Ticklebush

Tarty Bikes is like the online encyclopedia of bike trials. If you're looking for specifics of any kind for a bike or part you should check there, and if you don't find it, it probably doesn't exist. However a 24" trials bike without a seat does in fact exist. They also have instructional video's that I heard are pretty good. That site is definitely worth a once over.

Hey, welcome to trials man. A decent starter bike will be around $1,200-$1,500ish new and $500-$1,000ish used. The best place to get a used bike would be from local riders in your area, or online from websites like Pinkbike.com and the for sale forum at OTN. Also, OTN is by far the largest trials community in North America, so as far as info and video's go that's the place to find it. They even have regional forums so you can introduce yourself to riders in your area and find people to ride with. Which I HIGHLY recommend. I'm not from Chicago so I don't know any local shops, but if you want to look at some new bikes here are some of the North American online trials vendors: Trials Pads Midwest Bike Trials Webcyclery Unique Trials As far as cool video's go, head over to vimeo or google and search for these names: Kenny Belaey Benito Ross Vincent Hermance Coustellier Ryan Leech Keita Neil Tunnicliffe Danny Mac That should keep you busy for a few lunch breaks for suuuuure enjoy.

Doing pedal kicks after and endo is great, that's how a lot of riders begin to learn how to get on their rear wheels, but what you really want to learn is how to kick your front wheel up with a "pedal punch" instead. Before trying to add distance and altitude to your pedal kicks, try getting to rear wheel without doing the endo. Instead give the bike a little pedal kick while leaning back and lifting your bars up. You definitely want to get your basics down well, so that you don't develop bad habits later on. To answer your question though, when most riders start out they're pretty stiff on their bikes. (especially when balancing on the rear wheel) So what you'll want to do is get comfy on rear, that way you can maximize the power you're putting into your bike. If you feel solid on your bike, you'll have a good solid base to jump from, and if you have a solid base to jump from, you'll be able to jump off of it harder. So as a general tip, I'd say as you learn to balance on your rear wheel, try letting your front wheel down a bit and lean forward just before you launch if you want to add distance. A little tip...keep your elbows bent The best advice I give to a new guy for adding altitude to any move is "preload". Generally that is the first thing I see new guys lacking in. A tip for this one is to keep your knee's bent, and don't be afraid to move your butt around the bike. Here's a good vid that shows what I just explained. Notice how he leans in before gaping, and how low his preload is. The best advice anyone can give you though is JUST RIDE Some days you'll want to practice and get better, but don't forget to mess around and have fun also, that's how you'll find your own style as a rider.