Where are all the trials bikes?

[KLR Junkie]

Hello trials riders,

I'm looking to swap my dual sport for a trials bike this year. The dual sport is just too heavy and I've always preferred the tight, technical trail riding over the fast open sweepers that my riding buddies get all excited about so I figured why not lean into it and go with a trials bike. I'll probably still use it mostly for trail riding but at least this way, nobody will expect me to keep up with the full throttle bros.

I know it's early, but where are the trials bikes for sale? I think there's 1 used bike on Kijiji and maybe 2-3 on Marketplace in all of Ontario. I even joined a Faceballs group for trials bike for sale, but nobody's posted since 2024. I've tried going to a couple of trials association websites but they're full of dead links or links to shops that have stopped carrying trials bikes for whatever reason.

I'd prefer used for cost reasons but I could be persuaded to look at a new bike if the price isn't crazy.

Any thoughts on where to look?

Cheers
KLR(and possibly trials)Junkie

 

[GreyGhost]

@Wingboy is the most in tune with that group.

 

[oioioi]

@Wingboy is the most in tune with that group.

There was another member (Trials) but he left long ago.

 

[Wingboy]

"Canadian Trials Bikes for Sale" on Facebook is the place to go. Not everyone has Facebook tho. Check out kijjiji and Autotrader. Is you see a really nice bike out west, don't be afraid to ask about shipping. They can be packed very small. Lots of dealers in BC.

 

[Wingboy]

Langs Off Road. This is an AWESOME bike. I've owned two of them.
BETA EVO 200 2T 2019 - APPROVED USED – Lang's Off Road BETA EVO 200 2T 2019 - APPROVED USED

 

[mimico_polak]

This may be a very stupid questions...but are these bikes good for areas like the forests around Wasaga Beach (Simcoe Forests)? Or are those more for traditional off road bikes?

 

[Wingboy]

Trials bikes are for trials competition. They are not trail bikes.

 

[GreyGhost]

This may be a very stupid questions...but are these bikes good for areas like the forests around Wasaga Beach (Simcoe Forests)? Or are those more for traditional off road bikes?

You'd be better off with a dirt bike (or enduro) with a seat.

 

[xrljoel]

This may be a very stupid questions...but are these bikes good for areas like the forests around Wasaga Beach (Simcoe Forests)? Or are those more for traditional off road bikes?

Not a stupid question. In BC it appears people ride trials bikes on pretty tough trails as opposed to just closed course use. You'd be hard pressed to find such technical trails in Ontario to justify a trials bike for general off road use.
At the same time, Beta offers the X-Trainer (and the discontinued KTM Freeride 250) which is a hybrid trials/off road bike featuring accommodating ergo's, trials-like geometry, weight and power delivery with softer suspension. It seems to be positioned as a more casual off road bike for those who appreciate performance, maneuverability and light weight but don't want the hard edges of a competition-level machine for their purposes.

 

[Lightcycle]

Not a stupid question. In BC it appears people ride trials bikes on pretty tough trails as opposed to just closed course use. You'd be hard pressed to find such technical trails in Ontario to justify a trials bike for general off road use.

True.

Also good for beginner riders who don't need the suspension and ground clearance of an enduro. My friend is vertically challenged and really wanted the security of flat-footing both feet. Even the CRF230F was too tall for her, so she put a seat on a 4T trials bike and was happy to be able to ride trails with the rest of us. Super-light as well, so even more confidence-inspiring. We carry extra gas for her on longer rides because the tank range on the trials bike is pathetic.

She doesn't ride aggressively, but if she did, I would see brake and suspension wear to be an issue. Gearing would also be a problem if there are any fast, open stretches as her bike tops out at ~40 km/h.