Animation demonstrating the pumping motion used to ride a pumptrack.
If you’re scratching your head wondering, “What is a pumptrack bike?” or simply “What is a pumptrack?”, you’re definitely not alone. It’s a question we hear frequently at usabikers.net, and online searches confirm it’s a common curiosity. Let’s dive into a comprehensive answer and explore why pumptracks, and the bikes designed to ride them, are gaining massive popularity.
Beyond being a cool and contemporary addition to parks and recreational spaces, a pumptrack is a specialized track designed for wheeled sports. The magic of a pumptrack lies in its design: when ridden correctly, you don’t need to pedal or push. Instead, riders use a dynamic “pumping” motion to generate and maintain speed (as illustrated in the animation above). This unique feature is what makes a pumptrack bike, or any suitable bike for a pumptrack, so engaging and fun.
“Kids love them, amateurs love them, pros love them. Pumptracks should be in every town just like kids’ playgrounds or soccer fields. Pumptracks get people involved sports, get them together, get them to have fun outside and do something for their health!”
Claudio Caluori, Founder, Velosolutions
See pro skater Markus Iuola showcase the flow of a pumptrack on a concrete surface in Helsinki, Finland:
Decoding Pumptrack Design: Rollers and Berms
At its core, a pumptrack is a continuous loop track composed of rhythmic rollers and banked berms.
A PARKITECT modular pumptrack features pre-cast concrete seamlessly integrated into the landscape, highlighting the rollers as track bumps for pump track bike riders.
A PARKITECT modular pumptrack made of pre-cast concrete integrated into the landscape. Rollers are the track’s bumps, essential for pump track bike momentum.
And berms which are equally crucial for navigating the track with speed and flow.
A PARKITECT modular pumptrack in Neu Isenburg, Germany. Berms are the track’s corners, key for pump track bike cornering.
Rollers are essentially the series of bumps or small hills that you ride over, while berms are the banked turns that allow you to maintain speed through corners.
The “pump” in “pumptrack” refers to the rhythmic pushing-down and pulling-up motion riders perform in sync with the track’s contours. This pumping action is the primary source of propulsion, creating a thrilling, wave-like sensation akin to a rollercoaster, but on a smaller, more accessible scale. Pumptracks are intelligently designed to be ridden without pedaling or pushing, relying solely on rider technique and the Pump Track Bike’s momentum.
Pumptrack Construction: Materials and Design
Pumptracks are constructed using a variety of materials, each offering different characteristics and benefits for riders and pump track bike enthusiasts.
Dirt Pumptracks
Enthusiastic patrons and spectators gather at the Philly Pumptrack, a popular dirt pumptrack, showcasing the community aspect of pump track bike riding. Photo courtesy of Philly Pumptrack
Patrons and spectators at the Philly Pumptrack. Dirt pumptracks are a community hub for pump track bike riders.
Historically, pumptracks were first sculpted from dirt. This method remains a popular and budget-friendly option for pumptrack construction. All that’s needed is readily available soil, shovels, and the manpower to shape the track. Dirt pumptracks provide a natural riding feel, especially for pump track bikes with suspension. However, they demand more frequent upkeep because weather and constant use can lead to erosion and changes in the track’s shape.
Wood Pumptracks
The original PARKITECT pumptrack: Flydown Anaconda in Finale Ligure, Italy, built with wood in 2003. Wooden pumptracks offer a unique riding experience.
Wood is another material option for pumptracks, although less common. While wood can offer a smooth surface, it can become slippery when wet, posing a challenge for pump track bike riders in damp conditions. Notably, PARKITECT’s founder, Erik, built his first track from wood at the Finale Ligure bike park, marking an early experiment in pumptrack design.
Concrete Pumptracks
A PARKITECT modular pumptrack made of precast concrete in Sweden, illustrating the durability and smooth surface favored by pump track bike enthusiasts.
PARKITECT modular pumptrack made of precast concrete in Sweden. Concrete pumptracks are a durable and low-maintenance option.
Concrete represents a significant upgrade in material quality for pumptracks. Constructing a concrete pumptrack involves more initial planning and investment, but it pays off with reduced maintenance needs and a very durable surface. PARKITECT offers modular pumptracks in precast concrete, which can be seamlessly integrated into landscapes or installed as standalone structures, providing a high-quality experience for pump track bike riders.
Asphalt Pumptracks
An asphalt pumptrack integrated into the landscape. Asphalt pumptracks offer permanence and low maintenance for pump track bike use.
Asphalt is a frequently chosen material for pumptracks intended to blend into the surrounding environment. Highly resilient and requiring minimal maintenance, asphalt pumptracks become permanent, dedicated riding spaces ideal for pump track bike practice. The primary hurdle can be the higher upfront cost of asphalt, along with necessary planning and permits. It’s also worth noting that falls on asphalt can be less forgiving than on other surfaces.
Fiberglass Pumptracks
A PARKITECT modular pumptrack constructed from fiberglass composite, highlighting its weather resistance and suitability for pump track bike riding in diverse conditions.
PARKITECT modular pumptrack made of fiberglass composite. Fiberglass pumptracks are highly resilient and popular for modular designs.
Fiberglass composite stands out as a highly durable pumptrack material, offering superior performance in harsh weather conditions and under heavy use. Fiberglass pumptracks require minimal maintenance over many years and are PARKITECT’s most popular modular pumptrack option.
Material types can be combined to create hybrid pumptrack facilities, catering to diverse rider preferences.
PARKITECT modular pumptrack made of precast concrete, asphalt, and fiberglass. Hybrid pumptracks cater to various pump track bike rider preferences.
Pumptracks can be designed to integrate seamlessly into the landscape,
A PARKITECT modular pumptrack made of precast concrete, integrated into a park landscape, providing a natural and accessible pump track bike riding area.
PARKITECT modular pumptrack made of precast concrete, landscape integrated. Pumptracks enhance outdoor spaces for pump track bike activities.
or installed as permanent above-ground structures.
A PARKITECT modular pumptrack made of composite material, installed above ground, demonstrating a versatile and easily accessible pump track bike setup.
PARKITECT modular pumptrack made of composite material, above ground installation. Modular pumptracks offer flexible pump track bike facility options.
They can even be set up as temporary installations for events and exhibitions.
PARKITECT modular pumptrack made of composite material at an outdoor show in Bremen, Germany. Pumptracks are adaptable for temporary pump track bike events.
Choosing Your Wheels: Equipment for Pumptracks including Pump Track Bikes
A frequent question is about what equipment is suitable for pumptracks. While some adventurous kids might even run around on them, here’s a handy guide to what works – and what doesn’t – on a pumptrack, particularly when considering a pump track bike.
| Yes ✅ | No ❌ |
|---|---|
| Bicycles (Including Pump Track Bikes, Mountain Bikes, BMX, Strider Bikes) ✅ | Strollers ❌ |
| Scooters ✅ | Tricycles ❌ |
| Skateboards ✅ | Carts ❌ |
| Roller Blades ✅ | Wagons ❌ |
| Longboards ✅ | Bikes with training wheels ❌ |
When we say “Bicycles (All Types),” this absolutely includes what enthusiasts often refer to as “pump track bikes.” While any bike can be used, certain bikes, often lightweight hardtails or BMX bikes, are particularly well-suited for maximizing pump track efficiency and fun. These are the bikes often marketed and chosen specifically as “pump track bikes” due to their agility and responsiveness to rider input.
Who Can Enjoy a Pumptrack? Everyone, Including Pump Track Bike Riders!
Pumptracks are increasingly popular public sports amenities because they truly cater to “all ages, all abilities.” Learning to ride a pumptrack is intuitive, with most people grasping the basics within just a few laps. This holds true whether you’re 2 or 82 years old. Pumptracks are excellent for developing essential bike-handling and mountain biking skills, keeping kids active and engaged in a safe environment away from traffic. These are just a few reasons why pumptracks offer a fantastic return on investment for communities and individuals alike.
“Pumptracks are the basics to a lot of action sports. Kids learn how to handle their bikes, skateboards and scooters without a big risk of hurting themselves. Modular pumptracks are a lot more accessible than traditional skateparks, meaning many more kids will get involved in sports. In my opinion, pumptracks should be as naturally found in every town as a soccer field.”
Joost Wichman, 2013 UCI 4x World Champion
A toddler confidently rides a PARKITECT modular pumptrack, demonstrating the accessibility of pump tracks for even the youngest pump track bike riders.
All ages, all abilities. A toddler enjoys a PARKITECT modular pumptrack on a strider bike, perfect for learning pump track bike skills.
A young boy skillfully rides a PARKITECT modular pumptrack at Big4 Port Fairy in Victoria, Australia, showcasing the appeal of pump tracks for youth pump track bike enthusiasts.
All ages, all abilities. A boy rides a PARKITECT modular pumptrack in Australia. Pumptracks are great for developing pump track bike skills.
A professional rider expertly navigates a PARKITECT modular pumptrack, highlighting the challenge and fun pumptracks offer even for experienced pump track bike users.
All ages, all abilities. A pro-rider on a PARKITECT modular pumptrack. Pumptracks challenge even expert pump track bike riders.
All ages, all abilities. Even geese seem to enjoy a PARKITECT modular pumptrack! Pumptracks are for everyone.
Pumptracks: Fun for Everyone, Especially on a Pump Track Bike
In essence, a pumptrack is a loop of rollers and berms designed for bikes, scooters, skateboards, and more. Constructed from materials like dirt, concrete, asphalt, or fiberglass, pumptracks are loved by people of all ages because they are simply great fun. The best way to truly grasp what a pumptrack is all about, and especially the thrill of riding a pump track bike, is to experience it firsthand. So, get out there and #rideon! #allagesallabilities
What does a pumptrack mean to you? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 👇
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