Dirt Jumping - What is it ?

Recently a new form of Mountain biking called dirt Jumping is the most recent biking craze to hit the scene.

Traditionally Dirt Jumping was always done on a BMX or in Freestyle bikes, however riders are now seeing a big increase in the usability of bikes with multiple gears or single speed and much bigger tires on seriously strong wheel rims. Much like the motor cross riders the dirt jumpers make their bikes fly, taking them to amazing heights and doing some very serious jumps and tricks, of course they do risk doing serious damage to the bikes and themselves if they mess up.

Back flips, X-ups, 360's, can cans, tail whips, no footers, no handers, one handers, whips, all of which are names of tricks that are very common on jumps big and small, riders have attempted back flips, front flips,  Of course Injuries happen with the Dirt Jumpers because of the incredible heights and air that they get when jumping.

Many dirt jumpers build their own jumps on plots of vacant land, building ramps and landers, table tops, quite often without the help of any sponsors or funding, riders of all skill levels can go and jump their bikes as the jumps are perhaps a little smaller, the larger sponsored courses have larger jumps, larger gaps, offering more scope and even more excitement for the watchers and the riders.

Dirt Jumping has become a great spectator sport. Because of its high flying tricks and massive media attention in the Xgames and other televised events, unlike XC mountain biking, dirt jumping is a very fast paced event that appeals very much to television media.

Check out the photos of some of the lads, Tom G, Matt G, Will, Nick and James on the next pages, you’ll get the idea

Dirt Jumping Bikes

Dirt Jumping Bikes are similar to Urban style bikes. They are usually hard tail, and smaller than mountain bikes. Dirt Jumping bikes are built with strong tubing, and very strong components that can withstand large drops. Most common frame manufacturers are now producing, frames specifically for dirt jumping. We are now seeing a different style of hub dropout, called a horizontal dropout made specifically to withstand impacts from jumping. Dirt Jumping frames also have replaceable dropouts because this is one area that breaks and is extremely difficult or impossible to replace on a traditional bike. Make sure you have a sturdy frame for dirt jumping and the size is usually about 2" smaller than your XC mountain bike, assuming that it is sized correctly. We recommend the Azonic Steelhead frame for entry level dirt jumping. It's a solid steel frame with all the features and a low price. It runs just over $200 for the frame. Its an awsome bike for an awsome price.

Dirt Jumping Forks

Dirt Jumping Forks are being made with large amounts of travel and solid axle through hub construction replacing the traditional quick release mountain bike hubs. This makes the wheel and the hub much stronger, and more resistant to breaking or damage. Most good fork manufacturers also make forks specifically for dirt jumping. We recommend Marzocchi, because they make great forks, and they keep their prices reasonable. Check out the Marzocchi Dirt Jumper 1.

Dirt Jumping Safety Gear

Since dirt jumpers commonly jump over 10 or even 15 feet in height, safety equipment is essential. A good quality helmet either full face or very good protection is needed. A standard MTB helmet, usually doesn't cut it. Gloves and Good firm Shoes are essential, and shin and elbow guards are a good idea as well. You can take some nasty falls dirt jumping, so don't push you limits too far, and don't try tricks that you have no chance of landing safely. This is especially true with inverted tricks like back flips, where even a slight mistake can cause a serious injury or death. If you don't know how to and you're not comfortable with it, then don't do it. And learn how to bail 'away from your bike' if things start to go wrong.