Almost done converting over my YT DJ. I had to replace the front hub with a six bolt and add a front brake. I also only changed the front chainring to an inspired 22 and left the rear as a 14 so that i can still pedal to the skatepark and use it as a DJ. Seems to be a good enough ratio for basic trials and the front brake opens up tons of new opportunities at the skatepark. Now i just need the snow to go away.
Back when Danny McGaskill was twelve and still riding a mod bike, my friends and I on the 180 Magazine crew were riding street trials. My bike was a Santa Cruz Chameleon when they were still 26". I ran a road cluster with the Chase Mod for fakies and the shifter on a modified seat clamp. And I ran the front brake line around the back of the Manitou arch so that I could do one bar spin. I could ride dirt jumps in the morning and street trials on a Wednesday street trials ride in the afternoon.
4:28 Oh yeah! Now I know where to put my high rise stem on! I keep carrying it with me in my hoodie pocket, just like you do, and I didn’t know what to do with it. Honestly, I’ve got tired of carrying it around with me. So, thank you very much for the tip!👌🏻😊
I can see that - I was originally going to run this bike with the 50mm stem and then thought it would be too short. I may mess with this setup a bit more to get it perfect, but it's close enough for now..
I started street trials as a kid with a DJ bike, 14" frame with... Marzocchi DJ fork, insanely heavy. Now, not wanting to lose that 'universal bike' factor, I built another one with pretty much the setup you oresented here *but* I left a rear deralieur to give me those 8 gears, added chain tensioner, and got me a Fox air fork, light, rigid and i can always pump it to an almost stiffy. 5kg lighter than my previous build, longer stem, hi rise handlebars and a 4 piston hydro rear on a 203mm disc. Rids like a dream. Just to mention, now I'm 38 and still remember most of the moves :D
Lets go dj to trials conversion! That Marin is so sick and it looked like the new gear ratio made it basically a hex with a slightly lower bottom bracket, that'd be perfect for learning on, the suspension would definitely have come in handy when I was newer to the sport, heck it'd still come in handy now for those bigger drops!
I’ve been wanting to do this build since I first saw this bike - I knew it was going to work! Feels even better than I expected it would, to be honest..
Thanks for the video. Ordered the chainring/bashguard combo a week ago and literally did the conversion last night. One word of caution... Many DJ hubs have proprietary rear freehubs (rather than common HG, etc.). This limits the choices you have with regard to gearing. For example Spank only goes up to 13t in the back....so be sure to get something that is non proprietary if possible (unless you are willing to buy a new rear hub/wheel).
Exact situation I’m in, my DJ has a spank spoon rear hub so I’d need to swap the hub to something with an HG freehub or freewheel or just find a different wheel for a trials setup I guess
I did get the 22T chainring as mentioned by Aaron, but they are tough to find. Sold out almost everywhere...but eventually found one @ tarty bikes. Unfortunately, I think they are also sold out @ tarty now. In addition, I ordered an Alaudark rear hub for $70. Company seems sketchy, but I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the hub (114p engagement). I'm running a 135x10 bolt-on for my frame. For that price, its kinda an experiment and don't expect long term durability, but I will likely eventually replace it with a hope or I9. @@mattd7814
I have changed my freewheel hub to a cassette hub (Hope Pro II) old school (love those hubs) and had to Lace build the wheel again. With a cassette hub you have more choice. You can fit as small as 12t sprocket to Hope casssette hub. Gussett sprockets do many sizes!
I got the same Marin Alcatraz a while ago. Last year I set it up. I haven't mounted the smaller front chainring yet (a 22T with integrated bashguard from Extention, it has Truvativ mount holes, it's there waiting), I did try some "street" (as far as my skills go...) though and I have two main problems with the setup and that is: the Magura MT7 Pro never felt strong enough (despite good bleeding, they just don't lock enough for my trial taste), and another major problem is that since in trial you block the rear wheel, the rear brake caliper will like to "slide" on the frame mount. Since the bike has horizontal dropouts, the brake mount is not a post mount but (I think) what is called International Standard (2 unthreaded holes) because naturally with the different chain tensions / length the wheel would be more or less forward, so that kind of elongated hole would allow the brake calieper to be centered on the rotor...well that means the caliper after a while could get loose and "slide" along the frame holes....no matter how tight you put it (also scary to brake the mount if you tighten too much). You know what I mean?
Oh interesting! I'm about to swap out the Maguras on here for Hayes Dominions. I've never been a big fan of horizontal dropouts for trials, either, but this one has been holding up so far (I think because I have it slammed so far into the dropouts).
