Please help me choose a good trials bike?

Question

I'm looking for a trials bike right now.

I know what parts I'm going to use, but I'm not sure what trials frame I want to choose.

I'm considering three frames.

Adamant A1 26inch

Gu's 26inch

and Czar's 26inch

And please note that I also care about its prices.

Also I want to know how hydraulic v brakes work.

I see a lot of people using them for their rear, but are they really as nice as disk brakes to work with??

cuz I'm thinking a dual 7inch hydraulic disk brake setting for maximum braking power. But the disk brakes add a lot of weight.......

What kind of brake set up do you recommend for bike trials??

Answer 1

I'd go for the Czar first, then the Adamant, and the Gu.  They're all good, but Czar makes great stuff.  I have a friend who got the A1 and has had some problems with it....the rear triangle was misaligned and he got a replacement frame under warranty after having gone through a couple freewheels and having some brake alignment issues with his HS-33s.   It's a sweet looking bike, though!  

V-brakes, hydro rim brakes, or discs are up to you.  Most people seem to run the HS-33 rim brake on the rear, with that or a disc on the front.....but there are all kinds of setups out there.    If you go disc, you'll want 8" in the rear unless you're just doing smaller street riding....for nats and large drops, you want the most brake in the rear as you can get....and also get the best halflink chain you can find, for safety's sake.

The rim brakes are fine...use a good pad like Moe's and consider having them do a rim grind for you.   They tend to be noisy...but that gets to be like music to your ears after awhile.  Discs are quieter, but you run the risk of bashing up your rotor if you do side hop ups or get sloppy....rim brakes are out of the way.  Also, some disc brakes are kinda sloppy where the pads fit in the caliper, and it seems to vary even among the same model from the same manufacturer.  The Hope mini trials brake gets great reviews.....mixed reviews on other brakes, though.   A lot of people never really get them burned in, however, and that has a LOT to do with how well your discs will grab.

Don't worry about weight of the brakes....use what works for what you want to do.  You're only talking a couple ounces anyway.  Most of the weight of your bike will be in the frame, wheels, and tires.....the other parts are chicken scratch in the overall picture.

Since you're building up a new bike, consider doing a front freewheel setup.....they seem to be more durable.  Plus, it looks totally cool while the chain is moving and your feet aren't.   :o)

The guys at http://www.webcyclery.com are great for information and experience, and you can join the forums at http://www.observedtrials.net to talk about stuff with riders from all over the world.    Have fun with the new rig!

Answer 2

power brakes