Can You Learn TRIALS on a MOUNTAIN BIKE?

[@SuperRiderTV]

Thanks for watching! Here's a playlist of my beginner Trials Tutorials if you want to learn more: kzbin.info/aero/PLycZkTUrZFP70rKjYsYQLavpt7koKTCZ_

[@adammoffett6935]

I learned on a full sus now that I have a trials bike everything is so much easier!

[@SuperRiderTV]

That’s a great way to go, I can only imagine how great that must feel!! 🤘

[@craftyukraine]

I’m gonna try out some trials on my 29”.🤔

[@lucywucyyy]

i wish there were modern rigid mtbs with high bbs

[@William-McCueRC]

You truly inspired me bro, I'm a college student and mainly ride street, I wanna unlock all the features around me, hoping to learn these skills and get out to do some street trials!

[@ThugZ3r0]

Omg! That is fantastic topic! Can't believe, you made such a crazy good vids! Thank you so much! Love doing trials on my trail 27.5" hardtail too!

[@SuperRiderTV]

Thanks!! I’m going to do a bunch of upcoming videos with this bike, excited to get rolling on it!

[@redball4093]

Helpful vid... 👍👍

[@SuperRiderTV]

Thank you!! 🙏🙏

[@AlexandrosSiasos]

That's great mate! Good to see that you show to the world that you can do trials on any bike! I also got a new non-trials bike recently and I'm planning on sharing the bike build process soon! However, mine will be a 26" dirt jumper, built as an XC and finally riden as a all purpose bike that's also capable of riding trials! Nevertheless that bike build process will take a while as I have some other projects in the pipeline! Anyway, I'm looking forward to see your future videos using this bike! Keep it up!

[@SuperRiderTV]

Thanks!! Dirt jumper is a great option, too - I feel like a lot of people have waited to learn trials until they had the "right" bike, so hopefully this series of videos can help solve that issue and get everyone practicing right away!

[@AlexandrosSiasos]

@@SuperRiderTV Indeed core bike trials techniques can be trained using any kind of bikes! A brief review of the history of bike trials can prove that! Good job buddy! Keep it up with your great content!

[@SuperRiderTV]

Thanks so much!!

[@markbosko8592]

Will the 80 mm rise bars compromise the trail riding aspects of the bike or is it just a matter of getting used to it? Thanks.

[@SuperRiderTV]

I think just a matter of getting used to it - these bars were originally designed for slopestyle and big mountain riding, so once you adjust to that extra leverage, you should be good to go!

[@hobinlobo]

Hi. I'd be interested in looking up the geometry of this bike (e.g. to compare with my hardtail etc.). Could you let me know what year Chameleon this is, and also what size it is. (Also, what height are you?) Thanks.

[@SuperRiderTV]

I believe it’s a 2019 Chameleon? Size medium, and I’m 5’11”

[@hobinlobo]

@@SuperRiderTV Thanks!

[@aguagou]

@@SuperRiderTV thanks 🙌👍

[@aguagou]

@@SuperRiderTV for a 5'7" skinny guy, could I put a 55mm riser handlebar. I think 80mm is too much for me and my headtube length is 120mm wich I think is more than the Santa Cruz. Thanks.

[@AndrewOudin]

I'm fond of the idea of one thousand percent.

[@jerryriding]

Pretty cool video!

[@SuperRiderTV]

Thank you!!

[@rensellvalencia7179]

quick question if you see this What is your sugested chainring tooth count for trials specific moves on a mtb? (Current chainring is 36tooth with a 1x8)

[@SuperRiderTV]

I have a 32t on this bike, but you could definitely make the 36t work with a smaller gear in back.

[@amartinezperez]

Hi Aaron. I'm thinking on building a MTB based on Nukeproof Scout 290 frame, with a RockShox Pike 140mm. This will be the one to push harder on trails complementing my XC MTB. Do you think this will be a good choice to practice and learn trials? How this frame compares to the Santa Cruz Chameleon? Should I choose the Chameleon frame instead.

[@SuperRiderTV]

Yeah, that bike will be perfect for you. It’s super similar to the Chameleon I’m riding here. Go for it, and have fun! 🙌

[@manilafisher1]

What model Santa Cruz is that frame?

[@SuperRiderTV]

Santa Cruz Chameleon

[@tenzoorbeta3538]

how do you set up rear gear ratios and chain ring on a trials? thanks

[@walken199]

Thanks for the video, what is you height and what size frame is this?

[@SuperRiderTV]

It’s a Santa Cruz Chameleon, size medium - I’m 5’11”.

[@Sunspot-19]

Aaron, Onyx has no engagement points since it uses a sprag. i would like to have them on more of my bikes since they are same day engagement vs. the three revolution engagement of a 36 point hub/driver. My Red Sky ruined me fo life!!