What I've been waiting for, I use a DJ bike for Trials (NS Bikes)and to commute. I was wondering about the gearing and a good compromise for trials and just regular riding. I still haven't found the perfect gearing though. As you said it's harder to get that instant torque, from stationery. How is it with those Diety bars, Is it easier to ollie? Great episode cheers 👍
Thanks! Glad you liked it! I prefer that 22:18 for 26" wheels, I don't mind a few extra pedals to get up to speed. I would maybe test up to 16t in the back, but beyond that might start getting a little too heavy for trials-specific movement. Deity Highside bars are my favorite, I prefer the 80mm rise version, they give me the most control on bunnyhops and overall handling of the bike.
Oh BTW forgot to mention...maybe you already saw his videos but there is a well skilled guy on youtube (james barton) that did the same thing I wanted to do myself...which is: have two gears on a dirt jumper, one for street trials and one for other riding (jumps or skatepark or even just city). He can do that by having two cogs in the back and using a trialtech chain tensioner...but WE are out of luck because the Marin Alcatraz does not have a rear derailleur hole, so can't mount that tensioner...with a tensioner mounted, you would be able to manually switch gears when needed (like get to trial location with hard gear -> switch to trial gear for some trials). I'll check if you come up with a similar solution for the Marin (I even thought of putting a Hammerschmidt gear drive in the front but that would not be good for trials I believe, also could wear very quick because of pedal kicks).
The majority of dj's use 10x135 rear hub widths and axles. Yes, some use bmx standard, which is 110 width or something like that, but in that case you wouldn't be able to add multiple gears, anyways. So, assuming you have the typical 10x135 hub, you can then get a 10mm threaded axle that is long enough to then add a derailleur hanger that bolts on to the end of the axle. Simply do a google search for "bolt on derailleur hanger" and you'll see there are options. Then, you're able to add a tensioner or derailleur. If a derailleur the older Shimano Dura Ace or 105 derailleurs are beautifully light at about 195 and 210 grams, respectively. Or thereabouts. A simple tensioner should be lighter.
I put MAGURA mt7 on my Dartmoor 26player front and back, and then I switched out the rear sprocket for a 16 tooth (from 10), It's not as easy to pedal as my Hex but it makes for a very fun and weird street DJ with semi trialsy capabilities, since it can still ride pretty well around town :D
Hi! Do you use a speed link for the chain? I would like to try and change often the set up which is easier with speed link but is that ok to do trial with that kind of link?
Haha shinpads! OMG Yep, worked that one out on my own unfortunately. My advice would be to go to sports shop grab the cheapest, largest pair of football (soccer) shinpads you can find. Don't by the correct size for your feet as they won't come up far enough on your shins. (...and since I bought them I haven't had another shin-dig so they obviously just work as lucky charms). Best £7 ever.
May I ask, if: 1. What if I would only change the rear chainring from 14 to 28? From 34/14 to 34/28? This would be equivalent to the 22/18 ratio, and then there is no need to change the front chainring that saves up some cost. 2. If I would like to have a street trial bike, that I could use also as a regular bike for faster speeds, do you have an idea how this could be achieved? E.g. instead of having a complete MTB rear wheel with 10 speeds, is it possible to add only 2 or 3 rear chainrings (e.g. a 28 for trial and an 9 or 11 tooth for speed) with a light rear derailleur? Thanks
Absolutely - back in the day the competition rules for trials would require us to have five working gears, so you can definitely have a derailleur and gears. I think as long as you can get close to that 22/18 ratio, you'll be fine, too. The reason I did it was so I could have a bashring to cover the front sprocket, but you could also get a One Up bashguard that attaches to your ISCG tabs - and that would do the same job.
Hey, i know all your sidehop tutorials, is there any chance you could do one for the 2 wheels one showing the motion and at the same time filming the motion of your hand on the rear brake to see the exact timing? I can't get enough of sidehop tutorials even if you have many👍
Absolutely - are you in our Discord group? We do a ton of technique stuff in there, I think you’ll get a lot of value out of being in the group. (It’s free - link is in the description of this video..)
I’m going to convert my DJ right away…Thanks for this timely vid so quickly on the heels of my recent query to you about this exact topic on IG Aaron!! Dan.
Most trials techniques are happening with the front wheel in the air, so the offset shouldn't really make much difference. The suspension fork itself definitely gives a different feel to the bike in general, but it didn't take too much to adjust to it.
