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Jump Bikes
As more BMXers began to ride mountain bikes and more MTBers wanted to perform
ever more extreme and more BMX-like tricks a specific style of bike was
developed to suit.
Jump bikes blend the simplicity and smaller frame of BMX’s with the rough ground capabilities of mountain bikes.
The result is a small, tough framed bike with either 24” or 26” wheels. The
types of components can vary hugely with anything from single speed, single
brake, rigid forked, steel framed 24” wheel bikes, like the popular
DMR
Transition all the way through to aluminium, suspension framed, disc brake
and suspension fork equipped, 9 geared, 26” wheel bikes, like the
Kona Bass.
The more MTB style jump bikes (like the Kona Bass) are also used as and
sometimes referred to as 4 Cross bikes. 4X is similar to BMX racing but with a
maximum of 4 riders at a time racing on a beefed up, more off-road style course
of jumps, berms and sometimes rocky sections. The bikes used for this are
usually lighter weight, geared jump bikes with suspension forks with 100-150mm
travel. Very few ‘off the peg’ 4X bikes are available so most people simply use
the MTB style jump bikes like the
Charge Blender and
Kona Bass.
Bikes like the
DMR
Transition and
Diamond Back Bandito SS are closer to the BMX end of the
spectrum and their use reflects this as they are used everywhere that BMX’s are;
dirt jumps, skate parks and street (urban riding). Their BMX-like simplicity
makes them tougher and harder wearing.
These bikes are tough but not invulnerable and as with any type of cycle they
will withstand their intended use but not ab-use and will need to be maintained
like any other type of cycle.
In general, both dirt jump and urban bikes are small and beefy hardtails with
tough components that can take the abuse of jumping ramps, skate parks, urban
walls, ledges and concrete blocks.
Jump bikes typically have suspension forks with varying lengths of travel
between 80-130mm depending on the rider's style. These forks are similar to
mountain bike forks but are generally stronger with thicker posts. Riders that
do more urban or skate park riding often like shorter travel forks, while riders
that like to 'huck' and do huge gap jumps often like longer travel forks, but it
really doesn't matter as long as they are strong.
These bikes can be used with 24" or 26" wheels, although some frames are made
specifically for one or the other. These bikes are often ridden as single speeds
bikes for simplicity but again some come with gears depending on the rider's
preference. Usually frames are specially designed to run either with or without
gears and cannot switch between the two.
Many top riders have now become professional athletes and perform stunts and
jumps in events and competitions all over the world.
Prices range from around £200 to £1500