[@SuperRiderTV]

Correct! I recently swapped to an Industry Nine hub on this bike (back to pawls) and honestly prefer it at this point. The Onyx was an interesting experiment, but it felt spongey for the trials-specific application I was after. Still an incredible hub, no doubt, I suspect my experience/usage is extremely rare.

[@Sunspot-19]

@@SuperRiderTV That "spongy" feeling is the sprag increasing its grip. Frankly, a high POE pawl is the better choice for a trials specific application. Where I do find the Onyx to be superior is in the jank with my Fleetwood Brogham, um Wildcat. It keeps the flow happening where a low POE is pure rubbish. Dirtin' with a trialsy undertone is a requirement, not an option!! Jus' sayin'.

[@Sunspot-19]

@@SuperRiderTV Another option appears to be the Hope Pro5. They upped the ante with more engagement points and price is on par with Pro4. Worth looking into for my pithy, punkass Middlechild.

[@SuperRiderTV]

Yeah! I have a Hope hub on my Inspired Hex (street trials bike) and it’s been great so far!

[@Sunspot-19]

The Pro5 hub driver is superior to the previous hubs. I am looking forward to getting my grubby mitts on one for my Middlechild. @@SuperRiderTV

[@rensellvalencia7179]

Progress on a bike after 1 year of learning on a hardtail mtb with not most modern geo i keep outpacing my friends with bikes 10 and 12 speed ive been able to outpace and manuver them on trails and on techy rides

[@SuperRiderTV]

Awesome! That's what we like to hear! :)

[@jeffhayes1855]

Has any of you modified a giant talon 4 or similar to improve it for trials? What changes did you make ?

[@SuperRiderTV]

I would suggest a riser bar on it (I use Deity High Side 80mm) to start, other than that, you should be good to get rolling!

[@petefunny488]

Can you share your experience with the Onyx rear hub for trials, please? Do you feel any of the spongy response that is brought up at times, when the sprags erect? Or is that negligible? Also, assuming you rode the hub for more than one session, did you encounter any problems long term? Slippage, mechanical freehub problems, or worse? They are high up on my list of candidates, but I can't find any way to test ride them :-|

[@SuperRiderTV]

Absolutely! My mechanic friend recommended them to me (and built the wheels) because of the instant engagement feature, and so far they've worked out fine. I don't think I can really tell much difference between this and the Hope hubs I have on my Inspired Hex, to be honest - they both feel fast when it comes to engagement. Because of the clutch style, it's also about 200g heavier than a pawl style hub, so that's another element to consider. I would say, they work great, but there's nothing that game-changing about this hub that would move it to the top of the list (for trials, at least) - it's working fine after about a year, no issues, but I don't find it that much different than any other hub I've used. The lack of noise actually kind of bothers me when it comes to trials, too - I didn't realize it until I got this hub, but I must be using the pawl clicks to help with my pedal timing.

[@petefunny488]

I ended up buying them and have never looked back. So far they have been amazing on every front: silent, instant engagement, and durable. Yeah, they are on the heavier side, but that's a price I am more than willing to pay for the durability I've seen. I like them so much, I got another hub for my commuter :-) (where they have seen plenty of bad wheather without issues)

[@captjerski4165]

I have a few questions 1) Nylon or alum pedals 2) why not high rise 45 deg 80mm stem with mid rise handle bar. Nice video it really helps with guys like us with one bike to play with.

[@SuperRiderTV]

I think the pedals are personal preference, although I think on a MTB build where you’re trying to keep things light - nylon may be the better option. As for the handlebars, I prefer the high rise so I can rotate the bar to adjust both the height of the bars but also the reach for the cockpit of the bike. You could still get some adjustment with the mid-rise, for sure, I just went all the way in to maximize my options.

[@captjerski4165]

@@SuperRiderTV you have a point there with the high rise handle bars I do front lfts easier with the high rise ba. Thanks for the tip

[@SuperRiderTV]

Right on, have fun! More MTB tutorials on the way!

[@nyankoneko2002]

I do whatever I can on my full-sus X-country bike. Somehow I feel I can (or will be able to) do most of the trick on this bike. Having said that, I guess It all comes down to how efficient it is to learn the skills and tricks on a MTB. What do you say ?

[@SuperRiderTV]

I would say it depends on how you plan to use the skills. If you want to become a better MTB rider, then it’s best to keep practicing on your current bike so you can use those skills on the trails. But even if you wanted to eventually become a trials rider, a lot of people wait until they get the right bike before they start - and I think they definitely could have started on a MTB, because it is absolutely possible to learn all the moves on any bike. That’s a big reason why I made this video, to be honest.

