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Trials Bike set-up
A trials bike is a small, light bike with no
suspension that can
be
hopped on to and off of obstacles.
There are two main types of trials bike that not
many people know about. There is the standard version like the bike on the
right, a small 14-16" frame and there are the MOD bikes. MOD bikes are the
likes of Monty bikes that have 20" wheels. These bikes originated form the
days of Moto Trials. The younger riders needed a bike to practice on so Montessa
(Honda Motorbikes) 
made
the Monty. From there they went by storm and more and more were made. They
developed with longer stems and smaller wheels and frames with built-in bash
guards. Now they are not as popular with pro riders like Hawyes, Ashton and
Akrigg as they use the (what are considered) normal trials bikes. These bikes
are very popular in places like Spain and Italy. You can see on of these in the
Bikes section.
The main thing a trials bike need is a small 20, 22 or 30 tooth chain ring with a bash guard if you hop onto big obstacles like rocks and walls.
Brakes don't matter really. Just a well set up pair of V's is fine for beginners but the more intermediate riders should put their money on some hydraulics. Disks or rim brakes are perfect. Rim brakes are preferred because of the light weight. The disks provide more stopping power but are an awful lot heavier.
Good firm, grippy tires are a must! No road tires or anything else. Big, thick tires only. Good strong rims as well.
You must have good
strong pedals with a decent grip. No SPuD's allowed in trials, it is cheating! The best type of pedals are flat Platform pedals or spiked Bear Trap pedals.
There must be a small saddle that is right down to the frame. It must be a small saddle. There are mini saddles that are made only for trials but they don't sell them!
The rider must wear skate shorts of trousers and a T-shirt. No lycra, it decreases the move-ability of the rider. Flat soled shoes and a helmet. Not a full facer really. Gloves are also quite handy too if you like your hands. They must have good protection and grip.
