[ Trials Techniques - Getting Started ]

Trials is arguably the most difficult bike sport on earth. Not only does it require excellent physical conditions, but also a very refined sense of balance, coordination and timing. Trials is certainly unique in the bike world, and takes a definite level of dedication to rise in skill level.

If you have never ridden trials before, starting out is a daunting prospect. Especially for those riders that do not have someone to learn from. Don't dispair though, it is certainly possible to learn a lot in a short amount of time if you have the desire to learn.

The first step is a mental one. You have to decide that you are going to learn trials, and really stick to it. Trials is very very difficult to learn. You will mess up, more than you can imagine. You will find yourself stuck at a certain level for weeks, with no hope of improvement. But all of this is merely a test, and everyone can get past these initial hurdles. But without the mental focus and desire to improve, you might as well not evern start. Trials takes dedication, and lots of it.

With the decision to learn this crazy stuff out of the way, the next thing to look at is your bike. Frequently, people ask if they can learn trials on a such-and-such bike. The answer is always yes. You can learn and practice the fundamental of trials on anything. The only prerequisites are two wheels and two brakes. While technically you could learn on a bike with only a rear brake (such as a BMX), I'd advise that you go the proper route. Make sure that your bike is in proper working order. If you don't know how to maintain it yourself, take it to a good shop and make sure your wheels are true, your brakes are adjusted well, and everything is properly tight. Whether you have a flatland BMX, a dual-suspension freeride bike or a cross-country rig, you can get started.

Now for a few quick setup tips. Regardless of bike type, try to put your seat down. Trials riding benefits greatly from the ability to move around on the bike. Second, if your bike has shocks, try to adjust them so that they are a little stiffer. Overly squishy suspension will make it harder to learn certain things.

With that done, it's time to practice. The first thing, and the most important thing in all of trials, is to hone your balance. Without excellent balance, everything else in trials is basically impossible. SPEND TIME on this, and don't skimp. Practice trackstands, rocking in place, hopping in place, etc. The goal should be that you can spend hours in one place, not moving more than a few inches. Do this on flat ground. Do it with the front wheel on something. Do it with the rear wheel on something. Do it on grass, on cement, on logs, on rocks. This will seem tedious, but the end result will be worth it.

At this point, you are already well on your way to learning trials. With balance comes other skills, such as hopping on the rear wheel, which will lead to learing to pedal kick. Everything in trials is interrelated, and all of it flows from the most basic moves, so spend the time to learn those the right way. Also, many of the moves in trials are what I call "lightbulb moments". That is, suddenly the lightbulb will go off above your head and you will understand it. Until that point, though, it will be a mystery. My point is that you should need to keep trying, no matter how badly, and eventually you will get it.

Your goal should be to get COMFORTABLE on your bike. You should always feel in control of it, and not the other way around. You should be smooth in your movements and refined in your actions. As you gain confidence the moves will start to be easier. Just stick with it!