From the moment of its appearance to this day, the bike has gone through many changes. At first it had a primitive design, and now there are models that can not be called otherwise than a miracle of engineering. For a long time, the device of the bike was unchanged. And they traveled on such vehicles exclusively on smooth roads. But in 1970 they invented a mountain bike (mountain bike), and this was a real revolution in bicycle construction. On a mountain bike, you can explore areas that were previously inaccessible to cyclists. Over time, various disciplines related to mountain biking appeared in cycling. Today, dermat jumping and street trial have gained great popularity. Let's find out what a bicycle should be like so that you can do these sports.
General concepts
Dirt jumping literally translates as "jumping in the mud." In principle, the way it is. Cycling is carried out on a specially prepared track, which consists of dirt jumps. Rapid take-offs, heartbreaking touchdowns, dizzying flights - this is what awaits the audience on the track for derth. Well, in the street trial for tricks are not used earthen mountains, but elements of urban relief. Both sports require excellent command of the bike (not only a motorcycle, but also a bicycle). The disciplines are similar in terms of the load on the transport, but there are some differences.
Dirt and Street Bike: Key Features
Modified mountain bikes and BMX are used for jumping. Or something in between these two species. As a rule, they weigh a lot and have one brake - the rear.
A jumping bike always has only one gear. Nevertheless, many manufacturers are positioning multispeed bikes as sirt or straight. Such models should be excluded from the list of options when choosing a bike. If the bike has several gears, then the manufacturer most likely saved on the quality of the frame and other critical components. In addition, in these disciplines, gear shifting is completely useless. It only increases the weight of two-wheeled vehicles and its cost.
For a beginner, a commercially available bicycle for derth is quite suitable. Such models are also called compliments. And more experienced athletes and those who are well versed in the details and specifics of their work, collect their bikes on their own from the elements most suitable for them, or tune their compliments. We will discuss the most important elements of the bike separately.
Frame
This is the most important and expensive part of any bike. The main characteristics of the frame are its geometry and manufacturing material. The quality of the frame and its suitability in a particular sport depends on them.
Dirt or street bicycles must be resistant to extreme loads. Therefore, the strength of the frame is in the first place. In their manufacture, the following materials are used:
1. Hi-Ten - steel of high quality. It is usually used in the manufacture of inexpensive compliments. A frame made of this material has an impressive weight, but does not have sufficient strength. Therefore, the tuning of such a bike begins with her.
2. Aluminum alloys. A frame made of this material weighs less and practically does not corrode. However, it cannot fully extinguish strikes and is poorly repaired. Over time, during active use, aluminum builds up fatigue. Sooner or later, this leads to the destruction of the frame. However, among fans of cycling, there are many fans of aluminum frames.
3. Alloy steel. In such frames, chromomolybdenum alloys are used. A product made of this material absorbs well the energy arising from landing and softens impacts. In frames of alloy steel of the middle and expensive class, pipes with an inhomogeneous wall thickness are often used. This allows you to increase strength and reduce weight.
4. Magnesium and titanium alloys, as well as composites - the most high-quality materials for frames. But, as a rule, only professionals can afford them.
Thus, we can conclude that the best bicycles for derth and street are those whose frame is made of alloy steel. It provides the optimum ratio of weight and strength. Aluminum also has a lot of fans, but it is more suitable for disciplines in which there are no ultra-high loads and no punches.
Frame geometry
Special attention deserves such a moment as the geometry of the frame. It is here that the main difference between the dert bike and the street bike is manifested. Unlike other disciplines, size does not play a special role here. The length of the upper pipe comes to the fore.
Dirt bike is relatively large. The front triangle of the frame usually has a length of 570-590 mm. The rear triangle is also quite long - 370-410 mm. Smooth landing provides a specific angle of the steering column - 68-70 degrees. In a street trial, such a design would increase the duration of the flight, but would make it difficult to “pull out” the bicycle. A street bike, on the contrary, has the shortest front (about 545 mm) and rear (345-350 mm) triangles. And the tilt of the steering column here is 71-74 degrees.
The lower feathers on the dert bike are parallel to the ground or have a negative angle of inclination. Thus, the carriage is either flush with the rear axle, or slightly lower. This design allows you to underestimate the center of gravity of the bike, which positively affects the dynamics of acceleration and makes the flight more stable. In addition, due to this geometry of the frame, the bike for dermat jumping is better controlled on the track with dynamic turns.
