Hi all,

Not many of you on here will remember me ride but back in the 90's I was a good centre Expert. I then had a stint at minding and haven't really been on a bike since.

I called in at a local Trial at the weekend and couldn't resist trying a couple of bikes out.

Here's my thoughts for anyone that's interested ! My last bike was a 96 Beta Techno, though I rode 270cc Gas Gas and Scorpa's whilst minding.

First up was a Gas Gas 300 Raga rep. Hell's teeth - now I was a fairly decent rider but I am sure this bike would have been too much for me. To make matters worse the bike was set with zero damping front and back, I presume it was some attempt to make trick riding easier. The bike was a nightmare and I really didn't feel comfortable on it at all. What on earth would a club rider possibly need one of these for?

Next I tried a 2004 Montesa 2 stroke. Engine seemed fairly smooth and forgiving although it pinked a little at the top end. Bike felt a little 'fat' but didn't seem to hinder me at all. (unlike the fat round my waist). Overall not much to fault although once again the suspension was set way too soft. I was thinking if I could muster a bit of cash then I may get one for a bit of a comeback.

I was just about to go when an old friend stopped me and offered a go on what I thought was a Sherco (well it was blue!!) Now I hadn't paid the bike too much attention and just jumped on and rode off. I have only ridden a Sherco once - At the Sherco factory in it's first year.

I immediately thought how nice it felt. The engine was super smooth, there was power but it didn't pull my arms out of the sockets. The steering was fantastic, just point it there and it went. The suspension was spot on, the other Sherco I tried felt a bit 'wooden' at the rear but this was spot on. The main thing was how small and light the bike was.

However my biggest supprise was when I stopped. I handed the bike over grinning from ear to ear only to realise it's wasn't a Sherco at all. Yep - a Gas Gas 250 pro. Well I didn't know they came in blue did I !

I am now thinking of getting another bike, perhaps a couple of years old. Frantically looking around too see what I can Ebay to raise a few quid !!

I need to try a sherco, Beta and Scorpa but for now the Gasser really made a good impression.

Great

I have just the bike for you 250 pro May 06 V tidy !!

Sounds a very generous offer. I was only joking about somebody giving me a bike but hey, never look a gift horse etc.. - when can I collect it?

ill have to drop it off as i dont like people coming to the house. however my van is very expensive to run so delivery will be around