2jc

OTF your right. I'm interested in the competition side, not show bikes. I guess I'm more concerned about being ripped off with so many stolen bikes out there. That said it may not be the case with the trials scene. I've never owned an off ride bike of any sort before before so it's all new to me. I'd been told before about the amount of stolen crossers around which was ringing in my ears. Anyway, thanks for your advice on the brake and gear levers, I dont know why I thought they were opposite way round? My budget is around a grand an would prefer something that needs work, but can be or is road regd. I've seen a few Ossa's and Bultaco's for around that so we'll see what happens. I assume prices are higher at this time of year? Thanks again.

Thanks Mark, I'll take a look for them, I spend quite a bit of time over the Bridge with friends in Barton and Barnetby etc, Can oddbod strangers without bikes turn up to your clubs trial events to ask stupid questions? I have quite a few!

Thanks very much for your responses Charlie and OTF. Charlie, your site looks great, i'll be doing some reading so thanks very much, I see your in banbury, do you do any competition or club riding around Banbury? I moved down to Banbury 18 months ago from yorkshire [am from essex though] but havent had much luck in finding many bike lads around here! I did get in touch with the Ixion club and thought I might try to get to one of thier trials events this winter. I had looked at the yorks classic site during my idle evenings browsing the twinshock trials scene, they look like fun events. OTF, I am a tinckerer, and I need something in my garage to play with since selling last bike. I am restoring an old 1976 Unimog 406 which is based in our workshop in Hull. That takes up quite a bit of my time [and money!] when I'm away from my family back here in banbury. I travel quite a bit for work too so time is sometimes an issue, I was in Thetford, Norfolk all day today! Just got back. So yes old stuff that needs faffing with is ideal for me, also the element of a bike which doesnt loose to much money appeals. I have to say that the Ossa MAR's and Grippers and Bultaco Serpa's do interest me, I like the style more, they look simple to work on and seem to lend themselves to tinckering and restoring. Thing is that it seems to be a bit of a mine field as far as getting a bike which is original [i'd also like a road registered bike if poss] with matching numbers etc. I'm a bit OCD when it comes to things being done right! I have noticed that Bultaco spares seem readily available and thats one reason I have been looking at them, the Ossa's too seem pretty good for spares. Am i right in thinking that the spainsh twinshock bikes have the gear and brake levers the opposite way round to modern bikes? Thanks again guys for your responses

Hi all, my names justin, and I'm new to trials. I'm thinking about having a go, and am interested in the classic and twinshock side of things. I'd love some advice from anyone as to the do's and dont's with trying and buying. I can see that there's loads of nice bikes out there ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand pounds. I've looked at Beamish, ossa mar and gripper, bultaco sherpa, montesa 247, etc etc. I've had road bikes most of my life, but last year ended up with 12 points so sold my last bike! I miss riding loads, and I fancy a go at something new. Would really appreciate some advice from anyone.