Let's get back to basics...
The essence of trials riding, whether it's street, recreational, professional, or competition, is to traverse from point A to point B without ever touching the ground with your feet.
This could involve scaling a 6-foot vertical wall, leaping across a canal, ascending a stairset, or even perching on a rooftop, carefully planning your landing target. It requires exceptional balance and the ability to remain stable on narrow objects for extended periods.
Remember, trials is not a race. It's all about reaching the end of the course with the fewest possible points. For trials rules, click HERE.
Overview
When it comes to trials bikes, the most crucial component is undoubtedly the brakes. In some competition setups, these brakes are so powerful that they outperform even those on motorcycles. And it's easy to understand why. Imagine balancing on the edge of a wall, relying on the back wheel, only to have the brakes fail. Absolutely not!
The braking force of trials bikes can be clearly observed in the videos below. Watch how the riders apply force to the forward pedal, gaining sudden momentum, and then swiftly lock up the wheel to come to a stop precisely where they planned to land.
Here is Ali Clarkson showing you how it's done with Street Trials:
And another one featuring Charlie Rolls in the World Championships: