Diz

WTF?! Looks like a right piece of crap! Still, wouldnt mind a go.

I've had probably 7 years out from trials and started again last october. The first few rides were pretty pants, only being able to bunnyhop and stuff, but after a month or so i'd got back near enough to my original standard and was better with some things. If you were good before then just keep practicing, otherwise a mix of everything you've suggested, videos, forum, websites and of course practice. Just get out there and have a laugh.

The best technique for crunches is to literally crunch up, rather than sitting up which recruits your hip flexors more than abs. The key is nice and slow, controlled, and the spine should curve over rather than remain straight.

I used to jump one of my old bikes into the sea. Was a really good laugh until the frame finally corroded from inside and snapped in half. I'd say not to bother even if you're gonna wash it down and re-lube everything. You could be alright, but would you wanna take the chance of your bike dying for a few jumps into the sea? Just get yourself a second hand kiddies bike. Doesnt matter if it breaks and its also a little bit more fun!

Best way to treat back pain is by regular stretching. The usual cause is due to an imbalance in strength between back and abs. This is a common problem with trials riders as a lot of the movement involved originates from the back, and so the back tends to be stronger than the abs. To rectify this, do some crunches/sit-ups everyday. Not too many, just a couple of sets of about 10 - 15. And after every ride stretch your back out by practicing the stretch in the picture below. Its also good if you do this every morning. Hope this helps.

I'm up for that

Its not looking too bad to be honest, you can tap a lot better than i can. I'd just personally give it a bit more pace, at least then your body's got a little more forward momentum.

Good work...good blag!

I'd stick it on ebay but in parts. You'd probably get much more for it that way, although there's always the risk you'll be left with a load of it. At least you'll have a few spare parts for emergencies.

Yeh, what he said.

Sounds like it'll be a sweet ride....but why green? I'm sure there's loads of people that like having green parts on their bike but i just dont get it. I'm thinking it'll be like the old days when everyone used to get blue or purple anodised stuff on their bikes then about six months later realised it was really gay. Ever thought about red or gold? Your bike would look super-pimp then...just a suggestion. P.s. absolutely no offence meant for anyone with green parts on their bikes, different strokes for different folks 'n'all. P.p.s. get some pics up when its all built, would love to see how it turns out.

I've got 170's but feel with my current gear ratio (20:16) theres not quite enough power to the cranks so i could use shorter arms to sort this out. Shorter arms will generally give a little more power, more ground clearence and also if you're at all interested in weight saving, they will help. Longer arms will make it easier to pedal and possibly make the bike feel a little more stable. If you're riding 165's though i wouldnt worry about changing too much. Spend your money on something that'll make more of an improvement to your riding.

You could get one of these http://www.tartybikes.co.uk/product.php?id=10392 Other than that, i saw recently in a mag (may have been mbuk) that they're looking to sell the seat but honestly cant remember when or where. Done a search of a few shops and cant find it. Sorry buddy.

You can convert any bike to use for trials...it just might not be very good. My first "trials" bike was a 19" marin....was really pants but it did the job while i was learning. If you're any good at trials i'd advise getting a proper bike, otherwise if you're just learning i should think itd be fine.

I was down there at the weekend and there wasn't much to ride to be honest. Its all a bit spaced out now...shame.

Was lovin those vids. Never laughed so much in my life at those crashes. I'm sure we've all done the same at some point, but watchin it happen to someone else seems much funnier. Well done.

Some awesome clips there, shame i never got to meet the guy. Some of the sickest drop gaps i've ever seen...ride in peace.

Yeh, good tricking...would be pretty impressive if you could do that on a bike though.

Nice little vid. Pissed myself when that wood flew off!

Quality, LMAO so much a little piss came out.

Some nice little shots there. Did make me chuckle slightly when he almost fell in the canal...that sort of shit always happens to me!

Awesome video. Loved seeing the sections at the top of plymouth...reminded me of when i was learning trials years ago. Used to be one of our favourite spots.

How the hell does he do that? I'm now gonna cry myself to sleep and hang my head in shame!

Was wondering why there was an owl looking at me strangely last nite...i thought he must just be a trials fan but he was probably just using his laser eyes to scan me for potential threat.