What stem would you recommend for this conversion? I have a pair of DB8's or MT5's i may throw on my dj, but idk anything about trials parts. I do have 80 mm rise 35mm bars on a 35mm stem. Would that be enough height? Would 24t/14t be a good enough gear ratio? Or would I need to go smaller? My dj is still gonna be my skate park, pumptrack bike
That bar should be perfect for the bike - I was on the fence about leaving my 35mm stem on there, which I think will be totally fine. The one I put on is great for trials specific stuff, but might actually limit me on the "street" stuff. For the gear ratio, and listening to how you'll likely ride it, I think the bar and gear ratio you're suggestion would be just right for it. The gearing might be a little heavy for trials-specific, but it won't prevent you from doing trials skills on it by any means.
Why not make it a fixed gear so you can ride backwards as well? 😇🤓 I used to ride fixed gear bikes, but I've sold them and am now looking for a versatile street bike. I want something I can have fun with, jump down stairs, and hop over things in the city-basically an off-road-in-the-city type of fun bike. What bike should I consider? 🤔 Let me know your suggestions. I've been looking at larger BMX bikes like the WTP Atlas 24 inch and the WTP Avenger 27.5 klunker bikes. Today, I found the Specialized Dirt Jumper bikes, specifically the P2 and P3 models. Do you have any suggestions for a bike that can handle the urban environment, be nimble like a BMX, and still be loads of fun while travelling through the city where you like to sit down on the seat sometimes and other times not? Thanks from Stockholm!
You can't call a shin-dig a badge of honor until the scar can roll a BB around in it 😂 You have once again reminded me that I need to get some real pads. Recommendations?
So since I'm in America, in Texas, and tarty bikes or web cyclery isn't right up the road from me. I have to say that from when I started trials, about the same time you did, the barrier to enter into the sport was non existent because stock trials was a thing and they required gears. So any kid who got hold of a regular 26 inch mtb could throw on a crud buster and a rock ring, probably an affordable rise bar for way les then the cost of the crankset you just casually tossed on there. Not only is that more intimidating than it used to be, most bike shop people will completely disregard your silly trials requests, at first with arrogance because they think you're a fool, and later with something different because you can side hop a picnick table without clip in pedals. But getting to that point in a country where kids aren't doing trials comps as casually as soccer or baseball games, makes that a long a lonely journey. One in which unlike your experience, one could ride at a high level into adulthood and never be able to afford the road trip to enter a competition. So for me "street trials" is the only trials that exists. Im not sure who said it, but upon measuring Einstein's brain and analyzing it to see what made him special, it was observed that we should be more interested in how many others were buried without ever having an opportunity to express their genius. I personally would be way more interested in seeing you find a scrap yard bike and find a way to do trials on that. Without tapping your stable of bikes that cost way more than most kids first car, or box of parts that has every niche item you could possibly need to slap together a trials bike in a 15 minute video. Congratulations on getting sponsored though. Good job.
Scrap yard bike trials could be super fun! My main reason for putting this particular video together was to show a relatively easy way to turn one of the cheapest styles of bikes (dirt jumper) into a trials bike with really just a modification to the gear ratio. Other than that, basically nothing else needed to change, which hopefully lowers the barriers for some people who want to get into the sport.
@@SuperRiderTV I understand... But what about the kid who can only afford a huffy. Also... I'm doing this to an Eastern cromo bike right now... And because I don't have a trials parts stash anymore... I honestly would have been better off buying a complete bike. The Spanish BB alone threw me a curve ball that already cost more than I paid for the bike. 🤷 Back in the day I could buy an entry level mountain bike with a half decent frame and replace affordable detailers etc as needed... The rule changes in the sport appear to have dried up the market a bit. Necessity used to be the mother of invention. All I'm saying. 😂 At least seats are making a comeback.
@@davidbryanttrucking Oh, those spanish BBs are a headache. Oof. I've been seeing a fair bit of complete trials bikes up on PinkBike lately - lots of old Echo bikes finding new homes. Happy to see seats coming back, too!