[@maxspl153]

another great video ! really shed some light on why i wasn't getting much progress on my 27.5 . just a thought on the free wheel / engagement topic . have you ever thought of using a freecoaster for a BMX? they dont have any engagement points , depending on how you set the lash no matter where your crank position you're in its instant engagement ! not to mention not having to back pedal when doin a fakie...

[@SuperRiderTV]

Thanks so much! I haven’t used a Freecoaster yet, but I think Jeff Lenosky did for a while, and I know a few other MTB street guys who did. Would be a fun thing to try, for sure!!

[@ThugZ3r0]

Is that completely silence onyx hub? How are you impressions about such a rised bar on mtb?

[@SuperRiderTV]

Yeah, totally silent, it’s actually kind of weird! I am really happy with these high rise bars so far - it’s nice because it has the same feel as my street trials bike. The extra leverage is definitely noticeable, too!

[@amartinezperez]

Fell to your channel a few days ago and I'm viewing all of your old videos. I've got an old Specialized Rockhopper, wearing 26" wheels, and old geo. Do you think this could be a good option to learn trials, mounting a wider handlerbar?

[@SuperRiderTV]

Oh awesome - glad you found the channel! Yeah, the Specialized Rockhopper would be perfect! Try a Deity High Side bar (80mm) if you can, that will help you a ton with control and trials-specific technique.

[@rileytaylor1503]

I learnt how to do back hops on my 29er xc bike lol

[@SuperRiderTV]

It’s not too bad once you get up onto the back wheel, just a matter of getting there! 👊

[@garytepastte4204]

Love the channel i'm learning so much. Quick question, I see in recent videos you changed your handlebars back from the 80mm rise, any particular reason? And i'm debating between the Deity 50mm and the 80mm, any suggestions, looking for more control of the front end I guess? Thanks again and keep up the awesome work.

[@SuperRiderTV]

So glad that you've found these videos helpful! I changed my bars back because I didn't want anyone to think that the only reason I was doing these skills was because I had a special handlebar. People always want to find an excuse why they can't do it, so it was more about removing the opportunity for that. Honestly, the 80mm bars will help quite a bit, but I think you'll still get most of the benefit from 50mm.

[@JM-wy1st]

Thank you for a very helpful video. What is your opinion on using RAD geometry to determine your bike sizing?

[@SuperRiderTV]

I think it can be helpful especially considering the different options (bar/stem/etc) that may affect the number. Definitely seems a lot more specific than “medium”…

[@HaywardFamilybuilding]

Hopefully you will do more content on the Chameleon 👍

[@SuperRiderTV]

Definitely! Working on a bunch of videos with it now! 👊

[@martind.almonia4849]

I like trials biking ,now i can try it by My MTB,ill try it 'thanks sir..

[@SuperRiderTV]

Have fun!!

[@davidmalakoff147]

Just found your channel. Lovin' it! Your wheels on the Chameleon; 29, 27.5 or 27.5+? Thanks

[@SuperRiderTV]

Thanks so much! 27.5” on my bike, but you’d be fine learning most of these skills on just about any bike - it’s meant to transfer over! 👍

[@johnbravo7542]

Great video,following all of your videos,I think you are the best instructor out there. Just curious how tall are you? and what frame size is your bike frame,as I'm 6.1" Thank's in advance.

[@SuperRiderTV]

Thanks so much! I’m 5’11” and I ride a medium frame here - although to be honest it’s slightly small. I’d suggest a Large frame if you’re looking for something that will fit you well.

[@eddyrademaker3711]

It's bike upgrade time later this year assuming there are some bikes to buy 😀 Is going smaller in frame size beneficial? I'm between sizes and want to go smaller with the next bike. I'm 63 and I'm thinking these trials skills will not only benefit my riding but my balance (which is so important as you get older). My wife has started to learn the track stand watching you videos.

[@SuperRiderTV]

Awesome on all counts! If you're right on the line, I think the smaller option could help with your control over the bike - but I wouldn't intentionally go down a full size. In fact, my competition trials bike has a super long top tube, so I'm sure you'll be fine no matter what size you end up with. Have fun!!

[@stagirit]

Thank you! Very helpful video! You chose the frame size M, how tall are you?

[@SuperRiderTV]

I’m 5’11” and could’ve probably gone to either size on this frame. I chose M so I could have a bit more control over the bike.

[@stagirit]

@@SuperRiderTV Thanks for the answer! It is also very interesting how significant the weight of the bike is. Extra 500 grams or 1 kilogram is very noticeable? Your channel is one of the best, I wish you every success!

[@SuperRiderTV]

Thanks so much, that means a lot! I'm not too stressed on the bike weight, although I think I could make it much lighter with a different wheelset and some other tires.

[@norihiro01]

This is exactly the video i needed right now !

