Mountain bike racing is all about getting from point A to point B in the fastest time possible without getting yourself hurt. But when it comes to using dirt jump bikes, it’s a whole different ball game.
Dirt jumping bikes may look like any normal mountain bike, but they are designed not for racing down hilltops, specifically, but also for performing jumps, loops, twirls and other super awesome aerial tricks. An experienced rider can manipulate a dirt jump bike so well (Read Apollo 250cc dirt bike review) that he will look like he’s dancing rather than cycling. Seeing such strength, control, dexterity and boldness all wrapped up in artistic expression in such a rugged outdoor setting is truly a sight to behold.
Dirt Jumping Bikes: The Sport
It can take a skilled athlete and performer years to hone his or her skills to the competitive level. In addition to skills, the biker will have to broaden the variety of tricks and stunts that he or she can perform. It is also important for the dirt jump bikes that these riders use to be made especially for them, so as to allow for maximum comfort and control. It will not only enhance performance, but also safety.
Bike jumps are not necessarily the aspect of the sport that attracts the most interest from onlookers, but they are nevertheless considered the backbone of this form of extreme biking. A lot of these tricks are performed while the biker is hanging suspended over the ground, so it is important that timing is mastered. A mistimed jump could decrease one’s elevation and make it impossible to pull off a good trick on the dirt jumping bike. Worse, it might ewitven lead to an accident that could seriously injure the athlete-performer.
Different Kinds of Jumps
There are so many different kinds of jumps that can be performed with a good dirt jump bike. Perhaps the most common jump is known as the double, or the gap jump. It is a simple one and consists of basically two parts: the take-off and the landing. Another more complicated jump is the tabletop which has three parts: take-off, table and landing. A slightly different trick is the roller jump.
Bike Tricks
As important as jumps are to the sport, however, many people think that the most appealing aspect of it the tricks, because they are so much more elaborate and interesting. We’ve already mentioned the tabletop jump and there is a trick of the same name. Bikers perform it by rotating their bikes 90 degrees, so that the side is facing forwards. Another popular trick is known as the whip, which is done by flicking the bike’s rear to one side.
Jumping and Safety
Because the sport involves high speeds, fancy tricks and considerable heights, it carries significant risks with it. Anyone thinking of taking up the sport should carefully consider its safety aspect. Still, with the proper equipment such as dirt jump bikes, these risks are significantly reduced, so that serious accidents can be minimized if not totally prevented.