Dirt jump bikes are making a revival as more people enjoy the thrill of this type of riding, but what are the best bikes for jumping?
Whether you are new to the sport, or an experienced jumper, there are many things to ponder as you search for a new bike. Dirt jump bikes borrow heavily from their BMX and mountain bike counterparts, with bigger wheels, refined suspension, and disc brakes. Consider them the love child of BMX and mountain biking. Since a lot of their time is in the air, twisting and turning around, the bike must be able to withstand the punishment of tricks and landing. The last thing you want to do is buy a bike that doesn’t fit your needs, or worse yet, doesn’t help you stick a landing after somersaulting through the air. What makes a good jump bike? What should you look for when selecting one? Are dirt jump bikes able to handle daily street driving as well? These bikes consistently score high reviews.
The best bikes for dirt jumping are:
Specialized P3
- NS Movement 1
- DMR Sect
- GT La Bomba Pro
- Canyon Stitched 360
- Marin Alcatraz
- Commencal Absolut RS Dark Slate
You enjoyed BMX as a kid, but now you’ve graduated to dirt jumping, which means purchasing a bike specially made for dirt jumping. Even though you enjoy the thrill of getting air and twirling around over a double jump, you want a bike you can depend on. But you don’t want to spend a fortune. You could be in serious trouble if the bike doesn’t fit well or lacks the right suspension. Broken collarbones, sprained wrists and twisted knees are frequent occurrences in this kind of riding, and a good bike can go a long way to keep those things from happening.
So, let's explore the world of dirt jumping and see if we can’t make some recommendations as to which bikes are the best.
What Are the Best Bikes for Dirt Jumping?
Many dirt jump enthusiasts custom-make their bikes, fashioning the suspension and the fit to exactly what they want. Even so, there are a lot of good contenders in the dirt bike competition out there. Here are some choices that consistently lead reviewers' lists.
NS Movement 1
The Movement 1 is the experienced veteran on the track. Since its introduction in 2015, this Polish bike has been setting the standard for dirt bikes, primarily because of the company's intense dedication to what they do best. While other companies produce many products to widen their nets and capture more revenue, NS Bikes knows its niche is providing bikes to a narrow market set. The company does an excellent job of continually listening to its riders and incorporating evolutions to refine its offerings. The NS Movement 1 is a solid bike with fantastic capabilities.
With a lightweight alloy frame, Marzocchi Bomber Z2 suspension, and a proper rear disc brake from Shimano, the NS is quick and agile both in a run to the jump, but it floats effortlessly while in the air. The bike has been specially built for the dirt/slopestyle circuit and will convey control and stability with the Marzocchi suspension. As most DJs know, the easier the landing, the less squirrely the bike is. (It is important not to have your teeth rattle out of your mouth when you and your bike come back to earth). While the bike is not the most expensive, it isn’t cheap, either. However, despite the cost, this is a solid bike that can take the punishment of crashes as you expand your toolbox of tricks.
Price - $1400
Positives: (The reasons to consider it)
- Tough - well built to take the punishment
- Lightweight Alloy Frame - easy to carry
- Suspension Fork decent - absorbs impact
- Rear Disc Brakes - good stopping power
- Good solid bike for dirt riders
Negatives (The reasons to look elsewhere)
- A fairly expensive bike that means serious cash
Specifications:
- Frame - NS bikes AL6061 - aluminum alloy
- Forks - Marzocchi bomber
- Front Brake - Tektro MD - M280 Aries
- Rear Brake - Shimano MT410
- Rim Size - 26 in
- Weight - 11.3 kg (25 lbs)
For more information - check out the manufacturer's website.
DMR Sect
DMR has been producing dirt, mountain bikes, and their components for 25 years. In 1995, Damien and Matt Racing began with the introduction of flat pedals (a first for mountain biking).
Over the years, the company has branched into producing other components and bikes for dirt jumpers and mountain bikers everywhere. They are a solid company based in the UK, making many dirt bikes and other MTB components.
