Best Bike to learn to dirt jump

PB Forum :: Dirt Jumping & Street
Best Bike to learn to dirt jump
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flag sleczka
Posted: Nov 2, 2015 at 6:17 Quote
hi yall, just wanted to start jumping, looking for a good bike good price to learn. options?

-tx
flag cmc4130
Posted: Nov 2, 2015 at 7:50 Quote
sleczka wrote:
hi yall, just wanted to start jumping, looking for a good bike good price to learn. options?

-tx

What's your budget, and how tall are you?

http://www.vitalmtb.com/product/category/Bikes,1/riding_type/dirt_jump_urban
flag jarlaxle
Posted: Nov 6, 2015 at 6:15 Quote
cmc4130 wrote:

What's your budget, and how tall are you?


So I'm not the Original Poster but I am in exactly the same boat except I'm probably alot older (41) and bigger (6/4" / 240lb). Would love to get some input on the cheapest way to get started. I'm not looking to do big park stuff, there are three really good sets of dirt jumps nearby and I would love to be able to learn to ride them. Unfortunately I only have one bike (XL Santa Cruz Tallboy LT) and it isn't exactly the right machine for the task.

I've been surfing craiglist and ebay looking for used bikes but many don't list a frame size. So I guess I have three questions: 1) Am I nuts to start DJ at my age? FWIW I already own full face helmet and knee pads as I push it pretty hard on my TB-LT. 2) How much should I expect to spend to get something that's not going to collapse under a guy my size. 3) Where is the best place to find such a bike?

FWIW I live in Atlanta, GA.

Thanks in advance for any tips or advice you can give me.
flag cmc4130
Posted: Nov 6, 2015 at 8:29 Quote
jarlaxle wrote:
cmc4130 wrote:

What's your budget, and how tall are you?


So I'm not the Original Poster but I am in exactly the same boat except I'm probably alot older (41) and bigger (6/4" / 240lb). Would love to get some input on the cheapest way to get started. I'm not looking to do big park stuff, there are three really good sets of dirt jumps nearby and I would love to be able to learn to ride them. Unfortunately I only have one bike (XL Santa Cruz Tallboy LT) and it isn't exactly the right machine for the task.

I've been surfing craiglist and ebay looking for used bikes but many don't list a frame size. So I guess I have three questions: 1) Am I nuts to start DJ at my age? FWIW I already own full face helmet and knee pads as I push it pretty hard on my TB-LT. 2) How much should I expect to spend to get something that's not going to collapse under a guy my size. 3) Where is the best place to find such a bike?

FWIW I live in Atlanta, GA.

Thanks in advance for any tips or advice you can give me.


Dirt Jumpers are sized by the length of the front end ("actual top tube" and "reach") and not by the seat tube or "standover" height like on other mtb's.

You're going to want a Large. In general, Small means 21.5" top tube (actual not effective); Medium is 22" or 22.25"' and Large is 22.5"-23".

In addition to riding a longer frame, a tall rider may feel more comfortable on taller handlebars. There are 3" rise mtb bars out there. And there are even 4" rise bmx bars that will work (although if you run bmx bars, you need a bmx stem too, because the diameter of the clamp area is 22.2mm instead of 25.4 or 31.8.)

Unsecure image, only https images allowed: http://fcdn.mtbr.com/attachments/urban-dj-park/775231d1361767565-need-help-first-bmx-dj-bike-cockpitsize-blackmarketsoldier.jpg
Unsecure image, only https images allowed: http://www.sicklines.com/news-images/reach_stack.jpg


This Haro Steel Reserve 1.2 is in your area and might be something you should look at, although I think he has it overpriced. They were like 850-900 new, so he should be selling for around half that. Check if it's a Large. The 2015's come in two sizes.
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/bik/5250854713.html


Dirt jump frame for tall rider
https://www.pinkbike.com/forum/listcomments/?threadid=167638
flag cmc4130
Posted: Nov 6, 2015 at 8:50 Quote
You could also go with a 24" wheel or 26" wheel BMX bike. It's hard to say which is "better" for learning as between 24"/26" BMX versus 24"/26" DJ-Mtb.

Even though I have a long history with bmx, I think I'm going to have to say that DJ-mtb seem to work better for people learning. Having a rigid fork does make a person be more careful about landing front-heavy, and it does make you feel the lip of the jump more..... but a good suspension fork also inspires confidence to go big, and you generally get less "beat up" and can ride longer. The more relaxed head angle on a DJ mtb (69-71 degrees rather than 74.5) makes the bike feel very stable in the air.

The Sunday Model C 24" is an option for 24" BMX, although with your height and the tall bottom bracket on the bike, you'd need to run 9" or 10" tall bars. The Stolen Saint XLT 24" as well. https://www.danscomp.com/products/107162/2015_Stolen_Saint_XLT_24_Bike.html

The 26" Stolen Zeke would be an option as far as 26" BMX. Geometry and sizing wise it looks good, but there's a chance the durability is not up to par at least according to this guy
http://bmxmuseum.com/forums/viewtopic.php?pid=5368223

https://www.danscomp.com/products/107191/2016_Stolen_Zeke_XLT_26_Bike.html
flag jarlaxle
Posted: Nov 6, 2015 at 9:43 Quote
cmc - Thanks man for all the great info. Think I definitely want to stick with 26.

