TartyBikes : Inspired Element 26"

Reply from TartyBikes on 09/01/2012

Hi Scott - Generally speaking hydraulic brakes are the prefered choice for trials, although mechanical brakes can be set up to work well. Some riders do prefer the feel of mechanical brakes over hydraulic brakes, so it's down to personal preference to an extent. Avid's BB5 and BB7 brakes offer an equivalent power to most hydraulic disc brakes with the only "downside" being that they tend to require a little more maintenance compared to hydraulic models. The good thing with the Avid brakes is that spares are relatively cheap. For the rear, hydraulic brakes tend to be the norm, although with a good set of pads V-Brakes can work well too. If you decided to upgrade to hydraulic brakes that would be relatively straightforward - for the rear it would require the use of a Magura Evo 2 Brake Adaptor kit to fit a hydraulic rim brake (the frame doesn't have a disc mount, so it wouldn't be possible to use a rear disc brake), but for the front almost any type of brake should fit fine - either IS mount or post mount. Thanks, Mark

Reply from TartyBikes on 08/05/2012

Hi Benjamin - That's a difficult question to answer in all honesty. It depends largely on which style of riding you prefer, and your previous riding history. If you want to go for a more streety approach then the Inspired range are a good bet as they're designed almost exclusively for that style of riding. If you prefer the more out-and-out competition style of riding then a seatless bike like the Onza, Ozonys or Echo models would be best. Similarly, your riding background will play a part. If you're used to riding a BMX then generally a 20" or a 24" would be the best size to try. If you're used to riding either mountain bikes, motorbikes or mototrials bikes then a 26" bike will feel more comfortable for you. Thanks, Mark