As a content creator for usabikers.net, and someone who usually feels most at home on enduro trails, venturing into the world of dirt jumps was a step outside my comfort zone. My strengths lie in tackling technical climbs and bombing down rugged descents, not necessarily in catching air on perfectly sculpted mounds of dirt. However, wanting to broaden my riding skills, I decided to dive into dirt jumping, an experience that proved to be both challenging and incredibly rewarding.
Dirt jump trails at Gorge Road Bike Park in Queenstown, New Zealand
My foundation of bike skills is solid, but the jumps I typically encounter on enduro trails are designed for speed and flow, emphasizing forward momentum over vertical lift. Dirt jumps are a different beast altogether. They are built to launch you skyward, requiring a different approach and, crucially, the right bike. Riding towards a dirt jump feels akin to approaching a vertical wall, with the exhilarating challenge of clearing the equally steep landing on the other side. The steep lips and landings demand confidence and a different set of techniques compared to the mellow arcs of trail jumps. Instead of maintaining a straight line, dirt jumping involves an arcing motion, requiring you to confidently bring the bike back down towards the landing. For someone accustomed to keeping the bike grounded and stable, this aerial dance introduced a thrilling new dimension to riding.
Understanding the Geometry of Dirt Jumps and Bikes
Trail jumps often feature longer, lower arcs that are cleared with speed and momentum. They encourage a smooth, flowing style of riding where maintaining velocity is key.
Trail jumps with long and low arcs, requiring speed to clear
Dirt jumps, conversely, are characterized by shorter, higher arcs. They necessitate generating lift to clear effectively, demanding a more dynamic and precise technique. This difference in jump geometry directly influences the type of bike that performs best.
Dirt jumps with a shorter, higher arc, requiring lift generation
Dirt jumps are meticulously crafted artworks, engineered with precise geometry to provide a smooth launch and maximize “air time”—the duration your wheels leave the ground. More air time translates to more opportunity for performing tricks. Maintaining these jumps is crucial, involving regular watering and reshaping with shovels. Tarpaulins are often used to protect them from drying and cracking when not in use. To preserve the jump’s shape and enhance speed, riders typically opt for smoother tires with minimal tread. A well-designed jump line allows riders to maintain momentum throughout, ideally eliminating the need to pedal after the initial jump.
Key Features of Bikes for Dirt Jumps
Dirt jump bikes are specifically designed to complement these unique jump features. They differ significantly from trail or enduro bikes, boasting features optimized for agility and airtime. While personal preferences vary, a typical dirt jump bike showcases specific geometry.
Geometry of a typical dirt jump bike, Pivot DJ model
Compared to trail bikes, dirt jump bikes are smaller, featuring steeper head and seat tube angles for enhanced maneuverability in the air. They typically use 26-inch wheels, in contrast to the 27.5 or 29-inch wheels common on enduro and downhill bikes. The saddle is positioned as low as possible to stay out of the rider’s way during tricks and jumps. Tire pressures are higher, and suspension setups are much stiffer to maximize rolling speed and generate lift off jumps. Another key component is flat pedals. Although trail riders commonly use flat pedals, I had transitioned to clipless pedals for years. Returning to flats for dirt jumping required a conscious effort to keep my feet planted correctly, sometimes even humorously mimicking the sound of clipping in out of habit.
Taking the Plunge: My First Dirt Jump Experience
While I had dabbled in airbag jump training and owned a jump bike, I hadn’t yet taken my skills to real dirt jumps. When invited to a local dirt jump spot in Rotorua, called Logyard Dirt Jumps, I eagerly accepted. With the race season over, it was the perfect time to shift gears and embrace a different kind of riding. I approached it without pressure or rigid goals, understanding that learning takes time and thrives best without peer pressure.
Well-designed dirt jump parks often feature multiple lines catering to varying skill levels. Progression lines, with smaller jumps and shallower lips, minimize risk and build confidence. On my first visit, I focused on the table line, which has no gaps. Once comfortable, I progressed to clearing the end gap, a significant confidence booster. Excitement propelled me to eye the next challenge: the main line.
Progression lines at a dirt jump spot, Logyard Dirt Jumps
Progression of skills at a dirt jump park
The mainline looked intimidating, with steeper features than I was accustomed to. Committing to the takeoff felt like a point of no return. Relying on the judgment of more experienced jumpers for speed and line advice proved invaluable. With their encouragement, I started with dummy runs to gauge speed before committing to the full line. Overcoming my tendency to overthink and hesitate, I focused solely on the lip of the jump, aiming for the center of the takeoff. This focus worked wonders. Clearing the first jump dissolved the fear, and the second jump quickly followed.
Overcoming fear and clearing dirt jumps at Logyard Dirt Jumps, Rotorua
Celebrating the triumph of clearing dirt jumps for the first time
Experiencing the Jump Jam Community
This newfound confidence led me to the Jump Jam at Spa Park Dirt Jump park in Taupo. Anticipating an intimidating atmosphere filled with expert riders, I was pleasantly surprised. Despite a crowd of over 50 riders with diverse skill levels, the vibe was relaxed and supportive. While there were high jump and trick competitions, the event’s core was about community, enjoying the bike park with friends, and contributing to jump maintenance through burger sales and fundraising.
Pro line jumps at Spa Park in Taupo, New Zealand
I approached the Taupo jumps without pressure, although they were slightly smaller than those at Logyard. Having never ridden there before, hitting them amidst a crowd initially felt daunting. However, the infectious enthusiasm and supportive atmosphere quickly put me at ease. Discussing approaches with talented friends and getting speed checks boosted my confidence. I successfully cleared the first two jumps on the middle line, with the third within reach before the high jump competition setup intervened.
Anticipation and excitement at Spa Park Dirt Jump park
High jump competition at Spa Park, showcasing advanced skills
Dirt Jumps: A Boost for All Bike Skills
Learning to dirt jump has significantly enhanced my overall bike skills. It’s sharpened my judgment of speed and pop needed for features and taught me to interpret terrain in new ways. More importantly, it has amplified my confidence on the bike. Mastering dirt jumps on a nimble bike with flat pedals makes tackling my enduro bike feel even more empowering. Dirt jumping has become a regular and enjoyable part of my riding, offering a refreshing contrast to long trail rides. I can now confidently say I’m a dirt jumper, and discovering the right Bikes For Dirt Jumps has opened up a thrilling new dimension to my riding life.