@@SuperRiderTV yes Pinkbike did have some good deals. I was ironically trying to avoid a thousand dollar purchase for a 26" trials bike, hence the cromo dirt jump bike for less than 200. I'm definitely not ready to buy a 24" just so I can find out I hate it and have to repost it on Pinkbike. 😂 I did really like your 27.5 build video by the way. At 40 I'm pretty sure I'm to portly for tiny wheels. Not to mention what my spine would have to say about being hunchy on the back wheel all day. 😬
@@SuperRiderTV long story short. After I got out of the military as an 80% disabled vet, it took a while for me to be able to even attempt a trials move or a drop, I sold my mod and got a stock comp bike which was great, but then fell on hard times and had to sell ALL of my bikes. I had to start over which has gotten prohibitively expensive in the bicycle industry if you don't work in a shop, in my opinion, which I once did. I had to get jobs that paid a lot more to survive. Which is why I set out to just do what I did my whole childhood which is get second hand bikes from scrap yards or thrift adds and not have to order special parts. Unfortunately it's looking more and more like I'm going to have to make parts like the old days as well if I want to avoid being homeless... Again. I guess that's not a short story, but it is one that changed the way I perceive innovations in bike manufacturing. The exclusivity of these heavy price tags in a recession economy feels like the wrong direction and bad for cycling in general. Which shouldn't surprise me because the bike shops I worked in were more interested in selling bikes to triathletes (because their doctor's who by a new one every year), than they did catering to the vast majority of riders who were riding because they love to. I also don't want to see trials fade into obscurity a generation from now. If that's not going to happen it needs to be approachable, financially, not just skills wise. I've been watching your channel for a while (this isn't my only UA-cam account) and I'm super stoked you're getting all the success you're getting now that you decided to send it and ride full time. It just also feels like us regular riders lost an ally in the process. I hope you at least end up on a demo team that introduces kids to the sport, but I'm wondering how they're going to get into it if they find out how much it costs. 😂 Street BMX is a cheap date, trials would also have to be if they want to continue pulling kids from that rider pool. Unfortunately BMX isn't a straight through transition to MTB anymore so the opportunity to influence them in that direction has dramatically decreased. They may know who Danny Mac is or Sam Pilgrim, but when they look up how much a base level inspired is their going to just keep buying tubes grips and chains until they have become disinterested in BMX and it's limitations. I stopped when I started breaking frame's, so thank God for Hans Rey, and seeing you in the GT catalog put a relatable face to trials for younger me, so I knew I could continue to grow into the spot of trials... All I needed was cheap MTB. The price tag of that mod you use to ride was something younger me and his family could never afford without falling behind on the bills. It sucks to realize their are kids in this world more worried about the water and gas bill than some adults, but that's the reality we live in. And those kids need an escape. That's what "street trials" and MTB became for me. A way to escape, then a way to get around once I was on my own. Now it feels like an ex wife. Expensive, unavailable, and a part of me is somehow still interested in it, because of the kids. 😂
A street trials bike, yes - a competition trials bike, no. The bottom bracket height on a comp bike is crazy high and would dramatically impact your ability to hit the jumps. Street trials bike should work, though!
Almost done converting over my YT DJ. I had to replace the front hub with a six bolt and add a front brake. I also only changed the front chainring to an inspired 22 and left the rear as a 14 so that i can still pedal to the skatepark and use it as a DJ. Seems to be a good enough ratio for basic trials and the front brake opens up tons of new opportunities at the skatepark. Now i just need the snow to go away.
Same here...we got a ton of snow and ice. Thankful to have the Shred Spot for filming and riding, but I am tired of being inside! haha
Back when Danny McGaskill was twelve and still riding a mod bike, my friends and I on the 180 Magazine crew were riding street trials. My bike was a Santa Cruz Chameleon when they were still 26". I ran a road cluster with the Chase Mod for fakies and the shifter on a modified seat clamp. And I ran the front brake line around the back of the Manitou arch so that I could do one bar spin. I could ride dirt jumps in the morning and street trials on a Wednesday street trials ride in the afternoon.
That's the perfect setup. 180 Magazine, that's a throwback - I remember that! I wonder where Joey is these days?
Near Blacks Beach in San Diego. Shh... The crew is plotting a reunion sometime this spring.@@SuperRiderTV
4:28 Oh yeah! Now I know where to put my high rise stem on! I keep carrying it with me in my hoodie pocket, just like you do, and I didn’t know what to do with it. Honestly, I’ve got tired of carrying it around with me. So, thank you very much for the tip!👌🏻😊
I thought I was the only one! 😂
My first trials bike was a DJ frame with a rigid 29r fork. Now I use a trials frame with a suspension fork. Biggest difference is the reach.
I can see that - I was originally going to run this bike with the 50mm stem and then thought it would be too short. I may mess with this setup a bit more to get it perfect, but it's close enough for now..
I started street trials as a kid with a DJ bike, 14" frame with... Marzocchi DJ fork, insanely heavy. Now, not wanting to lose that 'universal bike' factor, I built another one with pretty much the setup you oresented here *but* I left a rear deralieur to give me those 8 gears, added chain tensioner, and got me a Fox air fork, light, rigid and i can always pump it to an almost stiffy. 5kg lighter than my previous build, longer stem, hi rise handlebars and a 4 piston hydro rear on a 203mm disc. Rids like a dream. Just to mention, now I'm 38 and still remember most of the moves :D
Lets go dj to trials conversion!
