P.2 for trials?

[oxygen_77]

I recently test rode a Specialized P.2 (thanks Steve!) and wanted some of your opinions on using it as an intro. unmodified trials bike. I would like to get the P.2 and then a Surly 1x1 rigid fork so I could use the P.2 as a fully rigid bike for trials, and then swap back on the suspension fork for when I want to do some dirt jumping with it... any thoughts?

[Ascentrek]

I considered the same thing. My problem was, I couldn't identify with myself, what I wanted to do (Street, DJ, or Trials). I was leaning to the trials side however. I didn't like the P2 because it had disc brakes (not good when you're new to trials). You'll have that rear disc bent in no time. I can't remember if there's a replaceable der. hanger for the rear, but I've already gone through one of those (and a rear der.). Where as the geometry would work 'okay' for a trials riding, I think the P is extremely heavy for that type of riding. What you'll end up with is something that's okay for everything, not not great for anything.

I ended up buying a trials frame"Planet X" and getting a front suspension fork for it. I can use it as a jump bike, or urban bike, but it works best as a Trials bike. I also just use my SC Bullit for Jibbing... its much more fun than a hard tail.

my 2 cents

[oxygen_77]

Ascentrek,

Thanks for the info... I think, from your input, that I'll be ok with the P.2. I don't want a trials specific bike and I want something heavy so know it won't crack if I decide to use the frame for some light downhilling as well. I've currently been building my trials skills on a full suspension Stumpjumper FSR and it's just too difficult to pivot front to rear with the suspension. As for the weight, my FSR is 31lbs so I think the P.2 won't be too heavy...

Thanks again!

[Ascentrek]

I blew out my rear triangle on my FSR hopping on the rear wheel. The FSR was definitely not made for trials! After destroying it, I ended up buying the Bullit and a Trails specific bike.

You'll dig the P. bikes. I'd like to have one for skate parks.

African American Pirate

[LostBoyScout]

Probably the biggest issue with trials in the P.2 is the length - the P.2 is very short, and for trials you want a longer bike! If you put a longer stem, like 100mm, on it, I'm sure it wouldn't be too bad - but a V-brake is generally much preferred over a disc (especially a Hayes Cable! Those just will NOT work for trials!), as you need lock-up. Put a V-brake on the back with a set of trials pads, and a longer stem, and you could get the job done. But it's still no trials bike :)

[Enduro]

I thought P.2's were not V-brake compatible.

[oxygen_77]

Originally posted by Enduro
I thought P.2's were not V-brake compatible.
they aren't... at least not stock... I already bought mine and just got the rigid Surly 1x1 fork I ordered for it, unfortunately I haven't been able to ride it because I broke my collar bone a week and a half ago. As soon as I'm healed I plan on riding it nonstop...