The street bike carriage is located higher, which makes it easier to "pull" the bike and install on the rear axle of the peg. Excessively increase the height of the carriage is not worth it. This will make the bike unsuitable for flying and will lead to loss of stability. As a rule, in bicycles for derth and street use horizontal dropouts, which make it possible to change the length of the wheelbase.
Wheels
Another point that often causes controversy is the choice of wheels. Bikes for derth and street, as a rule, put wheels with a diameter of 24 or 26 inches. 24-inch bike is more versatile. It may be suitable for both disciplines. By the way, sometimes two different wheels are put on a dirt bike: 26-inch wheels forward and 24-inch wheels back. In general, the last option is more suitable for derth. These wheels better handle uneven surfaces and soften landing.
A street bike, on the other hand, behaves better with 24-inch wheels. They are easier to do tricks, because they are easier and less. The bike on small wheels is much more compact. It is easily pulled out and more responsive to steering movements.
The choice of diameter also depends on the growth of the athlete. If you are above 180 cm, feel free to buy a bike with wheels with a diameter of 26 inches. Well, if lower - from 24. In derth use rubber with a developed tread or hemispherical. And in the street - slicks or half slicks. Bike for jumping must have wheels with double rims.
Fork
Another essential element of a bicycle. A street bike, as well as a dert, usually annoys newcomers who do not have sporting ambitions, about six months later. In this short period of time, the rider’s joints can be seriously damaged if he chooses the wrong plug.
These elements are of two types: rigid and depreciation (short-stroke). A soft fork with a stroke of up to 13 cm is suitable for lovers of aggressive style with long flights and landing on flat surfaces, as well as for beginners. But such a product is quite expensive. Complimentary starters usually have the cheapest cushioning forks with one crown.
On a street bike, which is used for low jumps, it is better to install a lightweight hard fork. It will allow maximum use of the amplitude of departure and better control of the bike. Another plus of this solution is significant savings. It is important that such a fork is made of chromium-molybdenum alloy or highnet.
Products under the axis of 14-20 mm are considered standard. They are strong enough and reliable. Do not put a fork on a bicycle for jumping under an axle 10 mm thick - it will quickly fail.
Steering wheel and takeaway
The size of the steering wheel depends on the width of the shoulders and the physical fitness of the athlete. For large riders, a steering wheel with a width of 700 mm or more is suitable. Well, the average person will have enough width of 680 mm.
Chrome wheels are installed on bikes with a rigid fork, and if the fork is soft, aluminum is also suitable. The height depends on personal preferences, but, as a rule, the rudders are placed on hard forks higher than on soft ones.
A short takeaway with a length of 35-50 mm is ideal for a jump bike. This bike is perfectly controlled, as the hands are close to the center of gravity. Riders of a large physique can put a takeaway more authentic.
The brakes
The type of brakes, in principle, is not important. Another thing is important: are they on the bike or not. Some athletes ride without any brakes at all, but for beginners it is better not to rush to remove this unit. At the right time, it can protect you from serious injuries. The street or dert bike can even be equipped with simple vibrake brakes, but it is better to install disc brakes.
Saddle
Everything is simple here: the saddle should be wide and soft. The narrow one does not work out with your legs while jumping. And the hard one will beat on its knees, causing discomfort.
Protection
Before you begin to engage in extreme cycling, be sure to get protection. First of all, you need to choose a helmet. You can take the so-called fullface, but it weighs a lot, soars and interferes with the review. Therefore, for starters, it is better to buy a simple bowler hat.
Next, you need to take care of the protective brushes for the knee and elbow joints, as well as the lower legs. And do not forget to buy gloves.
Bicycles for street / dert: price
These sports are quite widespread, which means that there is a large selection of bicycles, parts and uniforms on the market. The price of bicycles for jumping sports varies depending on the quality and configuration of parts. A beginner bike costs between 300 and 1,000 dollars. In general, as you probably understand, there is no limit to perfection.
Conclusion
Choosing a bike (street or dert to your liking - it does not matter), you will encounter a lot of nuances. Understanding the need for one or another little thing will come with experience. There are also such questions that have been causing controversy among riders for many years. An important role is played by the personal preferences of the athlete. Starting to ride and immersed in the atmosphere of extreme sports, you will quickly get acquainted with all the nuances of this fascinating activity. And do not forget that the path to experience lies only through regular training.