That Marin is so sick and it looked like the new gear ratio made it basically a hex with a slightly lower bottom bracket, that'd be perfect for learning on, the suspension would definitely have come in handy when I was newer to the sport, heck it'd still come in handy now for those bigger drops!
I’ve been wanting to do this build since I first saw this bike - I knew it was going to work! Feels even better than I expected it would, to be honest..
@@SuperRiderTV May be missing something, but Duncan Shaw's bike doesn't look all that different to me, less the paint job.
@@sapinva D.Shaws bike has a much higher BB and the geometry is less slack than a DJ bike.
Thanks for the video. Ordered the chainring/bashguard combo a week ago and literally did the conversion last night. One word of caution... Many DJ hubs have proprietary rear freehubs (rather than common HG, etc.). This limits the choices you have with regard to gearing. For example Spank only goes up to 13t in the back....so be sure to get something that is non proprietary if possible (unless you are willing to buy a new rear hub/wheel).
Exact situation I’m in, my DJ has a spank spoon rear hub so I’d need to swap the hub to something with an HG freehub or freewheel or just find a different wheel for a trials setup I guess
Great call - I couldn't tell what my rear hub was (hence the freewheel purchase)...thankfully had that 14t cog sitting around from a previous bike!
I did get the 22T chainring as mentioned by Aaron, but they are tough to find. Sold out almost everywhere...but eventually found one @ tarty bikes. Unfortunately, I think they are also sold out @ tarty now. In addition, I ordered an Alaudark rear hub for $70. Company seems sketchy, but I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the hub (114p engagement). I'm running a 135x10 bolt-on for my frame. For that price, its kinda an experiment and don't expect long term durability, but I will likely eventually replace it with a hope or I9. @@mattd7814
I have changed my freewheel hub to a cassette hub (Hope Pro II) old school (love those hubs) and had to Lace build the wheel again. With a cassette hub you have more choice. You can fit as small as 12t sprocket to Hope casssette hub. Gussett sprockets do many sizes!
Great video as always you’re helped me so much in trials can’t thank you enough! 🤘🏼💯🔥
Thanks!! So stoked to hear it! 🙏
Did trials on a DJ for over 5 years, it definitely works!
Makes it even better when you do get the street trials frame! 🙌
When folks do the conversion be careful about chain / chainring / cog compatibility. Some chainrings/cogs are chain size specific (1/8 vs 3/32).
Good call out!
I got the same Marin Alcatraz a while ago. Last year I set it up. I haven't mounted the smaller front chainring yet (a 22T with integrated bashguard from Extention, it has Truvativ mount holes, it's there waiting), I did try some "street" (as far as my skills go...) though and I have two main problems with the setup and that is: the Magura MT7 Pro never felt strong enough (despite good bleeding, they just don't lock enough for my trial taste), and another major problem is that since in trial you block the rear wheel, the rear brake caliper will like to "slide" on the frame mount. Since the bike has horizontal dropouts, the brake mount is not a post mount but (I think) what is called International Standard (2 unthreaded holes) because naturally with the different chain tensions / length the wheel would be more or less forward, so that kind of elongated hole would allow the brake calieper to be centered on the rotor...well that means the caliper after a while could get loose and "slide" along the frame holes....no matter how tight you put it (also scary to brake the mount if you tighten too much). You know what I mean?
Oh interesting! I'm about to swap out the Maguras on here for Hayes Dominions. I've never been a big fan of horizontal dropouts for trials, either, but this one has been holding up so far (I think because I have it slammed so far into the dropouts).
What I've been waiting for, I use a DJ bike for Trials (NS Bikes)and to commute.
I was wondering about the gearing and a good compromise for trials and just regular riding.
I still haven't found the perfect gearing though. As you said it's harder to get that instant torque, from stationery.
How is it with those Diety bars, Is it easier to ollie?
Great episode cheers 👍
Thanks! Glad you liked it! I prefer that 22:18 for 26" wheels, I don't mind a few extra pedals to get up to speed. I would maybe test up to 16t in the back, but beyond that might start getting a little too heavy for trials-specific movement.
Deity Highside bars are my favorite, I prefer the 80mm rise version, they give me the most control on bunnyhops and overall handling of the bike.
