Mountain bike trials for beginners

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In the following videos, we’ll be learning some techniques that fall under the category of mountain bike trials.

The techniques used in trials are characterized by track stands, bunny hops, and explosive bursts of power to get up and over obstacles. In mountain biking, we use momentum and speed to get through tough terrain. In trials, you’re expected to get your bike up completely ridiculous obstacles from a dead stop.

There are bikes out there built specifically for trials riding. These bikes come in many shapes and sizes, but the characteristics that make them trials bikes are generally the same. They all have wide handlebars for leverage and control, one really low ass gear for power, robust braking for locking up the wheels, and a geometry that looks more like a pogo stick than a bike frame. Purebred trials bikes don’t even have seats.

This is my bike. It’s a street trials bike, which means it’s like a cross between a trials bike and a BMX. We can split hairs, but that’s basically what it is. It’s the closest thing I have to a purebred trials bike anyway. The wheels are 24 inches, the tires are pretty fat, and look at how ridiculously huge these disc brakes are for such a small wheel. If you look at the bottom bracket, it’s super close to the rear wheel too, which makes it easier to get the front off the ground. It’s not so good for getting around town, but it’s awesome for jumping around on.

In this video series, we’ll be learning some basic trials skills that can be performed on a normal mountain bike. Knowing these techniques can make you a drastically better mountain biker, and open up your options when it comes to riding spots. So drop your saddle, let some air out of those tires, and throw on a fresh set of brake pads. We’re gonna have some fun.

In the next video, we’ll be learning the most basic trials technique there is: Track standing. Thanks for riding with me today, and I’ll see you next time.