New Bike Recommendations

[R&D]

Hi Guys

I have introduced myself in the "Introduce Yourself" thread and now I need quite a few answers to a lot of questions!Hope you guys can help out! (Sorry for the very long post!)

I've got a couple of questions all the way from South Africa - I'm looking to import a 26'' Trials bike, only from Tarty Bikes and need some much needed advice. I grew up on seated 26" Trials bikes, I've got a DMR Sidekick at the moment with all the ''spec" bits and pieces but feel that it's time for an upgrade as the bike is about 6 years old and the technology is just way too old (Rear freewheel, heavy, too narrow bars, seated and poor geo does not help an average out of practice rider )(Been out of trials for about 5 years).Alot has changed in 6 years and thus I need some good advice for my new bike!Obviously this bike is going to be imported and dont want to have to order again in a years time.Please assist (advise):

1. I am wanting to treat myself with a brand new 26" Trials bike in the next month but would like to get something that is quite top spec to very high spec. I am approximately 83 Kg's and 6.1'' tall. I don't know if this would assist your advice.

2. Use to ride urban street trials and will continue to do so

3. Budget - I've got a budget of about 1300 Pounds (R16 000) including postage to SA - I obviously want to try and save some money where I can, if I can, and hopefully you can advise me accordingly.

Now:

I have looked through Tarty Bikes and all of their fully built bikes and there are quite a few brands and component mixes to choose from however, I have noticed that a big saving can be made if one buys the "Try All" 26 " (6900 Pounds) Bike kit and frame (400 Pounds) compared to buying a complete bike of the same specification (1500 Pounds).(Please only refer to Tarty Bikes as it is the only website with dependable shipping)

1. How good is the component make up in the Try All Bike kit? Are they focused on being light or strong/Or both. I obviously want something that is nice and light, but don't want to sacrifice strength and durability.

2. Which frames would complement these components?Not sacrificing weight. Would I go for a horizontal drop out or vertical? What are the advantages and disadvantages compared?

3. I noticed that most 26" riders go for a 1100mm bike, 380 chainstay, but what BB Height would you recommend?How would a 55 - 60 mm impact my riding? Or should I go fro a modest 25-35 BB height?

4. I see that the Try All kit comes with a snail cam, does that only work on horizontal drop outs? I assume then that the sprung chain tensioners can only be used on frames with vert drop outs?

5. Which setup would be the best?Vert or horizontal?Which type of tensioner?

6. I'm currently running maggies front and rear but too much time is wasted wanting that snap brake power and hold, I have noticed some riders on the forum saying they prefer a disc at the back (They recommend the Hope Mono Trial?) --- Which would you recommend?Maggie at the back or Disc?Which Disc Brake and what rotor size? - - Is a dual disc bike a good option? Which is strongest at the back?

7. Would the Handlebar and stem setup in the Try All kit suit my length etc? I noticed the Try All rage bars are 27" wide, would a 29 or 30" wide bar not be better?Stability etc wise?

I would also like to compare the Try All kit with a custom make up of components, also high spec, but lack the product knowledge to do so, I am also afraid of frame/component compatibility issues (Horizontal/Vert dropouts/ Rear frame disc mounts on frame for running rear disc/Width of dropouts - 135mm? etc) How are the Ecko components compared to the Try All components?

With the above said and asked, please advise accordingly what I should do.Should I gor for the Try All kit, which frame? Or choose individual components and frame?Dual Disc?Vert or horizontal drop outs?Chain tensioners? What option would give me the most for my money (Buying Fully Built bike/Try All kit and Frame or separate components and frame - But need to know exactly which components to take and which frame!

MY APOLOGIES FOR THE 101 QUESTIONS!!! BUT I WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR EXPERT ADVICE ON MY NEW BIKE -

Thanks Guys!!!

[josh barker]

this bike is probably the best to your budget and this bike is mega value http://www.tartybikes.co.uk/product.php?pr...;category_id=47

[R&D]

UPDATE:

Made a typo in my post:

Try All Bike Kit - 690 Pounds

Budget +- 1300 Pounds

Possible bike - (Try All Bike Kit(690) or a bit more for better components + Frame(400)) -

Or component make up and frame of +- 1300 Pounds? See first post for questions.

[Lawnmowerman]

You should give them a call. They're all experts so will be able to give you all the advice you need.

[R&D]

Thanks for comments thus far.

But not quite what I expected, over 14000 members and only 3 short responses...

COME ON PEOPLE, I'M IN NEED OF SOME GOOD ADVICE

I'm leaning towards the following:

Try All Bike Kit

Onza Limey 3 Frame --

I will be changing the Try All Rage bars for the Carbon bars, change the Try All reinforced rims for the Onza competition rims (Think they are stronger and also lighter) and changing for the Try All Ti Magnesium cage pedals,

What do you guys think?

[Alex Dark]

I say import a second hand bike and save a huge amount...

[R&D]

That's not really an option for me for the following reasons:

1. Only people that can be trusted for importing is a reputable dealer

2. I want a practically new bike, if it's going to be second hand, it must be basically brand new

3. There are a lot of people that are not to trust, especially if I'm all the way in SA.

But you're absolutely right, I'll probably save 50% on the same spec bike, but second hand.

