Im looking for advise regarding a mono shock trials.  I'm wanting to purchase a mono shock trials mostly to play with.  I currently have a couple twin shock trials I ride  and Am curious how the mono shock trials ride.  I find used bikes in the $2000.00 price range usually for a 2005 bike or $4500.00 for a year 2012 gas gas or Montesa.  is there a significant difference how the early mono shocks ride compared to the later year bikes?   I live in a rural area it's about 100 miles to the nearest bike shop so it's not easy to test ride.   I would appreciate your advise.   Thanks.  jbird

There's not a vast difference, some makes have specific years to avoid due to a known problem and older bikes will probably be harder to find some parts for, but the weight and handling etc will be about the same.

The more modern machines like to have more regular maintenance than the old twin shocks, though - lots of oil changes and air filter cleaning.  It's the price you have to pay for having a bike that's under 70Kg!