What is trials biking?
Trials biking — also known as bike trials, biketrial, trialsbike or bicitrial in Spanish — is a discipline of cycling built around balance and control instead of speed. Riders hop, pivot and jump their bike over obstacles without ever letting a foot touch the ground.
The many names for the same sport
One of the confusing things for newcomers is that trials biking goes by a handful of names depending on where you are:
- Trials / bike trials — the usual English names, short for “observed trials”.
- Biketrial / bike trial — widely used across Europe and by the international federation.
- Trialsbike / trial bike — refers both to the sport and to the bike itself.
- Bicitrial — the Spanish name (from bicicleta + trial). See our guide in Spanish.
They all describe the same thing: riding a specialised bike over obstacles using pure balance and technique.
The disciplines of trials
Natural trials
Riding on rocks, boulders and terrain out in nature — the original form of the sport and still the purest test of line-reading and grip.
Street trials
Using the urban environment — walls, stairs, rails, benches and gaps — as a playground. Street trials blends classic technique with a flowing, creative style.
Competition (observed trials)
The competitive format, governed by the UCI, where riders ride marked sections and lose points for putting a foot down (“dabs”). The rider with the fewest points wins.
Trials bikes: mod vs stock
A trials bike is stripped down and purpose-built for hopping and balance — typically no saddle, powerful brakes, a single low gear and a long, low frame. There are two main wheel sizes:
- 20" “mod” bikes — smaller and more nimble, popular for precision and technical moves.
- 26" “stock” bikes — larger wheels that roll over bigger obstacles, closer to a mountain bike feel.
How to get started
You don’t need a competition to enjoy trials — just a bike, a spot and some practice. Trialsbase brings the whole community into one place:
- Find a spot near you on the map — parks, natural rocks and street spots added by riders worldwide.
- Watch tutorials to learn track stands, hops and your first pedal-ups.
- Join a club or a ride to meet local riders — the fastest way to improve.
- Follow events and competitions to watch or take part.
Frequently asked questions
What is trials biking?
Trials biking is a discipline of cycling where riders hop, balance and jump a bike over obstacles — rocks, walls, pallets, rails — without putting a foot down. It rewards balance, precision and explosive control rather than speed.
Is biketrial the same as trials?
Yes. “Biketrial”, “bike trial”, “trials” and “trialsbike” all refer to the same sport. “Biketrial” is common across Europe, while English speakers usually say “trials” or “bike trials”.
What is bicitrial?
“Bicitrial” is the Spanish word for trials biking (from “bicicleta”). It is exactly the same sport as biketrial and bike trials, just the Spanish-language name.
What is a trials bike?
A trials bike is a lightweight bike built for hopping and balance, usually with no seat, powerful brakes and a low gear. The two main types are 20-inch “mod” bikes and 26-inch “stock” bikes.
How do I start trials biking?
Start by finding a spot near you, watching beginner tutorials, and practising track stands and small hops. Joining a local club or ride is the fastest way to improve — Trialsbase helps you find all three.
Ready to ride? Trialsbase is the knowledge base for the trials community — spots, clubs, rides, competitions and videos, all in one place.
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