The best thing that DMR has going for it is geometry. With a lower back and a 69-degree slope to the frame, this bike is ideal for tricks, flips, and spins. The chromoly frame is a sturdy and rigid hardtail (meaning that the bike is made from one frame with suspension for the front and rear wheels). Even though it is offered in only one size, most riders should be able to find a fit with the DMR. Braking is sharp and accurate, with Tektro brakes both front and rear. The 26-inch wheels and tires with their cobblestone tread offer good grip on the dirt track, but a few reviewers found them less amiable when used in a street park. The one size offers beginners an excellent way to start learning the sport (mainly if you aren’t sure if dirt jumping is for you). So, if you are new to the sport, consider the DMR Sect.
Price - $1000
Positives: (The reasons to consider it)
- 69 degree - hardtail
- Lightweight chromoly frame -
- Suspension Fork decent - absorbs impact
- Tektro Brakes front and rear
- Less Expensive than Competitors
- Good solid bike for beginners
Negatives (The reasons to look elsewhere)
- None worth mentioning
Specifications:
- Frame - DMR 4130 chromoly
- Forks - Marzocchi bomber
- Front Brake - Tektro MD - M275 160 mm
- Rear Brake - Tektro MD - M275 160 mm
- Rim Size - 26 in
- Weight - 13.5kg (29.76 lbs)
For more information - check out the manufacturer's website.
GT La Bomba Pro
GT Bikes started in 1972 when professional drag racer and welder extraordinaire Gary Turner made a new frame for his son, Craig, to use on the BMX circuit. The frame was made of chrome-moly tubing (the same to hold drag racers together), and it became a hit. In 1980, GT Bikes (the GT stands for Gary Turner if you hadn’t figured that out yet) launched its first bike, the GT Pro. Since then, they have grown and acquired other cycling companies and have tagged their name to several BMX and mountain biking teams that Nike officially sponsors.
The La Bomba Pro is a modified BMX bike that many DJs have found to be excellent for their needs. Borrowing their extensive knowledge of BMX everything, the GT sports 26-inch wheels and a frame of 6061-grade aluminum. Don’t let the aluminum frighten you. The La Bomba Pro has a center tube that has been strengthened to better absorb the shock of the landing. Along with the Manitou Circus Fork with Rebound Adjust, which allows for the rider to find a comfort level they like, is a big plus. The settings on the fork are easily adjusted via a knob control. Angled at 68.5 degrees, the rider sits low in the back end and reaches precisely what you want from a good dirt bike. While the bike is not the least expensive, it is good for the money.
Price - $1475
Positives: (The reasons to consider it)
- 68.5-degree angle-
- Lightweight aluminum frame -
- Adjustable Fork decent
- Promax Hydro Disc Brakes Tektro
- Moderately priced - toward the high end
- Great BMX History and name recognition
Negatives (The reasons to look elsewhere)
- None
Specifications:
- Frame - 6061 Aluminum
- Forks - Marzocchi bomber
- Front Brake - Promax Hydro Disc, 160/160mm Rotors
- Rear Brake - Promax Hydro Disc, 160/160mm Rotors
- Rim Size - 26 in
For more information - check out the manufacturer's website.
Canyon Stitched 360
The Canyon Bike is a market-leading manufacturer with great success selling its bikes online directly to consumers worldwide. Founded in 1985 by a pair of brothers, Frank and Roman Arnold, the company is located in Koblenz, Germany, (which affords them lots of opportunities to test the Mountain and Trail Bikes they make in real-life conditions). Because there is no middle man or bike shop to mark pricing, the factory can offer bicycles slightly less than other competitors and use higher-end equipment. The bike uses a Manitou Circus fork to absorb jumps and a light aluminum frame with a RaceFace crank. Even though you might not expect it, the frame is durable and built for punishment. However, a bit heavier, the RaceFace cranks do an excellent job of providing stiffness. The company offers two different wheelbases, Long and short (the long wheelbase is best suited for taller riders who need an extra extension, while the short help riders who might be more inclined to street or slope/style. With a dedicated hardtail or a full-suspension model offered, a DJ should be able to find the right bike to meet their needs. Canyon guarantees the perfect fit, which includes installation support to help ease customers' fears that they will be on their own during assembly.
