“THE FUN FACTOR OUTWEIGHS ANY SHORTCOMINGS”
to a steady tickover once warm. Hoisting up the long gearchange lever and engaging first reveals a ratio that is considerably higher than the ultra-low ratios favoured for pre-65 trials these days, but that lovely soft power of the low compression engine heaves the bike along with no fuss. I dabble at some play trials, riding in a stream, before changing up into second to tackle the gentle uphill gradients of the rutted green lane. With tyre pressures still set high for the road, I’m not expecting mega grip or ultra-agile handling, but the bike is really enjoyable pottering about just for fun. For me, the ’bars are too low and the footrests too high and far forward for serious trials use, but the big jump between second and the top two ratios mean they’re pretty well suited for the rutted lane – and even for the road, as long as I don’t need to get anywhere in a hurry. On the tarmac, I’d want to sharpen the brakes up a little but, overall, the fun factor outweighs any of the Works Replica’s shortcomings. As a bike for tackling gentle green lanes in period style, it’s a great machine and – in its delightfully patinated condition – a wonderful looking machine. I probably wouldn’t want to tackle a moderately serious trial on it but would I have it in my shed for the period green lane experience? In a heartbeat.