@@SuperRiderTV Thanks, its great to get advice from a pro cheers Aaron 👍
@@SuperRiderTV Its about time for me to pluinge int that pricepoint and get a pair of Diety Bars
I'm considering going for a DJ for street/BMX-y riding and commuting but I'm unsure. How's your experience been commuting on yours??
Oh BTW forgot to mention...maybe you already saw his videos but there is a well skilled guy on youtube (james barton) that did the same thing I wanted to do myself...which is: have two gears on a dirt jumper, one for street trials and one for other riding (jumps or skatepark or even just city). He can do that by having two cogs in the back and using a trialtech chain tensioner...but WE are out of luck because the Marin Alcatraz does not have a rear derailleur hole, so can't mount that tensioner...with a tensioner mounted, you would be able to manually switch gears when needed (like get to trial location with hard gear -> switch to trial gear for some trials). I'll check if you come up with a similar solution for the Marin (I even thought of putting a Hammerschmidt gear drive in the front but that would not be good for trials I believe, also could wear very quick because of pedal kicks).
Huge fan of James Barton, he rules!
The majority of dj's use 10x135 rear hub widths and axles. Yes, some use bmx standard, which is 110 width or something like that, but in that case you wouldn't be able to add multiple gears, anyways. So, assuming you have the typical 10x135 hub, you can then get a 10mm threaded axle that is long enough to then add a derailleur hanger that bolts on to the end of the axle. Simply do a google search for "bolt on derailleur hanger" and you'll see there are options. Then, you're able to add a tensioner or derailleur. If a derailleur the older Shimano Dura Ace or 105 derailleurs are beautifully light at about 195 and 210 grams, respectively. Or thereabouts. A simple tensioner should be lighter.
I put MAGURA mt7 on my Dartmoor 26player front and back, and then I switched out the rear sprocket for a 16 tooth (from 10), It's not as easy to pedal as my Hex but it makes for a very fun and weird street DJ with semi trialsy capabilities, since it can still ride pretty well around town :D
That sounds perfect! I love having a bike that can do more than one thing - mixing it all up as we ride.
Hi!
Do you use a speed link for the chain? I would like to try and change often the set up which is easier with speed link but is that ok to do trial with that kind of link?
I do have one on here - I’m using a KMC chain, and it’s been fine so far!
You’ve created a monster! 😳🔥
Can’t wait to take this monster outside!
Haha shinpads! OMG Yep, worked that one out on my own unfortunately. My advice would be to go to sports shop grab the cheapest, largest pair of football (soccer) shinpads you can find. Don't by the correct size for your feet as they won't come up far enough on your shins. (...and since I bought them I haven't had another shin-dig so they obviously just work as lucky charms). Best £7 ever.
I buy kids size for shins, fit under jeans really well!
Lucky charms for sure! It seems like whenever I wear shinpads, I never hit them - and whenever I forget them, it's open season! Haha
This is awesome. I'm going to do this to my dirt jumper for the winter. What stem length do you recommend?
Longer/steeper stem will help with the leverage, I think I had a 90mm x 35 degree on here? But even without the stem, you'll still be totally fine.
May I ask, if:
1. What if I would only change the rear chainring from 14 to 28? From 34/14 to 34/28? This would be equivalent to the 22/18 ratio, and then there is no need to change the front chainring that saves up some cost.
2. If I would like to have a street trial bike, that I could use also as a regular bike for faster speeds, do you have an idea how this could be achieved? E.g. instead of having a complete MTB rear wheel with 10 speeds, is it possible to add only 2 or 3 rear chainrings (e.g. a 28 for trial and an 9 or 11 tooth for speed) with a light rear derailleur?
Thanks
Absolutely - back in the day the competition rules for trials would require us to have five working gears, so you can definitely have a derailleur and gears. I think as long as you can get close to that 22/18 ratio, you'll be fine, too. The reason I did it was so I could have a bashring to cover the front sprocket, but you could also get a One Up bashguard that attaches to your ISCG tabs - and that would do the same job.
Hey, i know all your sidehop tutorials, is there any chance you could do one for the 2 wheels one showing the motion and at the same time filming the motion of your hand on the rear brake to see the exact timing? I can't get enough of sidehop tutorials even if you have many👍
Absolutely - are you in our Discord group? We do a ton of technique stuff in there, I think you’ll get a lot of value out of being in the group. (It’s free - link is in the description of this video..)
@@SuperRiderTV I am not but I am joining now👍 thanks
Excellent video
I have a question about the Marin Alcatraz frame, is it possible to use it with an aluminum rigid fork for street riding?
Greetings
I think it should be fine?
