Although I've been riding on roads and trails for over 40 years, I've never been on a trials bike. I think I would like to try the sport, but I'm not sure where to start to look for a bike. I'll appreciate your suggestions . . . keeping in mind that: (1) I'm 60 years old and don't plan on being in competitions - I just want to learn some fun, recreational skills; (2) I'm 6' 4" tall; (3) I weigh 225 pounds in my riding gear; and (4) my boot size is US 14. I don't look exactly like a Yeti, but I am sort of built like one!

I would also like to start with a bike, new or used, that's as inexpensive as possible - while still being reliable. At this stage, I really don't care about appearance and/or high performance parts. I just want it to start easily and readily, run smoothly, and give me the opportunity to work on basic skills.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

Elllvis

Any of the modern trials bikes would be fine for you to have a play on, even the 200's will cope with your size fairly well although it would probably be easier to find a 250.

Are there any that you like the look of? If there are any trials clubs in your area, it might be worth going to watch an event, that way you might get an idea of which machine you like. If you come back on here with a short list, I'm sure people will give you advice on what advantages/disadvantages a particular machine may have.

Pete

It would help to know what part of the world you live in.....and what sort of terrain you might be riding in.

I live in Kentucky, USA and wanted to get back into riding after being away for nearly 30 years. I wanted something I could ride around the farm and challenge me without excessive speed. I chose to buy a vintage trails bike with a seat and had a Suzuki RL250 for a few years - then I decided I liked it enough to get a more modern bike. The Suzuki is very reliable and very low maintenance and it works great for getting you familiar with riding again and is something similar to what you used to ride.....modern trials bikes are far more aggressive and nimble and the maintenance is higher as a result of them being much lighter and having water cooling. The vintage bikes are fine for slow trail riding riding up hills and practicing your balance and riding over small obstacles - but when the terrain gets very rugged and the obstacles get larger the newer bikes are far better than the vintage bikes. It is easy to get used to the redution in weight and the much more nimble handlling......it takes a bit longer to get used to how fast the power comes on when compared to a much slower vintage bike.