Dirt jumpers are expensive because they're highly specialized bicycles occupying a small cycling niche. This combination results in fewer manufacturers (less competition) and low production volume. To cover their expenses and compensate for the low demand, producers charge more than one might expect.
Make the world your playground with the updated STP 26. A longtime favorite for dirt jumping, street shredding and whatever style you dream up, it's built on a lightweight, super-strong aluminum frame and quick, responsive 26-inch wheels.
Wheels are on the small side, being 24″ or 26″, making them light and agile. As jump bikes aren't required to stop quickly, they don't need powerful brakes, so expect to see lighter disc brakes or v-brakes. Similarly, gears aren't often needed, so there's no risk of damaging derailleurs or shifters.
A Jump bike stands at 44 inches tall and 69.3 inches wide. The wide-set handlebars measure 24.6 inches from end to end. It has an integrated basket, large enough to hold a backpack or a big bag of groceries.
An average dirt jumper with a reach of about 400mm/15.74″ and an effective top tube around 570mm-600mm/22.5″-23.5″ will fit most adults of average height just fine. If you are shorter than average, consider looking into frames with a 550mm/21.5″ effective top tube.
Can I trail ride on a dirt jumper bicycle? You can, but you wouldn't want to. Dirt Jumpers are heavy, have 1-gear, are inefficient for pedaling in both frame design and seat height, and don't have a front brake. They are specifically engineered for landing tricks and jumps.
If you'll be riding regularly, we recommend spending at least $900 on a dirt jumping bike. Anything less and you'll be constantly repairing the bike and replacing components. If you're a first-time buyer, you may be tempted to purchase a low-end bike and later upgrade the components as necessary.
Best dirt jump bikes
- DMR Sect. A great bike from a dedicated jump bike company.
- NS Movement 1. A premium dirt jumper from Poland.
- Specialized P3. Expensive but worth it.
- Pivot Point. American design with British tube tech.
- GT La Bomba Pro. Bomb those drops with this GT.
- Mongoose Fireball SS.
- Giant STP 26 SS.
- Canyon Stitched 360.
Condensed Answer: It's not recommended to convert BMX bikes into dirt jumpers because the changes to the geometry will be negative. You can make a 24″ or 26″ BMX look like a dirt jumper by putting a suspension fork on it, but in most cases, the handling of the bike will be poor.
If you are talking a straight DJ hardtail with a suspension fork, figure 30-32lbs as an average. A few things will affect that such as air or coil fork, lighter and/or smaller tires/tubes, CrMo or Aluminum, front brake, build etc. There are bikes that are 24lbs up to 40lbs. It depends really on the build.
Here are the best mountain bikes for pumptracks, dirt jumps and slopestyle.
- DMR Sect. The Sect is one of the more popular frames out there.
- Scott Voltage YZ 0.1. Scott Voltage YZ 0.1.
- Marin Alcatraz. Three words: Frames of Mind.
- Commencal Absolut Dirt.
- Santa Cruz Jackal.
- Canyon Stitched 720 Pro.
- NS Bikes Soda Slope.
To add gears to a dirt jumper, you will have to install a cassette on the rear wheel. This step is problematic because dirt jump rear wheels are designed for a single-speed drivetrain. As a result, the hubs do not have enough space to accommodate a cassette because the driver is too short.
If you're just starting out on your adventure on a single speed or fixed gear bike, a gear ratio of around 2.7-2.8 will be ideal.
Classic BMX gearing evolved over the years to be 44/16,which has 55 gear inches. The most popular gear ratios are pretty close to a 55 inch, which just seems to feel best for most people.