The problem is there aren't that many 26" high spec bikes for sale on here second hand in any case, then comes the massive trust issue if I were to buy second hand. I've got no insurance or guarantee that I'll even get the bike if I buy second hand..

Besides, I've got the money to buy brand new and it's just not worth the risk to me to buy second hand,maybe if I lived in the UK...

But that's why I need Info on bike specs because I don't want to make a mistake and have to import again etc...

Seems like it's a bit too much to ask for some good advice...

Thank's anyway AD! I would consider importing a second hand bike if a reputable dealer handled everything, I'll save a sh!t load of money!

[Jan Tore]

I'll try to help you out a little.

So, generally, you can't go wrong with try-all what so ever. Their parts are allover pretty light and strong. So the bike kit you concider, won't disappoint you.

For brakes, front disc and rear magura is one of the most popular setups. Front disc for brake modulation and rear magura for the bite. But make sure you get a good front break, and a good rotor, because I use some Shimano shit, and it just doesn't cut it.

Now, for frame size, I would go for a long frame. I just recently bought myself a Koxx Foxx, and I feel it's a bit too short. I've only heard good about Control 09, Yaabaa stinger for example.

For chain tensioners, the vertical dropouts use snail cams, and vertical has got more options as far as I've understood.

[Bike/Chopper madd!]

just a quick question. I'm looking at getting the Try All 20" bike kit and was wondering if the wheels and such things come put together or not

Cheers

B/C M

[R&D]

I'll try to help you out a little.

So, generally, you can't go wrong with try-all what so ever. Their parts are allover pretty light and strong. So the bike kit you concider, won't disappoint you.

For brakes, front disc and rear magura is one of the most popular setups. Front disc for brake modulation and rear magura for the bite. But make sure you get a good front break, and a good rotor, because I use some Shimano shit, and it just doesn't cut it.

Now, for frame size, I would go for a long frame. I just recently bought myself a Koxx Foxx, and I feel it's a bit too short. I've only heard good about Control 09, Yaabaa stinger for example.

For chain tensioners, the vertical dropouts use snail cams, and vertical has got more options as far as I've understood.

Thanks JT -- In the Try All kit, I am considering changing the following (Obviously the changes don't come free, would you say the changes are worth the extra money and a good change at that?):

1. Try All Rage BAr 09 to Try All Carbon Series (It's quite a bit wider and about half the weight)

2. Try All Aluminium Cage Pedals to Try All Ti MAgnesium Cage Pedals (Also half the weight)

3. Considering changing the MAgura Louise to Hope Mono Trial (Possibly 180 or 200 Rotor Size?)

4. The Try All Reinforced rim (REAR) to Onza Comp Series (They a bit lighter, but don't know if they are actually stronger?)

As for the Frame choices:

1. Onza Limey 3 (Really Like the look of the frame, but don't know if it's strong and durable)

2. Yabaa Stinger

3. Zoo Piranha (Same Geo as Onza)

4. Rockman ISIS

I don't know if I should go for a VErt Drop Out or Horizontal -- Most people seem to be leaning towards horizontal?Would I not actually use a snail cam on a horizontal drop out, and would I need some type of tensioner with a hor. drop out?

[R&D]

Anyone?

Which frames do you guys prefer from my list of possible frames, regardless of the price...Most importantly it must be strong without major weight compromise.

[Kieran@ZSClothing]

Rockman or yabbaa for frame..

[hdmackay]

Onza Ice for frame.

Voted for validation. :wink2:

[duncan_echo26]

Onza Ice for frame.

Voted for validation. :wink2:

+1 for both!

[R&D]

Rockman or yabbaa for frame..

Rockman ISIS -- I quite like the Rockman's geo, especially since I'm 6.1'' I would think that I wouldn't be comfortable on a shorter GEO bike (The ROckman is 1100,38 and 45 which sounds like a nice package all together.??). But in previous posts I have read, some members actually say that the "Rockman's break too easily compared to the Onza Limey 3". The frame does look nice though!

Yabbaa -- Don't know a lot about the frame, can anyone give some feedback about it's geo and strength etc? I would think that the triangular tubing gives good rigidity! I read somewhere on the forum that people are quite pleased with it...

Thank's for the advice , would like some concrete comparisons though between the frames in the list that you guys are familiar with.

Onza Ice for frame.

Voted for validation. :wink2:

Thanks for the Validation HDMACK!

We'll, the Onza Ice frame isn't on Tarty Bikes,and As I've said before, I'll have to vhoose from what available at Tarty's...

I assume then that a Horizontal drop out Frame would be the wiser choice then...?

Don't know about you all, but the Onza Limey 3 really does it for me!!!

DO you guys think I should rather post this topic in the Trials Chat section, might get some more exposure there

Onza Ice for frame.

Voted for validation. :wink2:

Thank's to you too Duncan.

[josh barker]

Onza Ice for frame.

Doesnt he want a stock??

