How To Make A Mountain Bike Into A Dirt Jumper

A dirt jumper is a type of mountain bike that is designed to be ridden off-road.

The first step in converting a mountain bike into a dirt jumper is to buy or borrow a rear suspension fork. The next step is to install the suspension fork on the bike and then add some parts that will make it more suitable for riding off-road, such as an offset seat post and tires with large knobs for traction.

What’s the difference between a mountain bike and a dirt jumper?

Dirt Jump/Freestyle mountain bikes look similar to mountain bikes but usually have a rigid frame and a lower stand-over height, in order to keep the seat out of the way while performing tricks.^[1]

What dirt is best for MTB jumps?

The best materials for jumps “Good sub soils are the best for creating a lasting jump. Don’t use organic top soil or anything soft. Dirt that will go hard and not be soft in the long run will help you shape something perfect that’ll stay that way.^[2]

What dirt is best for bike jumps?

The best soil for the surface of dirt jumps is screened loam with a fairly high clay content. Loam is ideal because it packs firmly and is easy to shape.^[3]

Are mountain bikes good for jumps?

Yes, hardtail mountain bikes can handle jumps and drops whenever you are out on a trail. In fact, even when you are not out on a trail, hardtails are good for jumping from heights especially when you simply want to goof around or enjoy urban obstacle courses while you are riding.^[4]

Is dirt jumping safe?

As long as riders learn proper technique and stay within their limits, dirt jumping isn’t particularly dangerous. The problem is, bike riders in general and kids in particular aren’t great at knowing their limits and staying within them. Said Carnahan, “Kids watch jumping on TV, and it looks easy.^[5]

What makes a dirt jump bike?

A dirt jump bike, also known as a Dj, is a mountain bike designed specifically for hitting jumps. It has front suspension, 26-inch wheels, minimal gears, and a robust frame. It has a rigid seat that is usually lowered and fast-rolling tires. This bike’s sole purpose is to get airborne.^[6]

What size wheels do dirt jumpers have?

Most of DJ bikes use 26″ wheels, 100mm DJ-specific forks, and a lot of brands only make one size.^[7]

How heavy is a dirt jumper?

Monkey. 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.^[8]

Do dirt jumpers have gears?

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. Even if you upgraded components, the frame geometry is similar to a Downhill MTB, with its slack angles for stability.^[9]

Do dirt jumpers have suspension?

Arguably for dirt jump, pump track and skatepark you don’t need suspension, however dirt jump bikes often feature suspension forks with around 100mm of travel to smooth out landings, especially useful for those who ride rougher trails or are still learning.^[10]

Can a trail bike do jumps?

You can take a trail bike to probably any bike park and ride around, and even hit some decent size jumps. There’s also some crazy stuff out there that I would not dream of touching on any trail bike.^[11]

Do Jump bikes have gears?

Jump bike riders don’t often need to pedal their bikes once they get up to speed, so to save weight and complexity, most jump bikes use singlespeed gears.^[12]