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If you're new to cycling and want to learn more about the different disciplines of mountain biking, you've come to the right place. Today, we're introducing you to mountain biking trials.
What is mountain biking trials
The VTT trial (also called trial) consists of crossing obstacles, natural or artificial, divided into five zones in an allotted time. Only the bike's tires are allowed to rest on the ground: if a part of the body is used to support the bike, the biker is penalized. Each obstacle successfully completed earns points. The ranking is determined by the number of points scored by each competitor.
The best mountain bike trials competitors compete each year at the world championships, which have existed since 1986 in the 20-inch category and since 1995 for the 26-inch category.
The mountain bike trials track record
In the men, in the 20-inch trials bike world championships, the top spot in the list of winners is held by the Spaniards, who have won twenty titles in thirty-five editions. The most titled of them is Benito Ros Charral with 8 gold medals.
In the category 26 inches, the French have won fifteen of the twenty-four editions. The most titled of them is Gilles Coustellier with five titles of world champion of the discipline.
What equipment to practice mountain biking trial?
You can start learning trial tricks with any mountain bike, but to go further or participate in competitions, you need to buy a specific bike. There are two models: the trials bike (with 20-inch-diameter wheels) and the trials mountain bike (with 26-inch wheels).
There are common specifics between the two models: low seat, rigid front fork, long wheelbase, single gear, freewheel, powerful brakes, flexible wheel rods, raised bottom bracket, wider handlebars and an ultra-light bike.
With the risk of falls present in trials mountain biking, it is mandatory to wear a bike helmet during training and competition.
Now that you know all about mountain bike trials, how about doing the same with other mountain bike disciplines like downhill, marathon downhill, enduro mountain biking, all-mountain mountain biking, cross country, cross-country marathon, freeride, mountain biking, four cross, dual slalom, dirt, street mountain biking or slopestyle?
