Dirtjump or trials bike?

[clyde79]

Hi

 

I currently do quite a lot of XC mountain biking and have been toying with the idea of getting into trials to improve my overall bike skills and technical ability. I have spent some time reading forums and looking at bikes but I am still pretty confused which route to go as I still know very little.

 

So my question is which bike should I look to buy, a dirtjump or trials? And will it make that big a difference, which I go with? I am not looking to do any massive jumps or become Danny Macaskill but just to hone my balance, bike control, hopping, track standing, etc.

 

Obviously, I am not wanting to spend a fortune as my mountain bike maintenance is steep enough

 

Cheers

[Super_mil]

Personally I'd go with a DJ bike. They are robust and you can certainly learn all the trials basics on DJ bike, learn how to dirt jump and just play on the street. Once you've got the basics down you can decide in which direction you'll want to head (i.e. more trials based or more DJ based) and you'll also have a good idea on what the best bike/upgrades will work for you.

If you want to reduce running costs further you can convert it to a single speed.

[patches]

I personally would say unicycle. Nothing will better you balance more than one of those things.

 

but if you prefer 2 wheels... I would agree with super_mil... a dirt jump bike can be used for both. Watch some vids of guys like Jeff Lenowsky... he's basically using a dirt jumper and does some pretty awesome street trials with it.

Edited February 24, 2012 by patches

[clyde79]

Thanks for the advice guys, the DJ bike does sound like the best option for getting started. I checked out some YouTube vids on Jeff, just achieving a fraction of that skill would be awesome.

[patches]

Thanks for the advice guys, the DJ bike does sound like the best option for getting started. I checked out some YouTube vids on Jeff, just achieving a fraction of that skill would be awesome.

 

glad we could help!

 

oh, and another thing about going for a dirt jumper is that it will be cheaper and more easily available than a trials bike. Peach (here on the hub) has an Inspired Fourplay (what Danny Mac uses), and I think he signed his organs as a downpayment.

[HaydenWilson]

Hmmm tasty organs... there is a super nice scott voltage for sale in classifieds if you are keen. i think all it needs is a front brake.

[clyde79]

Is this the one you are referring to?

 

 

Scott Voltage 0 Ltd Jump Bike (any Offers At All?)

 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/index.php?app=hubmarket&do=view_item&item_id=22419

[HaydenWilson]

Yep that would be the beast!

[clyde79]

Awesome thanks, I was looking at it earlier today and wondering about it.

[DR ◣◢]

Gustav did you come right with the Scott?

 

Im in the same boat as you looking for something to play with. The full susser just doesnt jump well at all

 

Anybody else selling? Looking to spend up to R3500.

[patches]

Gustav did you come right with the Scott?

 

Im in the same boat as you looking for something to play with. The full susser just doesnt jump well at all

 

Anybody else selling? Looking to spend up to R3500.

 

Which full susser are you jumping with? Becasue some of them don't fare too badly. Sure they won't be ultra-trickable like a dirt jumper (unless it's something like Brandon Semenuk's custom Trek Session), but if you're just looking at getting some airtime, your current ride may suffice.

 

I've hit dirt jumps on my Morewood Ndiza (4" 4X bike), Cannondale Moto (6" Carbon AM/Enduro bike), Yeti AS-X (7" FR Bike), and Morewood Izimu (8" DH bike). Yes, the Ndiza jumps the best due to the minimal travel compact frame and dirt-jumper-like geometry. But each of the others is still capable in their own right of getting some airtime.

 

On the other hand... having a "don't care" bike that you can throw around, is rather nice.

 

go to www.obike.co.za (Omnico, the GT agents) and you can pick up a GT Chucker 2.0 for R4000. It's a pretty entry level jump bike, but it's brand new at a good price for a starter dirt jumper.

Edited March 1, 2012 by patches

[DR ◣◢]

Thanks Patches

 

The susser is actually my Fuji XC bike with the seat dropped.

 

Might see if my old Wheeler 15" is still at my folk's place. Just needs a few good parts to get it back to its former glory. Was a slalom/trails bike when I still raced.

[clyde79]

Gustav did you come right with the Scott?

 

Im in the same boat as you looking for something to play with. The full susser just doesnt jump well at all

 

Anybody else selling? Looking to spend up to R3500.

 

I'm hoping to go and see the bike this weekend - will let you know. Otherwise might take the Omnico route suggested by patches.

[HaydenWilson]

hey man.

 

this guy is selling a pretty cool trial specific bike

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150723604068453&set=o.129670410443623&type=1

[Letum911]

Hey guys, if anyone wants to get into trials please contact me at hjordaan@live.co.za. We have riders in Pta, Jhb, Bloemfontein and in the cape!!!!

 

PS thats a very cool bike but personally i wouldnt pay more that R3500 for it just due to the fact that it doesnt have magura's in the back...