Dirt Jump Bike Buyers Guide

Purchasing a dirt jump bike can be a really big decision, particularly if you are someone who really enjoys this pastime. The right bike can give you a head start on the trails and it can also save you from many bumps and bruises along the way. If you are unsure about the bike that will suit your needs out on the open dirt road, you will most likely want to take some time to consider your needs. Here's our dirt jump bike buyers guide.

A Strong Fork

A strong fork is an integral facet of a dirt jumping bike because this sort of bike is made to be able to withstand abuse, and most bikes in this field will just have to. The experts at Vital MTB advise;

"As a test, approach the bike from the front and pinch the wheel between your legs. Grab the bars and turn them side to side a few times. A flexible fork (one that you can see twisting) should be avoided."

Don't worry about handling the bike in a rough manner; if you have to be too gentle, it is probably not right for the job.

Chain Retention

The retention of the chain is another important facet to consider, particularly if you are dealing with a single speed bike. You will want to ensure that there is a chain tensioner of some description on the dropouts. In those cases where the bike comes with gears, individuals might want to make sure that the bike has a chain guide located on the sprocket's front. These facets will ensure that an individual doesn't lose a chain as they are dirt jumping, since this can prove to be quite unfortunate.

Wheels

The wheels tend to be the trickiest facets of the bike to consider because they need to be really sturdy, especially in instances where an individual is still training on the bike. During this period, the bike will most likely be under a lot of strain, so sturdy wheels are a must. It might be a good idea for individuals to look for wheels with about 36 spokes. It is also recommended that riders keep their tires at 45 psi.

Frames

Most professionals will size their dirt jump bikes from the distance between the center of the seat tube to the center of the head tube, and it is more commonly known as the horizontal top tube length. Taller people will most likely want longer tubes. In order to find the perfect size for you, it is suggested that you turn to the sizing charts being offered by manufacturers. These will help riders pick out the bike frames that will suit them best. As the experts of Tredz explain;

"Usually frames are specially designed to run either with or without gears and cannot switch between the two."

This means that individuals will usually need to make a decision one way or the other and ensure that they are happy with it.

Frames are manufactured from a variety of materials, including aluminum and chromoly steel. The aluminum is the more affordable option between the two, but it is much stiffer than the alternative. The chromoly steel, on the other hand, is a lighter material that is manufactured from a combination of aluminum, titanium and carbon.

Choosing the right dirt jump bike isn't an easy task; in fact, it is something individuals will need to tackle after taking the time to consider all of their options. Anyone looking to be safe out on the dirt track will need to be able to trust the bike, and this means putting in the time and effort to ensure that he has picked the right one.