PMK

RSC version, not inexpensive. If I can't get the expected results from the DB5's I will probably upgrade. PK

From the photos, I'm guessing these are the RSC model in Black. Sounds like you settled on sintered metal pads. Looks like the new SRAM discs also. The caliper mount, is that SRAM or by the looks something much more made by someone else. Any other changes and what is your final decision, they work well or not as expected? PK

Seems Tartbikes is the one place that carries them. Out of stock currently so I set it up to notify me when they arrive. Guess I'll decide if I want it or not by then and / or fab my own. Anyone else stock them. PK

Myself, I train the guys that accomplish carbon repair work on aircraft, and also fabrication with the material. If I have a tube to mold one I'll make it myself, but sometimes it is just easier and more cost effective to just buy one. Tartybikes show no stock. Any ideas on other companies that stock the small version, better still if it was here in the US. PK

As a beginner at trails, is it worthwhile to install a downtube protector such as the Pro Carbon Racing? This would be on an Inspired Fourplay, not so much street trials ridden, but not competition trials more flowing off road natural stuff and some man made features like ramps, teeters, wire spools etc. PK

I don't disagree, guessing in a few weeks. Currently using the crutch, but noticing I use it much less each ride. Honestly, the seat is still very low, maybe two inches above the rear tire tread, so it's not mtb high by any means and mainly used to save a step off or fall over. Thanks PK

Want to add, on a similar subject, I asked about seat angles, and why people run them tilted. All the answers were good. Seemed some preferred flat while others had very scientific reasons for the tilt they run. Learning basic moves, and this was simple setup change that will no doubt be changed with experience and better skills. I found that running the seat flat and at the max height for the seatpost has allowed me to "save" a trackstand by using my leg to stop or limit the lean as it happens. Maybe this is good or maybe not for starting out. Honestly, as I practice more I use this safety net less and less. Setup is important it seems, probably slightly different for each person. PK

Totally cool with understanding that. Riding a street trials bike is new to me. As far as setup on these machines it is all new also. Like every other two wheeled vehicle I have dealt with, and as you mentioned, proper setup is not flipping a switch and magically being good at it. On your advise and others about moving the bars, I'll probably spend one practice session testing different bar angles. With practice and a more dialed in setup, I hope I'll sort it out in time. I'm patient and having fun. Also, I fully understand it is not totally about the bike making the rider. Still a hack at this stuff, but see my own slight improvements each ride. It's all good. PK

Utilized the piece of 2x8 plank to practice more techniques. I would say this is a good method to gain more focus. Maybe to be expected, after a bit of time on the narrow plank, and I did not focus 100% on trackstands on that plank, trackstands on open flat ground seem easier and maintained for a longer duration. In regards to repositioning the bars and accomplishing manuals, that did not happen as of yet. Thanks for the ideas. PK

Honestly, when I first built it up, I had them back just a bit more than now. I was not really trying anything more than trackstands then and it seemed rolling them forward helped a bit. I am not talking drastic change. Currently the bars are set with the stem to second bend about vertical. About as shown in the photo, maybe just a bit more forward but tough to say exactly since the photo is a slight angle. Hopefully get out again tonight and can roll them back. PK

Not bashing or being a jerk. Having never raced BMX and seeing the street trials guys with seat angles set low in the rear, I am curious why. Is it for looks, a performance gain, I honestly don't know and it seems seldom do the riders sit. I set the seat angle flat on my bike so when I take a break it is more comfortable. Thanks PK

That's an excellent idea. Most of my practice is trackstands for now. Out front on the sidewalk. While not the 10 to 12 inch wide you suggested, for ease of trying this I'll snag the ramp for the dirt bikes out of the van and see how something slightly narower works tonight. Having a street trials bike with 24" wheels, still coming to terms with the front to rear balance, Working also on manuals, and finding as of the moment I have a difficul time floating the front wheel compared to my 26 mtb. Each time out I try more while still focusing on just simple basic stuff. I still feel like a total hack, and no doubt am, but slowly I see improvements and keep at it. PK

In time I will get some pallets. I do plan to build a small playground in the backyard. Currently looking for a large diameter wire spool to plank. Plan to learn / practice getting over the planked curved shape. Not rolling over it but working various techniques of getting over it on the rear or front wheel. Probably build it with skinnys leading up and down it also. A bit boring but rewarding and needed. I did see a video mentioning to learn on a slight incline. Currently I have been practicing on flat ground with the front brake. Agree, when on the mtb I practice as much as possible during a ride. Noticed that having taken up mtb in 1990, rode full rigid back then first on a Rockhopper and then on a rigid Alpinestars seemed I had a lot better set of trials skills. Younger also. With full suspension since 1994, my skills have changed to favor that type bike. A recent group ride at night did see the trials practice paying off on slow nasty root sections. I agree. As for the bigger balls, well, age is a factor in my case also. Plan to stick with it. PK

