Yeungster

First picture just makes me want to get the bikes out and spend all day out. Looks like a great place to ride

You're a star! That pic works a treat! Also only just managed to find the Wiki page on this site! Learnt tons more now. As I've always ridden stocks and didn't get on with my bmx I'm swaying more towards 26 or 24. I think 24 is very tempting and would probably be a good compromise. Will have to do some reading up about what parts are available though. Can somebody give me a ball-park figure on what a newbie should be spending on their first freeride/trials bike? Bear in mind that I wouldn't want the best, and neither do I want a turd. Something in the mid-range that can be upgraded as and when would be useful

Don't suppose these are the same as the ones Hope made for 26" mountain bikes back in the late 90's early noughtys? If so, I still have one of them on my ATX

Which would you recommend for somebody that has been away from the scene for 8/9 years and wants to start getting back into freeride/trials riding again? When I rode properly last there wasn't a well established specialist market for trials bikes so was dependant on the traditional 26" hardtails. Each time I read through the threads I notice more people ride mods rather than 24s or stocks but I can't help but think that a 24 or stock would be more suitable for me, due to what appears to be the "not-so-specialist" nature?!? I can imagine needing a seat as I'd proberbly be covering large distances which also puts me off mods. What do you experienced riders recommend? I've always thought that the typical bike for me would be along the same lines as a 26mhz or alike, but perhaps less specialist Also, how much is a reasonable amount to spend on a bike? I obviously don't want a pro's bike, but I also don't want a cheap nasty one. One in between that I could customise would be ideal Thanks Pete

Sorry to drag up an older thread but thought I'd wind my neck out and say I'm also from St Ives. Never been purely into trials, and have been away from biking in general for 8 years. Looking to come back into the trials scene but need to learn more about the bikes and components involved these days. All very different to the type of bikes around in 1999!! Cheers Pete