Look for a used one. Are you looking at mod or stock? If you don't know what that means, "stock" is a 26" while "mod" is a 20" (or 19") rim size.
There are not many cheap-o completes out there, and if you are in the USA, there are basically zero. As you can likely see, the trials forum here does not see a whole lot of activity.
What is not expensive to you? Some people have an unrealistic expectation that they can find a trials bike for $200. Others are willing to plunk down $2000 for their first bike. Unfortunately, things tend to sit at the pricier end of the scale. Trials is a niche, and there are not a whole lot of companies out there. The ones that do exist do not produce frames and bikes on the scale of Trek or Giant.
If you are in the USA, check out www.webcyclery.com for a look at a few completes that they have available.
In the UK, check Tarty Bikes (http://www.tartybikes.co.uk/category.php?id=47). They actually have some inexpensive stock bikes, such as the Onza T-Rex. But you may be able to find something used for a really good deal.
Try looking on the buy/sell section of observedtrials.net. That is a good international site that has a decent amount of people posting each and every day. Lots of information and perhaps even someone in your area that can help you out.
There may be some other resources in the UK that are more regional. There is certainly more of a trials scene there, along with more access to products. Trials is a very odd and small segment of cycling, and some people to try it and do not like it. That leads to lots of barely-used bikes out there for sale. There are also a lot of folks who try either stock or mod and then decide to switch, selling their equipment. I have seen mod bikes for low prices that are a mere percentage of the value of their components.
If you are willing to wait, there are deals to be had. Someone is going to come by and want to sell a perfectly good bike (or frame, or components) for a great price. This year I sold a trials frame, a fork, and some cranks. You can watch the web sites until something comes into your range, or get one of the nice new completes in the UK for a good price as well.
Be aware that if you are going to be serious about learning trials, certain items will not last too long. Frames, cranks, wheels, etc. They all get beaten, especially as you are learning. Get a low-priced complete or a used bike and replace things as they break. You'll get those nice cranks, pedals, and other items after you've trashed a few along the way.
For those out there who are considering trials, you can learn on a smaller mtb frame. V-brakes are good (there are those that prefer them over HS-33s or discs). There are frame makers that supply frames with or without seat tubes. The more you ride and the more types of frames you encounter, the more you will understand what you do and do not like. It will take a while before you know what geometry, what brake setup, what cranks, etc. are for you.
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.