Types of Bikes

Trials bikes are no longer standard mountain bikes, but over the years have become very specialist.

The two types of biketrials have created two different types of bikes. The height of the bottom bracket on UCI bikes have been raised to accomodate not touching the ground. In addition, the length from the rear wheel to the front wheel is lengthened and the stem is lower. This geometry eases balancing and jumping ("Gapping") from and on the back wheel. Megamo and Monty are typically BIU bike types. Koxx, Echo, BT are more "modern" UCI type bikes.

The bikes can be put into two classes, classified by the wheel sizes of 20" and 26".

The 20" variety of trials bike (known as "Mod" bikes) are more specifically designed for bike trials, consisting of only 1 gear, a bashplate for resting on, and a large rear tyre similar to a trials motorcycle rear tyre. The term "Mod" comes from the fact that the frames are modified BMX frames, now used for trials. Monty makes some of the best examples.

The 26" variety of trials bike (known as "Stock" bikes) were originally derived from a normal mountain bikes and thus resemble them. These bikes consist of a minimum of 6 gears and have a low gear ratio. This type of bike has become more and more popular in the street and UCI community.