Trials/Trails Frame

[LoboDelFuego]

Both I and a friend are looking to build up/buy new hardtails for trials and street type riding. I myself will also be using it as a xc bike so i don't want an Orange Zero or a Zebdi or stuff like that. The build kit will be like this:

Fork: whatever's cheap/available
Front Wheel: Mavic X223, Specialized hub
Rear Wheel: 517 rim, King disc hub
Brakes: julie front, hs-33 or disc back
Cranks: raceface 12/22/bash
Bars: Specialized
Stem: Specialized

everything else will just be whatever I can get for cheapest. What frames/forks would you recommend? I also don't want to go over 500 for the frame, whether new or used.

[LostBoyScout]

Frame:

-New Jackflash
-Norco Team Trials

Both of these would work just dandy as a trail/XC bike. I am especially pushing the Norco since it's more of a true tech bike than a trials bike. Great for technical riding of all sorts. The new Jackflash is the same idea though.

Fork: Try to find a used Marzocchi. A Z5 or something. Those rock. Of current forks.. I'd say the Fox Vanilla set at 80 or 100mm. Assuming of course you don't want rigid.. which is obviously much better for trials.

Other points:

DO NOT use a 517 rear rim. If you already have it, have it relaced then. It's WAY too narrow and weak. A Rhyno Lite is a good cheap solution, works well. Even better is an Alex DX32.

Run a low rise DH riser bar. For stem, you'll want probably around 100mm, low or no rise. Front tire isn't a big deal, most XC tires are fine, for the rear, run a fairly light DH tire (Tioga DH 2.3 is a good standard). I recommend sticking with the HS33 rear, as a disc takes more to dial in and is less reliable.

Good luck!!

[monkeyboy424]

yah i think the new jack flash wpuld be perfect, i personally am saving for one :D , and for something cheap, how vout and 02 psylo from pricepoint? for trail rides crank it to 125mm and for trials crank it down to 80 mm!

[Rik]

I almost went for a Duke U-Turn for my thrash/trials Zaskar, because it can be brought all the way down to 63mm travel, nice and low, and is slightly lighter. The disadvantage is maximum tyre width, which was what swayed me back to the Psylo (2.3 vs 2.7)

[jhusktrials]

Originally posted by Rik
I almost went for a Duke U-Turn for my thrash/trials Zaskar, because it can be brought all the way down to 63mm travel, nice and low, and is slightly lighter. The disadvantage is maximum tyre width, which was what swayed me back to the Psylo (2.3 vs 2.7)

It seems like anything larger than a 2.3 would be a bit much for what the bike will be used for. The duke should be fine. I run a 2.1 on my trials bike and a 2.3 on my Cheeta HT jumping bike.

[LoboDelFuego]

If I get a suspension fork it will be a marzocchi since I have a sponsorship from them. And I think I have decided on getting the Norco, I found a site that has them for cheap. Or i might just build up an xc frame i have, more trailbike style. Ahh so many decisions.

[Rik]

Originally posted by jhusktrials
I run a 2.1 on my trials bike and a 2.3 on my Cheeta HT jumping bike.
Same here, the widest I'll ever have on the front is a 2.3, it's not so much tyre width I'm concerned with as it is mud/clay clearance. Sure, the trails I ride here are dry as anything, but when it gets muddy, it can get very muddy. Last thing I want is to have the bike skid to a stop from getting too much crap clagging up in my fork, it's not a fun sensation.

[jhusktrials]

Originally posted by Rik
Same here, the widest I'll ever have on the front is a 2.3, it's not so much tyre width I'm concerned with as it is mud/clay clearance. Sure, the trails I ride here are dry as anything, but when it gets muddy, it can get very muddy. Last thing I want is to have the bike skid to a stop from getting too much crap clagging up in my fork, it's not a fun sensation.

Has that actually happened to you? I have ridden in some serious mud before and it just seems to pile up on the backside of the fork legs.

[Rik]

beleive it or not, yes :eek:
A few rides I've had, stopping regularly to clean the wheels was mandatory. The dirt where I ride is really dry and clay based, it sits there for years without rain, as soon as it gets a bit damp, it goes tacky and can stick like a very sticky thing. Pick up a big clod, and squish, there goes your wheels rotational movement!
That said, it's still very rare, but I do like to take everything into consideration when it comes to components.

[LostBoyScout]

Best fork IMO would be a used Marzocchi Z3-Z5 or something! Solid, stiff, pretty low :) And can be had for 150 - 250 in the buy & sell! The U-turn forks would be good too though!

Bigger than 2.3 front tire?!?! I think anything bigger than 2.3 is too big for the REAR :D

IMO the best trials tire sizes is 2.1 front, 2.3 rear. :) Then adjust tire pressure depending on your smoothness/terrain