24 vs 26 wheels for DJ and trials

[mntlion]

So I'm looking at a Rocky Flow or a rocky DJ for next year and I can get it in either 24 or 26" wheels.

This is not going to be a one bike to do it all, (I have a XC single speed and a cannondale prophet) but just a trials, DJ bike. I won't be riding DH on this, or huge drops (5 foot TOPS), and love the skinnys, and balancey stuff, more of the slow speed stuff and want to get into more dirt jumping.

standover is not an issue with either, 5'10" and 32 leg.

The flow has the same frame for both the 24 and 26 wheels

the DJ is horazontal drops, iscg mounts, and a der hanger so can be set up as almost anything.

flow dj
head angle 67 69
seat angle 71.5 71
chain stay 425mm 406-430
the rest of the stats are about the same.

So. should I go with the flow or the DJ, and with 24 or 26 wheels

[slushed]

If you want to compete in trials you will need 26's. Otherwise i'd defiantly go 24's. Stronger and lighter, accelerate faster and turn quicker. All good things for dj/trials.

Make sure you have an easy way of getting tyres for them though, some shops don't stock a good range of 24's.

[Dromond]

If you want to compete in trials you will need 26's. Otherwise i'd defiantly go 24's. Stronger and lighter, accelerate faster and turn quicker. All good things for dj/trials.

Make sure you have an easy way of getting tyres for them though, some shops don't stock a good range of 24's.

Seconded. 24" makes so much more sense for that stuff. Just don't put stupid huge tires on it.

[mntlion]

no problem for the tires, I work in a store and can order what I want

wont be competing, just learning and having fun

So Part 2.
the flow frame is the same for both the 24 and 26 (so it will have the same wheel base on both) The DJ has adjustable dropouts. Go that way too?

[MoNtY]

Well im not sure how far into the sport of trials you want to go, but a buddy of mine is selling a virtually bran spanking new 2005 Monty 231 X-Lite stock disk frame, fork and headset for 500$. MOre info here:
http://vpfree.pinkbike.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=104340

But it wouldn't be the best dirtjumper due to the geo, but they work not bad.

[slushed]

If you go for the horizontal dropout, you'd probably need to use a bolt up axle, qr's tend to slip if you case a lip.

Your call on wheather you thing that the adjustability is worth it.

Are you ever thinking of using it single speed? (with different cogs for dj/trials obviously) ?

[mntlion]

Are you ever thinking of using it single speed? (with different cogs for dj/trials obviously) ?

not sure, I like having the option of that?

what about the differnce in angles between teh flow and DJ ?

[slushed]

Re: the angles, probably best to go the Dj, although there isn't going to be a huge difference either way.

Something to be aware of if you plan on doing lots of trials is that both these frames appear to be disc only, and there used to be problems with the forces gemerated riding trials snapping frames and stuffing up calipers. There are now discs designed for trials and most trials frames (that i've seen) have an additional gusset near the rear disc mount. I don't really know how necessary these are though, you might be fine.

steeper head angle will be better for trials. also shorter tt, lower seat tube, more standover etc. none of that shoud detract form Dj ability

[mntlion]

cool
sounds like I order a flow 3 with 24's and a DJ frame, then swap parts and sell the flow frame.

thanks guys