Bike trials riding
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Bike trials is a form of off-road cycling derived from motorcycle trials where one slowly negotiates man-made and natural obstacles. It originated in Spain and is said to have been invented by Ot Pi's father (A world champion motorcross trials rider) who wanted his son to learn and practice motorcycle trials on an ordinary push bike instead of a motorbike as it is hard for small children to control motorcross trials bikes.
At the most basic level, trials riding can be summed up as bicycle handling skills. It evolved from motorcycle trial riding (riding up, over obstacles, man-made or natural) into an off-season bicycle pastime. It now has a strong, though small following and can be seen worldwide. Skills taken from trials riding can be used practically on any bicycle for balance, standing still while still on the pedals, braking, and many other uses. Trial bike characteristics include, but are not limited to: powerful brakes, wide handlebars, light parts, low gearing and a heavy emphasis on frame geometry.
It is totally different from individual time trial races, which are an element of road bicycle racing.
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[edit] Rulings
The general principle in a bike trials competition is to ride a number of pre-marked sections (usually 2 laps of 10 sections or 3 laps of 7 sections), the winner being the rider with the least points at the end of the competition.
The maximum number of points that can be obtained in each section is 5, the lowest (and best) score is 0 points. The most common way to gain a point is by putting your foot down within a section, for this reason points are sometimes known as "dabs". Certain rules enforce the number of points gained within a section, for example, putting both feet down will result in 5 points. Exceeding the time limit for the course will either result in 5 points (BIU rules) or an additional point for every 15 seconds over the limit (UCI rules).
[edit] Types of bike trials
Currently there are two regulated types of competition ruling, enforced by the UCI and BikeTrial International Union.
[edit] UCI
Within UCI ruling, if any part of the bike except the tires rest on an object in the course, a dab will be given. The UCI rules were changed to this format after too many competitions ended in a draw and riders were forced to ride an extra section. UCI rules also allows riders to compete in both stock and mod categories.
When a rider is in a section, neither tire is allowed to cross the side boundary tape even if the wheel is in the air. The rider's hands must remain on the handlebars. Riders in the 26" class must also have 6 working gears.
The UCI Mountain Bike & Trials World Championships are held annually and have crown a 20-inch and 26-inch wheel trials world champion.
[edit] BIU
The rules are unlike UCI scoring and parts of the bike can rest on a section object without resulting in a 'dab'. The sections at BIU events are typically harder and more technical to make up for the use of the bash plate and pedals. The BIU is also more based around the modified category as the sections are set the hardest for the Elite 20" Modified class. In order to compete in the Elite class you have to qualify as one of the top 20 riders in the world. The level of riding for the elite 20" class is regarded as the F1 of bicycle trials since the section difficulty is set at the highest technical level.
[edit] Types of bikes
Trials bikes are no longer standard mountain bikes, but over the years have become very specialized. The two types of biketrials have created two different types of bikes. The bikes can be put into two classes, classified by the wheel sizes of 20" and 26", mod and stock respectively.
[edit] 20", "Modified"
The 20" variety of trials bike (known as "Modified" or "Mod" bikes) are more specifically designed for bike trials, consisting of only 1 gear, a bashguard to protect the frame from any damage and to grip onto objects, and a large rear tire similar to a trials motorcycle rear tire. The term "Mod" comes from the fact that the frames were originally modified BMX frames, now used for trials. Ot Pi's father created the first trials bike, he took a normal BMX frame and modified the parts on the bike to make it more suitable for trials.
[edit] 26", "Stock"
The 26" variety of trials bike (known as "Stock" bikes) were originally derived from normal mountain bikes although now the only similarities are the wheel size. The most striking difference at first glance is the common omission of a seat. During competition the rider has no need for one, and there are useful weight savings to be made by eliminating the seat and seatpost. Some frames still retain an open seat tube which can be used with a seat, although very lightweight plastic mini seats are often inserted, more for preserving the classic bicycle aesthetics and shielding the rear brake from being sat on than actually offering a comfortable perch. These bikes usually feature at least 6 working gears due to competition rules (which are in the process of being relaxed), however for non-competition use it is very common for stock bikes to have a singlespeed (1 gear) system. Running a single sprocket front and rear simplifies the drive train, saving weight, allowing the chain to be shortened so that a chain-tensioning device can be tucked up close to the frame away from harm, and also eliminates the problem of the chain skipping off the rear sprocket which can happen with longer chains and stretching/misadjustment of a rear derailleur. Stock frames typically have a longer wheelbase in their competition specific incarnation. This type of bike has become less popular as the trend for 'old school' frames increases.
"New School" 26" bikes have higher bottom bracket to increase bashring clearance. In addition the length from the rear wheel to the front wheel is lengthened by a slacker head angle to make "taps" easier for the rider. This geometry eases balancing and jumping ("Gapping") from and on the back wheel. Modern 26" style bikes also have short chainstays to make riding more stable on the rear wheel. They are often referred to as bikes with "new school" geometry since they resemble a modified or 20" trials bike and not a mountain bike where the stock category was once based around.
"Old school" 26" bikes tend to have a shorter wheelbase, steeper head angles, and longer chainstays. They are typically used for street style trials or smaller riders and the bikes are not as specialized. These bikes tend to appear more along the lines of a mountain bike than the "new school" 26" bikes.
Due to the recent surge of street riding, particularly in the UK, there are now 24" trials bikes being released. These are generally shorter for increased flickability and are used almost exclusively for street riding in a more BMX like, flowing style. These bikes are illegal to enter in most competitions due to the wheel size but are also not very suited for natural riding in comparison to a "mod" bike or a modern "stock" bike.
[edit] External links
- ObservedTrials.Net - The world's largest online trials community.
- BikeTrials – Official Biketrial website for Trials news, videos, and information.
- Trials-Forum – UK's largest online trials community. Also has a large second hand trading section.
- Bike Trials Videos – 600+ bike trial videos.
- BikeTrial UK – official website of BikeTrial in the UK
- TrashZen – Illustrated tutorials to learn all the techniques of trials riding