Price - $1099
Positives: (The reasons to consider it)
- 68.5-degree angle-
- Lightweight aluminum frame -
- Manitou Circus Fork
- Great Online Service and Reputation
- Very reasonably priced
- German Engineering
- Good balance provides a better ride and more control.
Negatives (The reasons to look elsewhere)
- If you can live with the online purchase - no other issues
Specifications:
- Frame - 6061 Aluminum
- Forks - Manitou Circus Fork
- Front Brake - SRAM FR5, 2-piston mechanical disc,
- Rear Brake - SRAM Level T, 2-piston hydraulic disc,
- Rim Size - 26 in Maxxis tires
For more information - check out the manufacturer's website.
Marin Alcatraz
Marin has been producing bikes since 1986, and this nameplate has steadily risen in quality and innovation. The company's theme is simple; just to make all kinds of off-road biking fun. Marin bikes are made in Marian County in California, and they like to name their bikes after towns, cities, and various locations nearby (Hence the name Alcatraz).
Even though Marian has a long history, the Alcatraz is a relatively new offering. Despite being the rookie on the DJ circuit, this bike is one of the most liked bikes on the market today, the recipient of many favorable owner reviews. The All-New Series 3 6061 Aluminum Frame is strong enough to handle the punishment that DJs are known to inflict but light enough to get serious air. Braking is firm, with Tektro 275M on both the front and rear. The Manitou Circus fork is adjustable, and the bike is offered in two sizes; long and short. This bike was rated an 87 out of 100 on bikeride.com's review of the top bikes for jumping.
Price - $1579
Positives: (The reasons to consider it)
- Killer Paint Job
- Lightweight aluminum frame -
- Manitou Circus Fork
- Very reasonably priced
- Good balance
Negatives (The reasons to look elsewhere)
- This is not a bike built for anywhere but dirt jumping or slopestyle.
Specifications:
- Frame - 6061 Aluminum
- Forks - Manitou Circum Fork
- Front Brake - Tektro M275 hydraulic
- Rear Brake - Tektro M275
- Rim Size - 26 in Maxxis tires
For more information - check out the manufacturer's website.
Commencal Absolut RS Dark Slate
After years of working for SUNN bikes (a BMX maker), Max Commencal decided to venture out and start his own company. Starting with just a couple of models, in 2005, the company launched the Meta, their flagship bike, for over 15 years. The Absolut has taken what the company has learned over the years and top integrated components in a practical bike that gets the job done.
Although the bike is the most expensive on the list at over $2200, many dirt jumpers are ponying up for the extras. This bike has a Rockshox PJ fork and SRAM GUIDE T - 4 piston disc brakes, allowing the rider maximum control. The company has an outstanding reputation for being environmentally friendly, rejecting carbon frames for aluminum due to concerns about exposure (both to employees and nature). This is a bike for serious riders, and the dedication to detail is well - warranted. The bike uses BillyBonkers tires which roll more quickly with less resistance. Overall, the bike handles well and gets plenty of air.
Price - $2200
Positives: (The reasons to consider it)
- High-Quality Components
- Lightweight aluminum frame -
- RockShox PJ fork
- Multiple sizes - make a kid's version
- Good balance
Negatives (The reasons to look elsewhere)
- Expensive.
Specifications:
- Frame - 6061 Aluminum - Triple butted
- Forks - Manitou Circum Fork
- Front Brake - Tektro M275 hydraulic
- Rear Brake - Tektro M275
- Rim Size - 26 in BillyBonkers tires
For more information - check out the manufacturer's website.
Specialized P3
If you want to purchase from a company made of riders who simply get the passion dirt jumpers have, Specialized is the bomb. Since 1974, the company has been making quite the name for itself among riders, and while the company has pared back its offerings in recent years, the P3 is still an excellent bike. The only caveat is if you want to spend the money for it. This company believes in giving back by sponsoring youth bicycling programs and helping provide bikes to underprivileged youth. (Frankly, that is the company I want to purchase from).
