I don't want a Trials bike...I don't want a jump bike, I wan

[stevet1]

If you really want to learn new skills then buy something cheap secondhand and don't bling it too much or you will be too worried 'bout denting the frame etc.
Not sure you ned something light either, or you'll end up making the rest of the parts light as well and end up with an xc bike.

And faster is better over technical rooty stuff...

p.s. have you thought about doing one of the skills courses that various people run? I've heard nothing but praise for a course Nigel Page runs.

 

[Andy R]

UK Bike Skills seem to come highly recommended too, although I can't speak from personal experience.
The thing is, of course, that most of it's not about the bike anyway (unfortunately)- although bike set-up, tyre and suspension choice etc. are all relevant most of it comes from within.
By that I mean learned techniques, confidence, fitness, motivation and all that stuff

Look at what a skilled trials rider can do on what is the most basic of bikes really. You'll have seen this before, obviously, but personally I never get tired of watching it. I strongly suspect that he could do most of it on any old bike .

 

[Neil G]

BMX + Race track/trails...job done

 

[perry]

Drop the seat down and ride standing up . It's what we all did years back before specific frames and stuff was available .

If you want to spend a few quid maybe put together an old slalom bike .

http://vimeo.com/10925773

 

[suburbanreuben]

A Spot Brands would do the trick, or a Dekerf, or any Canadian bike really. You need to wean yourself off these Eastern boutique brands and get a proper bike!

 

[Splatter Paint]

What you need is to go riding, a lot, with some fearless folk. My riding always improves rapidly, technical or fitness-wise riding with nutters. Racing is also good, you think everyone is going to be really good, but a lot of time people aren't half as quick as they think. When you pass someone, you get a massive confidence boost.

SP

 

[Andy R]

What you need is to go riding, a lot, with some fearless folk. My riding always improves rapidly, technical or fitness-wise riding with nutters. Racing is also good, you think everyone is going to be really good, but a lot of time people aren't half as quick as they think. When you pass someone, you get a massive confidence boost.

SP

All true - the actual bike is only a relatively minor factor when it comes to determining what you can do - once you get out with a few others, adrenalin and competitiveness has you doing stuff that, if out on your own, you talk yourself out of all too easily.
Just get a bike that you really like to ride and then just get out and play on it - crossing logs and fallen trees, riding up and dropping and rolling banks and steps. Start small and work up. Find a few people that you can ride with and just get out and have fun.

It's all that really matters