Had come across that Haro, is that a decently spec'd bike? Know Haro was a legit brand back in the day but wasn't sure how they stacked up today.

Thanks again.
flag cmc4130
Posted: Nov 6, 2015 at 10:04 Quote
jarlaxle wrote:
cmc - Thanks man for all the great info. Think I definitely want to stick with 26.

Had come across that Haro, is that a decently spec'd bike? Know Haro was a legit brand back in the day but wasn't sure how they stacked up today.

Thanks again.

I have not spent time riding one, but just going by the geometry and being familiar with the level of parts they use on complete bikes, I'd say the Haro is pretty solid. It might not be as popular of a brand in the mtb world (like Black Market, Santa Cruz, Transition, NS Bikes, etc.), but I'd say it still would get respect.

I'm not sure what Haro's mtb-dj sponsorship situation is now, but they used to sponsor former bmx'er Phil Sundbaum to ride mtb.
https://vimeo.com/7734283
https://www.pinkbike.com/video/139164/ That guy is like 6'6".

Unsecure image, only https images allowed: http://www.osirisshoes.com/media/blog/2013/07/29/phil-display.jpg
flag jarlaxle
Posted: Nov 6, 2015 at 10:13 Quote
Yeah, I'm definitely not looking to break the bank, given they are one of the less expensive bikes out there, just wanted to confirm it wouldn't fold up under me the first time I come up short or overshoot a landing.

What do you think of this one?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/301761577180?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

or this one

http://www.ebay.com/itm/151871054366?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2648&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
flag cmc4130
Posted: Nov 6, 2015 at 10:16 Quote
The Atomlab Trail King had a long top tube. It was either 22.5" or 23" if I remember right. $400 is a good deal, assuming it's not cracked and the fork is in good shape.


https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/1874588/

photo


At your height, you'd probably feel like the handlebars are a little low, with the way this guy has it set up. If you got some 3" riser bars http://www.amazon.com/Atomlab-Pimplite-riser-bars-31-8/dp/B00F56752A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1446834367&sr=8-1&keywords=atomlab+handlebars
or some 4" bmx/DJ bars from STOUT and a bmx stem, for example, I think you'd have a damn near perfect set up, size wise.

STOUT 4"rise 4 piece bars:
photo

I run my Black Market with 4" rise bars and it feels great.
Unsecure image, only https images allowed: http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh138/upsetbmx/026.jpg
flag cmc4130
Posted: Nov 6, 2015 at 10:20 Quote
jarlaxle wrote:
Yeah, I'm definitely not looking to break the bank, given they are one of the less expensive bikes out there, just wanted to confirm it wouldn't fold up under me the first time I come up short or overshoot a landing.

What do you think of this one?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/301761577180?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

or this one

http://www.ebay.com/itm/151871054366?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2648&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT


I've never seen a Jamis Kromo in person, only heard people talk about them online a little bit. Not sure what the top tube would be on that one.

The Specialized is pretty old. Although, if it was ridden lightly and with a newer fork, it does look pretty good. If it's a Large, it might be good for you. Particularly if you got it for less than 400. I would not go more than 400 on the auction.
flag jarlaxle
Posted: Nov 6, 2015 at 10:23 Quote
The cockpit on that Atomlab does look nice and roomy. Be nice if it was in a little better shape but can't have everything. Will check into it and thanks again for all the help.
flag cmc4130
Posted: Nov 6, 2015 at 10:33 Quote
jarlaxle wrote:
The cockpit on that Atomlab does look nice and roomy. Be nice if it was in a little better shape but can't have everything. Will check into it and thanks again for all the help.

Yeah, they were actually 23.5". I've ridden one, and although it does feel roomy, it doesn't feel too long. I'm 6'1". I think it would be excellent sizing for you.

http://www.cheapbikeparts360.com/products/atomlab-trailking-frame/
flag jarlaxle
Posted: Nov 6, 2015 at 10:40 Quote
Right on, definitely will be a learning process to get it dialed in. Good news is the closest set of jumps to me is pretty benign with no forced gaps so I can ease my way into things. Just looks like so much fun.

BTW I noticed you didn't answer the first part of my question which is, am I crazy to be getting into this at 41? I grew up riding some bmx in the mid-late 80's before switching to skateboards (mostly vert) and then adding on snowboarding. Moving forward, started riding MTB about 3 years ago, I'm decent on gnarly trails and love catching air every chance I get. Saw some dudes my age at the jump track and it just got my juices flowing.
flag jarlaxle
Posted: Nov 6, 2015 at 10:55 Quote
Bummer, he had just sold the Atomlab... Will keep looking around but if you see something out there that could be a good fit for me would be great if you could post it here.

Thanks again.
flag SolarLonsky
Posted: Nov 6, 2015 at 11:08 Quote
jarlaxle wrote:
am I crazy to be getting into this at 41?

No. It's a dangerous hobby, I don't think being a bit older makes it any more or less dangerous. Unless you've let yourself become stiff and unfit or are badly damaged by injury, then I think it's fine.
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