as the most popular size of handlebar is the 7/8" and the cost to replace the clamps is more than a new set of bars, theres gotta be some interest if a company started producing spacers!
Is there any reason I shouldnt try and make some - is there a safety issue etc etc
The bottom line is Ive now got some shiny new renthal handlebar and I can neither use them nor send them back.
I have just bought some 7/8" handlebars with a higher rise for my bike and am now tring to to fit them (really should have considered this before hand!). I currently have the stock fatbar tapered bars on the bike. What shims or different clamps do I need and where can I get them. Obviously I would prefer the shim option as it should be cheaper, but is there any problem with this
It took me 3 trials before I managed to actually finish one and then another year to get out of the bottom of the table so patience is handy! Know your limits and set yourself goals for each time out. My current goal is to get regular top ten in clubman class and managed to get my second at 9th on Sunday! Couldn't believe it!
Practice is real important as you get chance to work on techniques without the pressure and time constraints. Try some local landowners, most around here are sympathetic to trials riders and don't mind you practicing occasionally like once a month or so, if you get a few onside you can have a different regular riding place every week.
A simple thing you can do at home in the garage is just stand on the bike and practice balancing in one place.
I agree with all that, keeping it simple with the clutch and brake is definatley sensible to start with, just leaves you with throttle and balance to worry about!
I would add always walk a section at least once and try to pick a route, on the first lap spend a bit of time watching other riders to see where the tricky spots of a section are and how they're tackling them. Don't be afraid to ask advice, trials is the friendliest sport I've ever got into and people are happy to help!
Hi John
cheers for the advice. I had a go at the trials at Cogden Hall, well done with the 10th place btw, but found the forest section just too difficult, I lost confidence and got fed up. My day wasnt helped by batting my head on the branch coming to section 17 and twisting my knee - it really wasnt a good day for me .
Both myself and my brother in law got very confused by the organiser, we were told to start on section 6 and ended up missing out sections 1 to 5 altogether as we didnt realise they were meant to be done (we had been told a few sections were cancelled!). Is it usual in your club to be told to start at random sections rather than work from 1 through to 18! It threw us somewhat and its something were going to have to watch out for.
Other than that it was a great event, especially when the sun came out.
Look forward to improving through this year and getting over your way again. Also seen the facebook pics, you got some good shots in there.
i live in morecambe and in just about the same position as you i did the same trial on the 15th at least its not just me who thought it was very slippery.
ive only been riding since october and that was my first trial. im going to do some of lancs countys trials which are all based around lancaster, ive been told that the easy trials arent too difficult but ill be the judge of that. eh
Hi Tomlinson_d
I spoke to a few guys on the day and it was supposed to be a hard trial (even the easy course!) but the Barrow courses apparently have a reputation of being tricky! There's supposed to be a reasonable trial on over in Reeth this coming Sunday - just thought you maybe interested, its got quite a few different courses including some an easy one for the newbies.
Ive joined the Barrow and District MCC and did the very slippy course out near Grange over Sands on the 15th (induction by mud - definitely not the best trial to start with!) and did the Cumberland County MCC Lloyds mini trial this weekend! At the moment I'm a bit stuck for transport (towbar to be fitted and trailer to be obtained!!) so am reliant on my mates hence to start with anyway I'll probably end up more involved with the Cumberland County club, but once I get my own transport Im hoping to get out more down the south of the county. Where do you practise in the area? Do you have any beginners training in your club?
cheers mate, but at the moment I think thats unlikely - too many fives!! What sort of training/practise are you doing?
I think advise of a better rider watching me would really pay off as I dont think the basics are in place yet. I used to ride an off road trails bike a good 20 years ago and I've only had my bike 4 weeks (I though it was much longer so maybe I shouldnt get wound up about being at the bottom!!!)
My main problem is the trials are wiping me out - Im getting really knackered arms by mid afternoon. I'm a relatively slim 6"2 and feel the stock handlebar position is keeping my weight too much over the front wheels, would some of the higher bars help?
I am very new in the trials scene and although really enjoying it, I am getting very frustrated at my lack of ability! I know that over time I will get better but I really hate coming last in the easy trials and would like either some one on one coaching or some informal advice about where Im going wrong. I know I cant rush the brake and clutch control side, nor the balace side but some clear advice would hopefully help me get some sense of achievement out of this great sport. I am based in Kendal, Cumbria but am somewhat limited by where I can practise. If anyone can aim me in the right direction that would be great.
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Unknown Akront Wheels
in Montesa
Posted
Brewtus - great help having the pictures.
Very much appreciated