Forum menu
I'm going to buy my first dirt jump bike. I'm fully on board with long/low/slack for my full bouncer, but not convinced that long reach will be best for a dirt jumper.
I'm 6'1 and the bike i'm looking at is a Bergamont Kiez Dirt (great spec for the price it seems), which comes in 2 sizes with corresponding reaches of 415 mm and 435 mm.
I rode BMX extensively as a teenager and want the 26 DJ bike to be good for whips, flips, spins, etc. Do I go long or short? Can't get hold of one (or similar) locally to try out first.
The shorter bike will be easier to do tricks with; the longer one might feel more familiar. Take your pick.
JP
I'm 5'11" and have 2.
one is 400mm reach the other 420mm
They're both fine for dirtjumping, The longer one is noticably more stable at the BMX track and hitting faster jumps. the shorter one is ridiculously easy to pop the front and bunny hop
For you at 6'1" the difference between two you sizes you mention will probably feel similar.
If you're used to fliping/whipping a BMX you'll probably not be too fussed by stability.
Best place to try other bikes will be your local spots.
Agree with the above posters, you could ride either, longer one with a 40mm stem if it's a bit too long, although that won't help with the wheelbase for spins etc.
Where are you planning to ride it? If at tech DJ spots with steep transitions, tight pumptracks and/or the skatepark then I'd go for the shorter version. If its more BMX track / MTB style jumps with shallower lips and longer gaps* then maybe the longer version.
*yes I know some steep BMX trails have humungous gaps.
im 185cm and my DJ is just over 400 reach. it's rad!
I actually prefer my longer one at the local pumptrack. It's an asphalt Velosolutions track though so pretty fast.
it has a 35mm stem, the older shorter bike has a 40mm. Lenghts chosen for steering response rather than fit.
All I think this is showing is that there's no wrong or right as long as you're in the right sort of ball park and geometry's nice. Only preference.
Radness as proven at every trails spot, pumptrack and skatepark is way more to do with the rider than the bike anyway.