It's the rider's skill, not the bike, that determines the outcome. With that said, let's delve into the diverse street-trials bike market.
When selecting a bike, consider the following factors:
- Budget
- Your height
- Your weight
- Preferred riding style
When selecting a street-trials bike, don't be overly concerned about its weight. All street-trials bikes are inherently lightweight, with some simply being lighter than others. Starting with a slightly heavier bike can be advantageous for beginners, as it forces riders to adapt and overcome the added weight. This often leads to honed skills that can be highly beneficial in the long run. Additionally, transitioning to a lighter bike in the future can be a transformative and rewarding experience, offering a significant boost to your riding experience.
The construction material of the bike shouldn't be a primary concern for newcomers. While steel bikes are generally more robust, carbon bikes have a reputation for being somewhat delicate — though there are many misconceptions about this. The primary distinction between the two is their stiffness. Steel bikes have a spring-like quality, offering some flex, whereas carbon bikes are incredibly rigid. This difference in stiffness becomes more noticeable to seasoned riders, influencing their preference between the two materials. Alloy bikes fall somewhere inbetween.
Street-trials bikes have a somewhat narrow price spectrum. Entry-level models tend to be more expensive than standard bikes, but the most high-end street-trials bikes are still reasonably priced compared to high-end conventional bikes.
At Trialshop.pl, we break down the cost of a bike into two categories: the brakeless bike and the brakes. Brakes, while essential and often pricey, can be upgraded with ease. The core bike components, on the other hand, require careful selection from the outset.
Newcomers might find value in seeking budget-friendly bikes fitted with average or economical brakes, like Avid BB5's, Magura MT Sport, MT4, or MT5.
For street-trials biking, wheel size is typically chosen based on the rider's height. Commonly:
- Riders between 170-190cm tend to opt for 24" wheels.
- Those shorter than 170cm usually gravitate towards 22" wheels.
- And individuals taller than 190cm lean towards 26" wheels.
However, it's worth noting that there's some flexibility in these standards. Riders who are 175cm or shorter, though they fall within the 24" bracket, might find the 22" wheels a viable alternative. Similarly, those who stand at 185cm or taller can consider the 26" wheels, even if they're technically within the range for 24" wheels.
For most riders standing between 170 to 190cm tall, a 24" bike often provides a comfortable fit. However, it's essential to note the variability among different 24" bike models. Czar bikes typically offer a more compact feel, making them feel shorter. In contrast, the Fourplay models from 2022 and earlier lean towards a longer riding experience. The 2023 Fourplay Team and Extention bikes strike a balance, offering a medium fit. On the other hand, the Arcade stands out as the lengthiest feeling among the 24" range. Ultimately, the best fit comes down to individual preference, but riders should keep these nuances in mind, especially based on their specific height within the recommended range.
Weight primarily impacts durability. Heavier riders, those weighing 90kg or more, might prefer brands like Inspired, Ozonys, or Crewkerz. These bikes tend to be sturdily constructed and feature resilient components, though they might be heftier in the beginner range. Lighter options, such as the Extention or Czar, might not be ideal for heavier riders.
Excluding children's bikes, street-trials are typically ridden on 22", 24", or 26" wheels. If rider height is taken out of the equation, they can be roughly categorized as playful, balanced, and trials-oriented, respectively. Still, these terms are relative. A 26" bike might feel agile to someone accustomed to a 29" enduro bike however in the street-trials world, it is anything but. Your riding style becomes particularly relevant if you're wavering between two sizes due to height considerations. The height at which you may want to consider more than one wheel size is specified below.
22" bikes primary intention was to bridge the gap between 20" children's models and 24" bikes. However, shorter adults might find this size more maneuverable, offering a BMX-like feel and easier spins. Those standing between 160-175cm who aren't expecting to grow taller might want to bear this in mind.
24" bikes, the standard size for street-trials, generally suit those between 170-190cm. They're versatile, enabling riders to experiment with the full range of street-trials techniques.
26" bikes, though harder to spin, are excellent for those wishing to integrate more trials moves into their repertoire. From 185cm and above, riders might find this size the better bet, especially if they lean towards a more static riding style.
As street-trials gain traction, consider connecting with local enthusiasts before making a purchase. You'll meet incredible individuals, test out different bikes, and ultimately join a passionate community of fellow riders.
This article covers the absolute basics without overly complicating matters by introducing reach, head tube angle and other parameters into the mix. If you fancy a chat about your individual preferences, please get in touch with us. Helping you with choosing the correct bike is a very rewarding experience for us and we're happy to help whenever possible! In the meantime, why not browse our selection of bikes from the following manufacturers:
