Budget Dirt Jumper

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Budget Dirt Jumper
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flag Chaaaamp
Posted: Sep 27, 2018 at 13:00 Quote
So I've been interested in getting a dirt jumper for a while now and have been doing alot of research. I'm trying to find a decent bike for under 700 usd. So far I have found these bikes:

Octane One Melt - $630:
http://octane-one.com/melt-bike/
Norco Ryde 26 - $525:
https://www.norco.com/bikes/mountain/dirt-street/ryde-steel/ryde-26/
Ns Zircus - $500-700:
http://www.ns-bikes.com/zircus,99,pl.html

I was wondering which of these bikes if any I should get. If you have any other suggestions that would be greatly appreciated. I am also considering buying used. Thank you!
flag cmc4130
Posted: Sep 27, 2018 at 14:26 Quote
Chaaaamp wrote:
So I've been interested in getting a dirt jumper for a while now and have been doing alot of research. I'm trying to find a decent bike for under 700 usd. So far I have found these bikes:

Octane One Melt - $630:
http://octane-one.com/melt-bike/
Norco Ryde 26 - $525:
https://www.norco.com/bikes/mountain/dirt-street/ryde-steel/ryde-26/
Ns Zircus - $500-700:
http://www.ns-bikes.com/zircus,99,pl.html

I was wondering which of these bikes if any I should get. If you have any other suggestions that would be greatly appreciated. I am also considering buying used. Thank you!

The Octane One and the NS Zircus are both aluminum. Some people like that, some people don't. Just personal preference.

The Norco Ryde is mostly chromoly--only the top tube and downtube. An all-chromoly frame is considered better. That said, a not-all-chromoly frame does not mean it's bad/terrible. A lot of mid-range stock BMX bikes are not-all-chromoly. For example, the CULT Gateway http://www.empirebmx.com/cult-gateway-bike-2019 versus the CULT Devotion. http://www.empirebmx.com/cult-devotion-bike-2019 Of course, some bike snob will say that not-all-chromo "suuuucks!" But, the reality is that if it's made well, then it can last and be durable just fine. On the flip side, even poorly made chromoly frames can crack/snap. Norco has a good reputation.

On all three of these bikes, I'd wonder about the hubs. Do they have sealed bearings? I would expect them to, but maybe to save on cost, they don't. The specs don't say. Even if not, at these price points, they'll probably be decent enough.

I think the RST fork had a mixed reputation, at least a good while back when I knew people who had the "RST Space fork." I don't know the current quality.

I'm actually surprised the Norco Ryde's price is as low as it is. It used to be that the Haro Steel Reserve 1.1 was one of the cheapest decent completes you could get because it had a rigid fork. Completes with a suspension fork usually start at like $699.
flag Chaaaamp
Posted: Sep 27, 2018 at 15:01 Quote
cmc4130 wrote:
Chaaaamp wrote:
So I've been interested in getting a dirt jumper for a while now and have been doing alot of research. I'm trying to find a decent bike for under 700 usd. So far I have found these bikes:

Octane One Melt - $630:
http://octane-one.com/melt-bike/
Norco Ryde 26 - $525:
https://www.norco.com/bikes/mountain/dirt-street/ryde-steel/ryde-26/
Ns Zircus - $500-700:
http://www.ns-bikes.com/zircus,99,pl.html

I was wondering which of these bikes if any I should get. If you have any other suggestions that would be greatly appreciated. I am also considering buying used. Thank you!

The Octane One and the NS Zircus are both aluminum. Some people like that, some people don't. Just personal preference.

The Norco Ryde is mostly chromoly--only the top tube and downtube. An all-chromoly frame is considered better. That said, a not-all-chromoly frame does not mean it's bad/terrible. A lot of mid-range stock BMX bikes are not-all-chromoly. For example, the CULT Gateway http://www.empirebmx.com/cult-gateway-bike-2019 versus the CULT Devotion. http://www.empirebmx.com/cult-devotion-bike-2019 Of course, some bike snob will say that not-all-chromo "suuuucks!" But, the reality is that if it's made well, then it can last and be durable just fine. On the flip side, even poorly made chromoly frames can crack/snap. Norco has a good reputation.

On all three of these bikes, I'd wonder about the hubs. Do they have sealed bearings? I would expect them to, but maybe to save on cost, they don't. The specs don't say. Even if not, at these price points, they'll probably be decent enough.

I think the RST fork had a mixed reputation, at least a good while back when I knew people who had the "RST Space fork." I don't know the current quality.

