Trials and Dual Slalom Bikes

General Description... 

Mountain bikes in essence, but modified for the two specific tasks;

Slalom;

26" Wheels with wide tyres, small frame size to allow for easy and fast turning, suspension forks. Likely to only be running 7,8 or 9 gears, the chain being captivated onto the front chainring so it cannot come off. Gear ratios generally high, as most slalom bikes are used on grass or dirt descents weaving through a sequence of posts in much the same way that a slalom skier does.

Trials;

26" Wheels with wide tyres and rims, small frame size to allow for manoeuvrability, rigid forks. Likely to only be running 7,8 or 9 gears, the chain being captivated onto the front chainring so it cannot come off and also with some form of guard to prevent damage to the chainring. Gear ratios generally tend to be extremely low, since trials is about negotiating fixed solid obstacles, rocks, logs etc. Pure BikeTrials bikes tend to be 20" wheeled (see image below), but many riders use 26" wheel bikes which have been made up from standard mountain bike parts with a few trials specific components to finish them off.

Pros...

Both Slalom and Trials are specialist disciplines that require specialist equipment. These bikes are designed for their specific discipline. 

Cons... 

Unsuitable for everyday riding due to small frame size and restricted choice of gears. The steering on these bikes is often too "twitchy" for ordinary tarmac riding. These a specialist bikes made for specialist riding.

Expect to Pay...

Prices start at around £250.