How to Set Up Your Bike for Dirt Jumping

Dirt jumping has been around forever, but it is now one of the fastest forms of BMX riding. You need a no-fear attitude and a super-strong bike. Follow these steps to get your bike dialed in.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• BMX Bike Brakes
• BMX Bike Forks
• BMX Bike Frame
• BMX Bike Gloves
• BMX Bike Parts
• BMX Bike Pegs
• Bike Pumps
• Bike Tools
• BMX Bike Helmets
• BMX Bikes

1. Start with a good jumping-specific frame. These usually have a long top tube and a reinforced head tube. They are designed to be super-strong. A longer frame helps keep the bike stable.

2. Use as many other jumping-specific components as possible.

3. Do a quick check of the frame and everything else on the bike to be sure that nothing is cracked, bent or broken.

4. Remove any reflectors, chain guards or kickstands.

5. Remove the axle pegs and your front brake if you're only going to dirt jump.

6. Position your handlebars so they're straight up and down or in line with the fork. You may be more comfortable with your bars a little more forward or back, but don't go too far in either direction. Some riders like to cut their handlebars' width to just a little wider than shoulder-width.

7. Remove your old grips if they're torn or if the handlebar is showing through. Bar end caps will help protect the end of the handlebar.

8. Choose a strong wheel set. Forty-eight spokes are a must. Try to find rims with double- or triple-wall construction and oversized axles (14mm).

9. Inflate your tires to the maximum air pressure.

10. Tighten all nuts and bolts to their specifications, including axle nuts, stem bolts, pedals, cranks, seat and seat post nuts, brakes, and headset.

11. Lubricate all moving parts, such as brake cables, brake pivot bolts and your chain.

12. Put the correct amount of tension on the chain so that it doesn't fall off when you're riding.

13. Choose platform pedals over caged pedals.

14. Use three-piece cranks instead of one-piece cranks.

15. Put a cushioned seat on your bike and adjust it to a height and angle that allow good mobility in front and in back.

16. File down any sharp edges on the bike, such as the edges of the stem or handlebars.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose all the parts on your bike based on their strength. If you're going to be 20 feet in the air, a strong bike is more important than having matching colors.

• If you want to do a lot of bar spin tricks, you may want to use a rear brake cable detangler. Otherwise, running a straight rear cable will work just fine.

• Always make sure your spokes are tight and the wheels are straight.

• If any part of the bike is creaking, check it out. It probably needs to be greased or tightened, or it may be cracked. A good bike is solid and silent.

• Gearing preferences vary from person to person and depend on where you are riding. A 44- or 45-tooth sprocket in the front with a 16 in the rear is pretty common.

• Most jumpers use 175mm long crank arms.

• BMX dirt jumping is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.

• Always wear a helmet!