Simple but effective mods. Nice one! 😎👍
Easy to swap it back and forth when you get the gear ratio right! :)
Honestly such a sick setup, it looks like such a blast for street riding! Great video!
Thanks! Let's ride it when this weather clears up!!
I’m going to convert my DJ right away…Thanks for this timely vid so quickly on the heels of my recent query to you about this exact topic on IG Aaron!! Dan.
Perfect timing! Have fun!! There are a ton of trials-specific tutorials on this channel, you’re in the right spot!
The trials bike has a fork with zero offset, whereas the DJ has offset, what effect does this have on the performance? Thanks.
Most trials techniques are happening with the front wheel in the air, so the offset shouldn't really make much difference. The suspension fork itself definitely gives a different feel to the bike in general, but it didn't take too much to adjust to it.
What about the fork air pressure? Pump it up more than normal?
Oh yeah, nearly locked out (unless I'm sending a bigger drop) - just enough to take the edge off.
What stem would you recommend for this conversion? I have a pair of DB8's or MT5's i may throw on my dj, but idk anything about trials parts.
I do have 80 mm rise 35mm bars on a 35mm stem. Would that be enough height?
Would 24t/14t be a good enough gear ratio? Or would I need to go smaller? My dj is still gonna be my skate park, pumptrack bike
That bar should be perfect for the bike - I was on the fence about leaving my 35mm stem on there, which I think will be totally fine. The one I put on is great for trials specific stuff, but might actually limit me on the "street" stuff.
For the gear ratio, and listening to how you'll likely ride it, I think the bar and gear ratio you're suggestion would be just right for it. The gearing might be a little heavy for trials-specific, but it won't prevent you from doing trials skills on it by any means.
@@SuperRiderTV sweet! Thanks man!
Thats super cool!
Thanks!! Glad you approve! 🙌
one more step in the conversion is that most dirt jumpers come with out a front brake. i had to buy an over priced matching one.
Ah, good point! This one came with one, but you’re right…most don’t come with a front brake. Great thing to consider!
Hello! could you tell what width of handle bar did u use? seems like 800
760mm, it’s a Deity Highside bar (80mm rise)
Loved this! 🤘
Thank you! Excited to give this bike a proper test!
Why not make it a fixed gear so you can ride backwards as well? 😇🤓 I used to ride fixed gear bikes, but I've sold them and am now looking for a versatile street bike. I want something I can have fun with, jump down stairs, and hop over things in the city-basically an off-road-in-the-city type of fun bike.
What bike should I consider? 🤔 Let me know your suggestions. I've been looking at larger BMX bikes like the WTP Atlas 24 inch and the WTP Avenger 27.5 klunker bikes.
Today, I found the Specialized Dirt Jumper bikes, specifically the P2 and P3 models.
Do you have any suggestions for a bike that can handle the urban environment, be nimble like a BMX, and still be loads of fun while travelling through the city where you like to sit down on the seat sometimes and other times not?
Thanks from Stockholm!
You can't call a shin-dig a badge of honor until the scar can roll a BB around in it 😂 You have once again reminded me that I need to get some real pads. Recommendations?
DJ with low (trials) gearing works well enough, not perfect but very good.
Definitely enough to get the job done - I'm curious to see how far I can push this bike!
So since I'm in America, in Texas, and tarty bikes or web cyclery isn't right up the road from me. I have to say that from when I started trials, about the same time you did, the barrier to enter into the sport was non existent because stock trials was a thing and they required gears. So any kid who got hold of a regular 26 inch mtb could throw on a crud buster and a rock ring, probably an affordable rise bar for way les then the cost of the crankset you just casually tossed on there. Not only is that more intimidating than it used to be, most bike shop people will completely disregard your silly trials requests, at first with arrogance because they think you're a fool, and later with something different because you can side hop a picnick table without clip in pedals. But getting to that point in a country where kids aren't doing trials comps as casually as soccer or baseball games, makes that a long a lonely journey. One in which unlike your experience, one could ride at a high level into adulthood and never be able to afford the road trip to enter a competition. So for me "street trials" is the only trials that exists. Im not sure who said it, but upon measuring Einstein's brain and analyzing it to see what made him special, it was observed that we should be more interested in how many others were buried without ever having an opportunity to express their genius.
I personally would be way more interested in seeing you find a scrap yard bike and find a way to do trials on that. Without tapping your stable of bikes that cost way more than most kids first car, or box of parts that has every niche item you could possibly need to slap together a trials bike in a 15 minute video.
Congratulations on getting sponsored though. Good job.
Scrap yard bike trials could be super fun!
