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Here
we have some typical mod bikes. While this bike may not be the
greatest, lightest, or best modified bike, it does have
all the relevant parts and attributes of a mod. To see some
more models, visit MidwestBikeTrials.com. They have a great selection of almost all the mods
out there.
At first glance, this may look like a slightly odd BMX bike.
However, there are a whole bunch of things different that
make this a trials only machine. Notice that, like a BMX,
we have a single speed, but on a trials bike the gearing
is much smaller. This is so that you can perform the various
pedal and ratcheting movements easily. This also has the
effect of making it very hard to actually ride the bike
anywhere, as you have to pedal around about 500 times to
get to the end of your street. Oh well, you can't have everything.
The wheels, while 20" like BMX, are wider, especially
in the back. The rear tire is usually around 3" wide
and nice and squishy, letting you run lower air pressures
and do big drops without worrying to much about flatting.
This particular bike has Magura hydraulic brakes both front
and rear. Brakes are probably the most important part of
a trials bike, without solid braking, you'll end up getting
hurt real quick. One of the most useful parts of the mod
bike is the large bashguard beneath the bottom bracket.
This provides protection to the drivetrain and also provides
a nice stable thing to rest on. Mod bikes are also identifiable
by their tiny (or nonexistent) seats. High stems are also
common, providing a more comfortable riding position and
they also makes it easier to lift the front wheel.
While prices are relative, I think that Mod bikes are generally
cheaper than a stock bike. They usually come complete and
ready to run, where a Stock bike almost always needs customizing
and careful part selection to get things right. Mod bikes
usually range in price from about $300 to $1500. For $1500
bucks you can get a sub 20 lbs. Titanium-frame bike complete
with high-end Maguras and pretty decent parts. Not bad,
considering a high-end Stock bike, like our teams' Custom
Seven, runs easily 3-4 times that amount complete.
If you want a tough, easy to maneuver, trials only bike,
a mod is a great choice. Don't expect to ride any long distances
with it, and you can't really sit down at all, and you'll
often be misidentified as a BMX rider, but a good Mod bike
is a lot of fun.
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