[@SuperRiderTV]

Awesome - have fun!!

[@dago_0730]

CAn such radically different handlebars "badly" affect TRAIL/ALL MOUNTAIN riding? I'd like to change for these bars but I guess I won't ride much Trial as you do ahah BTW Thank you, awesome videos

[@SuperRiderTV]

I haven’t had an adverse effect yet, but ultimately the goal with these bars was to have maximum leverage. So you could try a little less rise and still get an advantage for technical riding - split the difference!

[@tomsales5645]

nice set up😊 thanks for the advice..what your gear ratio?are you running 10 spd? thanks more power 😊

[@SuperRiderTV]

Thanks! I've got a 12 spd on here now, typically in the 4th or 5th gear in the back.

[@tomsales5645]

thanks

[@sirpeter6109]

I am very curious in trying something in between my 27,5 trail bike and my 24” trials bike, so I had to come back and watch this video. Super interesting! The Santa cruz looks awesome! Very ryan leech in some way. Just not sure if will go for a dirtjumper or a smaller size mtb. Is that the same size frame you usually ride?

[@SuperRiderTV]

Thanks! I went with the same frame size (medium) and then just updated a few pieces to suit my riding. Do you already have a street trials bike?

[@sirpeter6109]

Allright! Yes, an Echo Czar Ion 2017. Have been riding it for 2 years. Its a pain to ride long distances with and I dont want to use my SUV all the time to get to the good riding spots. Also feel like the bike could be a bit small. I dont have much experience with other bikes so I am not sure thats actually the reason but I am curious about trying a different bike.

[@sirpeter6109]

I am 185 cm. I know fabio wibmer is about the same height but seems to handle it fine 😆. Maybe try different handlebars. I dont know. Thats why I need som perspective.

[@rider65]

Of course you can. You can learn trial skills on any bike, that's not the question. In fact that's a silly question. The question is, how easy or how difficult it will be. Learning trial skills on a trial specific bike will be the easiest way. Learning trial skills on a mountain bike will be one of the more difficult ways. The bikes are heavier, not as nimble and the geometry isn't optimal. 👍 I've been learning trial skills for the past two seasons on a mountain bike and I can tell you it's not easy especially at my age. But that doesn't stop me and I am slowly progressing. If I did have a trial specific bike I know the learning curve would be accelerated. Unfortunately I do not have the budget for a trial specific bike therefore I utilize what I have. 👍

[@SuperRiderTV]

It’s true - you can - but a lot of people have hesitated to start learning until they got the right bike, and I want to share that same message that it can be done. I’m going to be building out some MTB-based trials tutorials next, which will hopefully be helpful with that learning curve! 👍

[@rider65]

@@SuperRiderTV Nice, looking forward to that 👍

[@duroxkilo]

@@SuperRiderTV fantastic idea!! your content is super valuable, wish you all the best

[@michaelgraycycling]

Dude. Would love to see you do some tricks on a road bike. I’m a roadie. But love watching these videos even though I have no trials bike

[@SuperRiderTV]

Thanks!! Have you seen Road Bike Party?? I think you'll dig it - here's a link to my favorite one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpnEk5qsfq6Ln80

[@michaelgraycycling]

@@SuperRiderTV I forgot about this. I have seen it. Mental!

[@rileytaylor1503]

My friend learnt trials on his dirt jumper 👍

[@SuperRiderTV]

That’s a great way to do it - I started on a dual slalom bike, basically the same geometry as a dirt jumper!

[@crocopie]

Can you learn trials on a Walmart MTB?

[@SuperRiderTV]

Definitely possible to learn the basics!

[@antoninkarasek347]

Man, you spent more money on upgrades than it would have costed you to buy an used trials bike 🙂

[@SuperRiderTV]

Haha - well, I think the point is more about being able to do trials moves on a MTB than having a full trials bike. Wouldn’t it be cool if more Mountain bikers adopted trials skills into their riding?

[@craftyukraine]

*But can anyone ride trials on a 29”?🤔*

[@SuperRiderTV]

Yes, definitely! Jeff Lenosky just won the Masters National Championship for Trials on a 29" bike.

[@craftyukraine]

@@SuperRiderTV Oh my! I’ve missed that. Going to watch it!

[@LITTLEDANCERSADHU993]

yes you can but much easier on a dedicated trials bike

[@SuperRiderTV]

Very true! The only drawback is that it can be challenging to transfer the skills directly from a competition style trials bike to a proper MTB

[@LITTLEDANCERSADHU993]

@@SuperRiderTV Totally agree . i would love to have a trials bike and mtb,but switching between and feeling and rweeking the difference just is not practical, for a normal working guy, I live in Jersey channel islands am 46, and can kick most peoples asses on a bike