I'm actually surprised the Norco Ryde's price is as low as it is. It used to be that the Haro Steel Reserve 1.1 was one of the cheapest decent completes you could get because it had a rigid fork. Completes with a suspension fork usually start at like $699.
So I did a little more research and found out that the Norco has sealed bearings and I think I have decided to go with it and possible upgrade the fork as well. Do you have any suggestions for this?
Thanks!
flag cmc4130
Posted: Sep 27, 2018 at 17:02 Quote
bikebike69 wrote:
Verde has a nice option coming out,
https://www.verdebikes.com/products/2019-verde-radix-dj

That one does look good. All chromoly frame. Chromoly cranks. All sealed bearings. Double wall rims.

It's interesting that it has a 13" bottom bracket height and an 80mm fork. At least a few years ago, people were referring to that as "park" geometry. The text says "The Radix is a more traditional DJ bike. . ." but actually I'd say it's more of a progressive "Park" version of DJ. 13" bb essentially means that the center of your bottom bracket is on the same level as your wheel axles. It's a zero bb drop frame. The more "traditional" DJ geo was like 0.75" or 1 inch drop. Combine that with a fork that is 20mm lower, the Radix will feel quick handling and feel like you're standing high on the bike and leaning a little lower in the front. I think shorter and medium height riders will fell normal on that, but taller riders may want some 3" or even a little taller rise bars to get the "stack" comfortable.

The NS Zircus on the other hand has 1 inch bb drop and 100mm fork, so it's more of a traditional DJ MTB. Either design is fine. It just depends what the rider likes. I really like riding the 80mm fork on my Black Market Mob for pump track/DJ/park, and I did end up riding taller bars. I've had other bikes with 100 and 130mm forks....

If you're also going to be riding some rougher trails, then go with 100....
flag Chaaaamp
Posted: Sep 28, 2018 at 10:29 Quote
cmc4130 wrote:
bikebike69 wrote:
Verde has a nice option coming out,
https://www.verdebikes.com/products/2019-verde-radix-dj

That one does look good. All chromoly frame. Chromoly cranks. All sealed bearings. Double wall rims.

It's interesting that it has a 13" bottom bracket height and an 80mm fork. At least a few years ago, people were referring to that as "park" geometry. The text says "The Radix is a more traditional DJ bike. . ." but actually I'd say it's more of a progressive "Park" version of DJ. 13" bb essentially means that the center of your bottom bracket is on the same level as your wheel axles. It's a zero bb drop frame. The more "traditional" DJ geo was like 0.75" or 1 inch drop. Combine that with a fork that is 20mm lower, the Radix will feel quick handling and feel like you're standing high on the bike and leaning a little lower in the front. I think shorter and medium height riders will fell normal on that, but taller riders may want some 3" or even a little taller rise bars to get the "stack" comfortable.

The NS Zircus on the other hand has 1 inch bb drop and 100mm fork, so it's more of a traditional DJ MTB. Either design is fine. It just depends what the rider likes. I really like riding the 80mm fork on my Black Market Mob for pump track/DJ/park, and I did end up riding taller bars. I've had other bikes with 100 and 130mm forks....

If you're also going to be riding some rougher trails, then go with 100....

I think I'm gonna be leaning more towards the Radix. I'm pretty short (5 foot 4) and I'm gonna be riding on mostly concrete and wooden features so I think the 80mm should do the trick. Thank you for the suggestions!
flag bikebike69
Posted: Sep 29, 2018 at 11:19 Quote
Also Airborne has the exact same bike as the Radix, if it’s more available to you.
flag tree-house
Posted: Oct 18, 2018 at 2:46 Quote
Hi,

I'm looking to get one as well, to train my skills.

Any experience/comments on these:
1. Octane One Melt
2. Transition PBJ
3. Pole Tomu
4. Trek Ticket
5. NS Soda Slopestyle

Any other recommendations that ships international (to Asia)?

Thanks!
flag impoppawheelie
Posted: Oct 19, 2018 at 8:44 Quote
tree-house wrote:
Hi,

I'm looking to get one as well, to train my skills.

Any experience/comments on these:
1. Octane One Melt
2. Transition PBJ
3. Pole Tomu
4. Trek Ticket
5. NS Soda Slopestyle

Any other recommendations that ships international (to Asia)?

Thanks!