[Joe@Onza]

Rockman ISIS -- I quite like the Rockman's geo, especially since I'm 6.1'' I would think that I wouldn't be comfortable on a shorter GEO bike (The ROckman is 1100,38 and 45 which sounds like a nice package all together.??). But in previous posts I have read, some members actually say that the "Rockman's break too easily compared to the Onza Limey 3". The frame does look nice though!

Yabbaa -- Don't know a lot about the frame, can anyone give some feedback about it's geo and strength etc? I would think that the triangular tubing gives good rigidity! I read somewhere on the forum that people are quite pleased with it...

Thank's for the advice , would like some concrete comparisons though between the frames in the list that you guys are familiar with.

Thanks for the Validation HDMACK!

We'll, the Onza Ice frame isn't on Tarty Bikes,and As I've said before, I'll have to vhoose from what available at Tarty's...

I assume then that a Horizontal drop out Frame would be the wiser choice then...?

Don't know about you all, but the Onza Limey 3 really does it for me!!!

DO you guys think I should rather post this topic in the Trials Chat section, might get some more exposure there

Thank's to you too Duncan.

Hi Duncan,o

For feedback on the Limey 3 you should PM Scott Wilson on here, He is one of our Team riders who was involved in the Prototype stages and has had 3 versions of it now. His is built up is in the Bike Pictures section too to help you out. His User name is scottyevil. they should be back in stock at Tarty in about 3 weeks.

Cheers

Joe

[liam1992]

Hi i have a zoo piranha and it is strong and lovely to ride. My friend has a yabbaa and it is also very strong and nice to ride but if i had to choose it would be zoo

[R&D]

Hi i have a zoo piranha and it is strong and lovely to ride. My friend has a yabbaa and it is also very strong and nice to ride but if i had to choose it would be zoo

Thank's for that PTB

Why exactly would you choose the Zoo over the Yaabaa, besides the fact that you've got one...What does the GEO feel like?And compared to the Zoo?

I'm starting to lean towards the Yaabaa, it looks very strong and stiff, but that's purely based on looks though.

[liam1992]

Well the geo on my zoo is perfect for me high bb rise and is long. But so is the yabbaa but it is mainly down to personal preference. The yabbaa has a longer back end which makes it easier to twist e.g. 180 turns. But as i said befor both very stiff but if you are worried about weight then the yabbaa is lighter but i love the zoo

[Jan Tore]

From that list, I'd go with Yaabaa Stinger I think. Put on some good snail cams, and you're off to go.

Changing parts from the try-all kit is all good if you want to save some weight of course. Seems like you founds some nice replacements at least.

[R&D]

From that list, I'd go with Yaabaa Stinger I think. Put on some good snail cams, and you're off to go.

Changing parts from the try-all kit is all good if you want to save some weight of course. Seems like you founds some nice replacements at least.

Yup, that's the Idea, try and save some weight on parts that are not likely to break as a result of the weight saving! I'll definitely change the Louise for the Hope Mono (Don't know if the Hope Carbon Ti is owrth the extra cash), go for the Try Al Super Light cage pedals and change to the Try All 3D forged stem.

The thing is I don't really like the Yaabaa at all, the Rockman ISIS is quite appealing to me, very nice GEO, and it looks much better than the Yaabaa!

All those frames are relatively the same weight, but unfortunately I don't have a clue how strong those frames are...?

So at this stage I just need to know which frames are most likely going to break, and which ones are the stronger of the group..Onza Limey 3,Rockman ISIS,Yaabaa, ECHO Control (Any other recommendations?)

SO:

Seems like a 1095 - 1100; 35 -45 and 380 would suit me best?, and noticed most riders prefer a GEO similar to that.

1. Onza Limey 3 --- Might be a little too short, don't know if it is strong enough (No one seems to know if it's a strong frame) th GEO seems fine though? - TOP OF MY LIST IN THE LOOKS DEPARTMENT

2. Yaabaa --- Don't like the Yaabaa (Ugly Colour and very thin tubing makes it look flimsy) Although people seem to be quite pleased with it... Seems like a budget frame and can afford something a little bit "better"

3. ROckam ISIS --- Probably second in the LOOKS DEPARTMENT, really nice Geometry -- Don't know if it's going to be strong????

4. ECHO Control --- Geometry also good, looks average --- People seem to be fairly please with it and it's quite light (Also don't know what the strength is like?)

SO strength is very important to me! Any advice on strength on these frames?

The Yaabaa would probably be the best "All Rounder" by the sound of the opinions, but what's the next best option, not sacrificing strength at all?

Edited November 17, 2009 by R&D

[Jan Tore]

In the end, you'll have to ride them pretty damn hard to break them.

I've actually been recommended the Control 09 frame. It's very strong, looks awesome(imo), and has a nice geometry.

A riding mate of mine drilled 200 holes into his Control frame, and it still went on strong. I think that says a bit about it.

If I was buying a frame right now, it'd be either the Control or the Stinger frame. I've only heard good about them, and since Ali C has designed and rode the Stinger quite a bit, it can't be bad. In the end, looks aren't that important