My main reason for putting this particular video together was to show a relatively easy way to turn one of the cheapest styles of bikes (dirt jumper) into a trials bike with really just a modification to the gear ratio. Other than that, basically nothing else needed to change, which hopefully lowers the barriers for some people who want to get into the sport.
@@SuperRiderTV I understand... But what about the kid who can only afford a huffy. Also... I'm doing this to an Eastern cromo bike right now... And because I don't have a trials parts stash anymore... I honestly would have been better off buying a complete bike. The Spanish BB alone threw me a curve ball that already cost more than I paid for the bike. 🤷
Back in the day I could buy an entry level mountain bike with a half decent frame and replace affordable detailers etc as needed... The rule changes in the sport appear to have dried up the market a bit. Necessity used to be the mother of invention. All I'm saying. 😂
At least seats are making a comeback.
@@davidbryanttrucking Oh, those spanish BBs are a headache. Oof. I've been seeing a fair bit of complete trials bikes up on PinkBike lately - lots of old Echo bikes finding new homes. Happy to see seats coming back, too!
@@SuperRiderTV yes Pinkbike did have some good deals. I was ironically trying to avoid a thousand dollar purchase for a 26" trials bike, hence the cromo dirt jump bike for less than 200. I'm definitely not ready to buy a 24" just so I can find out I hate it and have to repost it on Pinkbike. 😂 I did really like your 27.5 build video by the way. At 40 I'm pretty sure I'm to portly for tiny wheels. Not to mention what my spine would have to say about being hunchy on the back wheel all day. 😬
@@SuperRiderTV long story short. After I got out of the military as an 80% disabled vet, it took a while for me to be able to even attempt a trials move or a drop, I sold my mod and got a stock comp bike which was great, but then fell on hard times and had to sell ALL of my bikes. I had to start over which has gotten prohibitively expensive in the bicycle industry if you don't work in a shop, in my opinion, which I once did. I had to get jobs that paid a lot more to survive. Which is why I set out to just do what I did my whole childhood which is get second hand bikes from scrap yards or thrift adds and not have to order special parts. Unfortunately it's looking more and more like I'm going to have to make parts like the old days as well if I want to avoid being homeless... Again.
I guess that's not a short story, but it is one that changed the way I perceive innovations in bike manufacturing. The exclusivity of these heavy price tags in a recession economy feels like the wrong direction and bad for cycling in general. Which shouldn't surprise me because the bike shops I worked in were more interested in selling bikes to triathletes (because their doctor's who by a new one every year), than they did catering to the vast majority of riders who were riding because they love to. I also don't want to see trials fade into obscurity a generation from now. If that's not going to happen it needs to be approachable, financially, not just skills wise.
I've been watching your channel for a while (this isn't my only UA-cam account) and I'm super stoked you're getting all the success you're getting now that you decided to send it and ride full time. It just also feels like us regular riders lost an ally in the process. I hope you at least end up on a demo team that introduces kids to the sport, but I'm wondering how they're going to get into it if they find out how much it costs. 😂 Street BMX is a cheap date, trials would also have to be if they want to continue pulling kids from that rider pool. Unfortunately BMX isn't a straight through transition to MTB anymore so the opportunity to influence them in that direction has dramatically decreased. They may know who Danny Mac is or Sam Pilgrim, but when they look up how much a base level inspired is their going to just keep buying tubes grips and chains until they have become disinterested in BMX and it's limitations.
I stopped when I started breaking frame's, so thank God for Hans Rey, and seeing you in the GT catalog put a relatable face to trials for younger me, so I knew I could continue to grow into the spot of trials... All I needed was cheap MTB. The price tag of that mod you use to ride was something younger me and his family could never afford without falling behind on the bills. It sucks to realize their are kids in this world more worried about the water and gas bill than some adults, but that's the reality we live in. And those kids need an escape. That's what "street trials" and MTB became for me. A way to escape, then a way to get around once I was on my own. Now it feels like an ex wife. Expensive, unavailable, and a part of me is somehow still interested in it, because of the kids. 😂
Hey, I love your videos, but today my left ear also wanted to hear the video :D
Thanks! Hmm, it seems ok in my headphones when I watch it…I wonder what happened. Is anyone else having this issue?
Can you turn a trials bike into a dirt jumper?
A street trials bike, yes - a competition trials bike, no. The bottom bracket height on a comp bike is crazy high and would dramatically impact your ability to hit the jumps. Street trials bike should work, though!
@@SuperRiderTV You should make a video turning a Street trials bike into a dirt jumper lol