The bike is a hardtail freestyler that features an all-black badass appearance. The minute it pulls up to the track, it screams intimidation. The bike has a Specialized A1 premium aluminum frame with fully butted tubing. The fork is RockShox Pike DJ 26", with plenty of give to absorb even the highest landings. The company sells the frame alone, allowing serious DJs to customize their bikes as they wish. Specialized P - series bikes have been good sellers for years, and this is a company that, instead of diluting their quality, made the tough decision to focus on the stuff they were good at. Here is a hope to Specialized bringing back more than one model sometime soon.
Price - $2200
Positives: (The reasons to consider it)
- High-Quality Components
- Lightweight aluminum frame -
- RockShox PJ fork
- Only One Offering
- Good balance
Negatives (The reasons to look elsewhere)
- Expensive.
Specifications:
- Frame - 6061 Aluminum - Triple butted
- Forks - Manitou Circum Fork
- Front Brake - SRAM Level T, hydraulic disc, 160mm
- Rear Brake - SRAM Level T, hydraulic disc, 160mm
- Rim Size - 26
For more information - check out the manufacturer's website.
Scott Voltage YZ 0.1
There is only one word to describe the Scott sports company - innovation. The company is responsible for making all kinds of safety gear and components for skiing, motocross, and mountain biking. From helmets to the first to introduce a carbon frame mountain bike, the company keeps putting out stuff.
The Voltage is a glorified mountain bike, but that’s not bad. It’s a basic, simple, uncomplicated bike. One speed. A simple 6061 Alloy frame and Tektro HDM 275 disc brakes. The ride is refined, and the Kenda tires have easy rolling resistance. Dirt jumpers could do a lot worse.
Price - $1649
Positives: (The reasons to consider it)
- High-Quality Components
- Basic aluminum frame -
- X Fusion Dj fork
- Winning Reputation
- Good balance
Negatives (The reasons to look elsewhere)
- Only One Size
Specifications:
- Frame - 6061 Aluminum - Triple butted
- Forks - X Fusion Dj fork
- Front Brake - Tektro HDM 275
- Rear Brake - Tektro HDM 275
- Rim Size - 26
For more information - check out the manufacturer's website
What are the Most Important Things To Consider When Buying a Jumping Bike?
So many technical specs can stress out even the most experienced dirt jumpers. Finding the right bike can thrill you, and the wrong bike can bring you down in a heap; bruised, battered, and bleeding. If you need some help, here are a few things to ponder.
The Frame
The frame concerns how the bike fits your body type. Taller riders will want a longer distance between the center of the tube that holds the seat to the tube that holds the handlebars, also called the top tube. Many bike shops have guides that you can use to assess whether a long tube or short tube is better.
Most frames used in dirt jumping are made from aluminum alloy or chromoly steel. The aluminum tends to be lightweight but stiffer, while the chromoly version combines carbon, aluminum, and titanium, making for a heavier feel and a smoother ride.
The Fork
A bike for dirt jumping is made for jumping, meaning that what goes up must come down. A strong fork is where the bike’s suspension is designed to absorb the impact of your weight and the weight of the bike hitting the ground. Most forks have adjustments that the rider can make to help with impact.
The Wheels and Tires
A dirt jumping bike is only as good as its wheels. Because the bike lands on its wheels (at least we hope it does), the spokes of the rim and the tires will take some abuse. Typically, most dirt jumpers use tires with a minimal amount of tread to provide minimal rolling resistance. In addition, the tires for beginning students should be tubed. The reason is that many dirt jumpers run the tires above the recommended psi to soften the landing and better absorb the impact. You also want to ensure that you are getting a quality tire and are keeping a close eye on the pressures. A low tire can mean the difference between sticking the landing and flying over the handlebars. Pay attention to the number of spokes (the more, the better) because you want a wheel that is built sturdy enough to handle the tumbles that come with this sport. (Hint: everybody crashes, but that’s part of the fun, isn't it?)
The Budget Matters
Dirt jumping bikes can get pricey, but that’s not always bad. Many higher-priced models use quality components, and companies have been making these kinds of bikes for decades. That is great if you can afford to purchase one of the stellar models. By all means, go for it. Yet, it is essential to realize that several moderately-priced alternatives can deliver quality performance. Many serious dirt jumpers prefer to buy a frame and custom-build their bikes.
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