First things first, great post! As i hope you're aware, you've been validated now - welcome to the rest of the forum! You could perhaps ask for this topic to be moved into trials chat, you'll get some better, more knowledgeable replies. Most companies make their own handlebars, rims etc these days, so it's just amatter of choosing the one that'll suit you. Handlebars will all feel different, it's all down to personal preferance. Most trials rims are super wide to increase grip and reduce tyre roll, but comes with a weight penalty. Rims don't have to be hugely wide though! There are loads of different brands around, and it all depends on what kind of riding you do. As you were saying about hurling yourself off bigger things in the future, you may want to look at some Deng parts (Deng being the owner of almost all the asian biketrial companies, echo, zoo, czar, adamant etc) Their parts are aimed more at the street/ TGS (stands for taps, gaps and sidehops, as it's all they tend to do) riders, so they're made to take a pounding. However, if you were interested in entering competitions, you'd do better to look out for brands such as monty, koxx, yaabaa, ozonys - they're very specific to the style of riding. There are also "proper" street bikes, which are usually short, have a low bb, a seat, and are used for more flowing riding, manuals, bunnyhops, spins etc, most street bikes these days feature 24" wheels, but there are still a few good 26" street bikes. Names to look out for here are Curtis, Leeson, Inspired, Revell, the new Ashton/Diamondbacks, Heastink 24UKs, and there is a bit of a cult following of old, discontinued frames such as Planet X Zebdis, Orange Zeros (but they're very rare) Ashton ET24s (also very rare, the bike that started the 24" revolution, but were prone to snapping) Giants, Megamos etc. A good thing to remember is a simple rule often thrown around by the older riders; strong, light, cheap. Choose two. so whatever two you go for, you'll enevitably be missing out on the other. A few important things: Brakes and Hubs! Most people run a rear Magura HS33, there are loads of different set-ups to choose from - pads, grind/ no grind, what they're bled with (oil or water) levers, hoses... Mr Deng also makes his own Hydraulic rim brake, but unfortunately, they have a tendency to leak Front brakes, people still run maguras, but lots of people use disc brakes. The Avid BB7 is cheap and has very very good lock and hold when set up well, also look out for Hope Mono Trial disc brakes. Some people (me included, up 'till a few months ago) use front and rear disc brakes, and hopes are the rear disc of choice because of their great lock, hold and most importantly - how the feel. You get a nice feeling of what's going on out back that you don't with Avids. Don't forget vee brakes! A well set up vee can out-perform maguras and even disc brakes. Avid is the company to look out for, and there ar emany choices out there for set up. SD7 levers/ arms are brilliant if you're on a budget, but if you can afford it an Ultimate is definately the best on the marlket. Just be sure to have a good, smooth running cable. With regard to the Onza, they look pretty good! But always remember, for the price of a new bike, you could get something twice as good for the same price second hand. If you do go second hand, make sure the parts are in good condition!! Hope it helps, any more questions just ask