I would suggest going with a hardtail if you're still trying to build up your skills. Slope bikes are mad fun but learning how to shred on a squishy can develop some bad habits. Transition is great, I can't speak for the other brands but I've really liked all of the hardtail options I've ridden from NS, any of those would be fun.
flag rusty-shackleford
Posted: Oct 20, 2018 at 2:01 Quote
I had a verde 20 for park and my son rides a verde 18. well made bikes and I recommend them. Met Buddendeck 20+ years ago when he was with 2B Clothing, super cool dude.
flag carlosdaniel28
Posted: Sep 9, 2019 at 9:00 Quote
bikebike69 wrote:
Verde has a nice option coming out,
https://www.verdebikes.com/products/2019-verde-radix-dj

Hello friend, I am interested in acquiring a radix but I am short 5.4 "is the frame good for me or is it long for me? help!
flag carlosdaniel28
Posted: Sep 9, 2019 at 9:01 Quote
Chaaaamp wrote:
cmc4130 wrote:
bikebike69 wrote:
Verde has a nice option coming out,
https://www.verdebikes.com/products/2019-verde-radix-dj

That one does look good. All chromoly frame. Chromoly cranks. All sealed bearings. Double wall rims.

It's interesting that it has a 13" bottom bracket height and an 80mm fork. At least a few years ago, people were referring to that as "park" geometry. The text says "The Radix is a more traditional DJ bike. . ." but actually I'd say it's more of a progressive "Park" version of DJ. 13" bb essentially means that the center of your bottom bracket is on the same level as your wheel axles. It's a zero bb drop frame. The more "traditional" DJ geo was like 0.75" or 1 inch drop. Combine that with a fork that is 20mm lower, the Radix will feel quick handling and feel like you're standing high on the bike and leaning a little lower in the front. I think shorter and medium height riders will fell normal on that, but taller riders may want some 3" or even a little taller rise bars to get the "stack" comfortable.

The NS Zircus on the other hand has 1 inch bb drop and 100mm fork, so it's more of a traditional DJ MTB. Either design is fine. It just depends what the rider likes. I really like riding the 80mm fork on my Black Market Mob for pump track/DJ/park, and I did end up riding taller bars. I've had other bikes with 100 and 130mm forks....

If you're also going to be riding some rougher trails, then go with 100....

I think I'm gonna be leaning more towards the Radix. I'm pretty short (5 foot 4) and I'm gonna be riding on mostly concrete and wooden features so I think the 80mm should do the trick. Thank you for the suggestions!



Hello friend, I am interested in acquiring a radix but I am short 5.4 "is the frame good for me or is it long for me? help!
flag cmc4130
Posted: Sep 9, 2019 at 9:29 Quote
carlosdaniel28 wrote:
Chaaaamp wrote:
cmc4130 wrote:


That one does look good. All chromoly frame. Chromoly cranks. All sealed bearings. Double wall rims.

It's interesting that it has a 13" bottom bracket height and an 80mm fork. At least a few years ago, people were referring to that as "park" geometry. The text says "The Radix is a more traditional DJ bike. . ." but actually I'd say it's more of a progressive "Park" version of DJ. 13" bb essentially means that the center of your bottom bracket is on the same level as your wheel axles. It's a zero bb drop frame. The more "traditional" DJ geo was like 0.75" or 1 inch drop. Combine that with a fork that is 20mm lower, the Radix will feel quick handling and feel like you're standing high on the bike and leaning a little lower in the front. I think shorter and medium height riders will fell normal on that, but taller riders may want some 3" or even a little taller rise bars to get the "stack" comfortable.

The NS Zircus on the other hand has 1 inch bb drop and 100mm fork, so it's more of a traditional DJ MTB. Either design is fine. It just depends what the rider likes. I really like riding the 80mm fork on my Black Market Mob for pump track/DJ/park, and I did end up riding taller bars. I've had other bikes with 100 and 130mm forks....

If you're also going to be riding some rougher trails, then go with 100....

I think I'm gonna be leaning more towards the Radix. I'm pretty short (5 foot 4) and I'm gonna be riding on mostly concrete and wooden features so I think the 80mm should do the trick. Thank you for the suggestions!



Hello friend, I am interested in acquiring a radix but I am short 5.4 "is the frame good for me or is it long for me? help!


This says it has a top tube of 22.34". In the traditional measurements a Small was 21.5"-22", a Medium was 22"-22.25", and a Large was 22.5"-23" top tube.
https://www.verdebikes.com/products/2020-verde-radix-dj So, yes, it's a little long, but I think you could still ride it.

photo
photo
flag carlosdaniel28
Posted: Sep 9, 2019 at 10:11 Quote
Thanks for your help friend but I think if it is a bit long for me, I will look for another better option, I do not want to make a bad expense on the bike thanks
flag carlosdaniel28
Posted: Sep 9, 2019 at 10:33 Quote
Thanks for your help friend but I think if it is a bit long for me, I will look for another better option, I do not want to make a bad expense on the bike thanks
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