I knew that trials for regular folks would be a challenge. I have no intentions to give up and from reading others advice agree the learnig curve is pretty steep. Best part is the new challenge to just learn the basic moves such as trackstands. (One video suggested practice of trackstands until you can hold the move for 2 minutes, so I have ways to go) I practice the simple stuff as much as possible, trying to ride each night in front of the house. Practice, practice, practice. Also, many thanks to those with skills that have posted not only ride videos but tutotial videos all around the internet. Not that I plan to model myself after another rider, simply watching others accomplish the move and explain the basic skills of accomplishing the move is much appreciated. PK

Thanks for the replies. I'm going to look for the Addidas and see how they feel. The Vans work without doubt. I'll take the old MTB shoes and give them a try. See what feels best. PK

Since I have them, and the pedaling is not like road riding or xc mtb, I will see how they are when riding around the house. I'll report back and let you know. PK

Yes, the QR is heavier, but the reality check is this entire bike is heavy. PK

I'll see if the Addidas are available locally. I did find a I have an old pair of Shimano SPD mountain shoes that will never be used for mtb again. Plan to remove the cleats and just try a stiffer sole. I saw the recent topic about the foot injury aand inside was a video of Ali C tearing his foot up pretty good. Not sure if a stiff sole would have helped prevent the injuries or done them worse. http://www.trials-forum.co.uk/topic/189631-broken-foot-recovery/?hl=foot PK

Shinguards also, using a pair of old Hammer 3z that were stashed away here at home. The knee braces I'm asking about would be more like these. Yes they would offer skin pretection but are more focused to preventing wrecked knee ;igaments and internal damage if the knee is wisted. The ones in the link I have. http://www.asterisk.com/buy/protection/cell-knee-protection-system.html PK

Thanks guys. Found an old Bontrager QR in some spares I had. If the Bontrager has issues of loosening with use I'll rob a Shimano from another bike. PK

The inspired machine I got came with a bolt in front wheel as shown in the photo. As a beginer rider, or in general, is it acceptable to install a Quick Release to make transporting easier. If the QR would be acceptable, are any brands better than others. If this is a bad idea, I can always bring the wrench. PK

Curious if any riders use MX style knee braces when riding? I don't have issues with the knees, but just like wearing them when riding motorcycles it's often just for protection. I have Cell knee braces but was unsre if they would be worth wearing to prevent and injury. I have no plans to be wrapped like the Michelin Man, I expect some stuff to happen. Just not sure what others may or may not be using for safety gear. PK

FWIW, I got the bike and have been using / riding each night to learn basic skills. That was the plan and honestly, it is a lot of fun and much different than riding the mtb or the tandems. Kind of makes this old guy feel like a kid again on his beater BMX wannabe bike at the time BMX was born. With luck and practice maybe I can ride a fraction of what others here ride. I do not ride flat pedals on any of my bikes except this Inspired. The flat pedals are no big deal and make sense as has been posted by others. Long before the trials bike I have worn Vans shoes. Just for day to day use and so forth. I have been riding in a spare pair of Vans on the bike and they work well overall. For me though, I think I would prefer a more rigid sole that flaexes less. Typical of a mtb cycling shoe. Any thoughts or suggestions on this. Maybe my years of racing mx and mtb riding have me too much on the balls of my feet. If I thought riding in my Alpinestars Tech 8's would work I'd try them. My leg muscles are fine, I just feel the load on my feet and at my age don't want a broken foot. PK

Annodized purple is always sweet, whether currently in style or not. The bike looks real good. PK

Actually, it made me more aware of some possible concerns I was not easily finding good info on. Somehow I found this in a spot on the Inspired website. The comments from Inspired about natural trials and being a better fit for a taller rider had me swap the order from a Skye Pro to a Fourplay Pro. "Beginners to advanced riders will love the updated geometry and design of this bike. The shorter wheelbase (than the previous Fourplay) gives the bike better handling and is more manoeuvrable in nearly all situations. No matter if you want to do flips or just to ride natural trials, the Fourplay Pro fits every riding style. It has a longer wheelbase and reach than the Inspired Skye for instance which allows taller riders to feel comfortable on the bike." PK