24" BMX vs DJ MTB

[pmortuary]

So I wanna get a bike to begin some dirt jumping & pump track riding. I've always wanted a 24" BMX just to be different. What's the bennies of a DJ mtb over a 24" bmx?

Thanks.

If it helps the jumps will be fairly small throughout the life cycle. If I get better I know that I wont go bigger, hit my head to many times as a kid doing this knid of crap.

[DownHillPhil]

Benefits of MTB over BMX:

Front suspension (helps with harsh landings)
Front brake (helps if you land out of control and need to stop ASAP)
Disc brakes (obvious advantages)
Can run geared if you want to race 4x or do some casual urban riding

[BigRedHit]

I love my DirtJumper. Also, Front suspension is very very very good for your back.

[pmortuary]

Originally Posted by BigRedHit

I love my DirtJumper. Also, Front suspension is very very very good for your back.

I just want you to know that this is your fault. After coming by friday you got the gears turning. I went to "the place" and the other place to the south. it's a legal park with signs & rules. Needs some maintainance but has some small stuff.


Does the front Suspension make it pop more or less? or kind acts the same?

[DownHillPhil]

From my experience the bigger air is from how you treat the rear end as you leave the jump. On a hardtail at least.

I actually just finished building a DJ hardtail and took it out for some jumping action...I like it a lot. RockShox Pike Coil gets two thumbs up as a fork product.

[Rockinthecasbah]

front suspension doesn't effect your jumping all that much except its more forgiving, I have jumped just about everything and a 26" dirt jumper is fun at the track, fun on the streets and fun on regular bmx packs

[DISCO]

Too much squish and you lose the pop, go with an atom lab.
http://www.atomlab.com/forks.html

[jamesdc]

Originally Posted by DISCO

Too much squish and you lose the pop, go with an atom lab.
http://www.atomlab.com/forks.html

those forks are crap!!!! my homie has one and his has 4 or 5 cracks in it and something is wrong with the internals too. it is a really poor design.

[Rockinthecasbah]

that atomlab fork is cool, but my x-fusion with the right amount of air gives me no problem jumping, I even ride vert on it with no problem,

[2wheel_lee]

Originally Posted by jamesdc

those forks are crap!!!! my homie has one and his has 4 or 5 cracks in it and something is wrong with the internals too. it is a really poor design.

Poor design may be a bit strong, but the suspension itself is based on many 1991 forks. So perhaps you could call it a retro design?

To the OP, I'd say that you'd have more fun playing on a 26" DJ bike for dirt jumping than you would a 24" BMX bike. Most BMX bikes have geometry that is more suitable for racing, which makes it a bit less forgiving when DJing. I know that sounds strange, but I race a 24", but I'd never take it to any dirt jumps. My 26" 4X bike is a lot more fun riding trails and stuff.

The need for a suspended fork is entirely up to you. The suspended fork does soften the landing, but it's really important to set it up right for it to work for you. I've been on many bikes, where the fork was set up really poorly (or it was a hopeless Marzocchi).

For starting your DJing career, I'd get on a 26er with a short travel suspension fork (about 100 mm or less).

If you have interests in racing BMX, get a 24" BMX bike.

[Drop D]

Jenson has a Jamis Komodo for cheap! a little over $300 or an '08 for a little less than $600.... I think it would be a good starter bike as the frame is worthy for upgrade... I don't own one "yet" but i'll be getting one anytime soon right after I finish my pumptrack in my back yard... I will also have my wife to be use it for parks or cruise on the beach as she is complaining that I spend too much time with my bike

[Rockinthecasbah]

my komodo was an awsome play bike, I dirt jumped it, and rode it at the track with no problems whatso ever except up-grade itis

Originally Posted by Drop D

Jenson has a Jamis Komodo for cheap! a little over $300 or an '08 for a little less than $600.... I think it would be a good starter bike as the frame is worthy for upgrade... I don't own one "yet" but i'll be getting one anytime soon right after I finish my pumptrack in my back yard... I will also have my wife to be use it for parks or cruise on the beach as she is complaining that I spend too much time with my bike

[BigRedHit]

It will take a lot of practicing to do major jumping on such a small bike. But it is worth the effort. Also its much closer to have fun around within a short driving distance.

Let me know when you planning to go there again. We can give it a try.

Originally Posted by pmortuary

I just want you to know that this is your fault. After coming by friday you got the gears turning. I went to "the place" and the other place to the south. it's a legal park with signs & rules. Needs some maintainance but has some small stuff.


Does the front Suspension make it pop more or less? or kind acts the same?

Ricky if you are in town, I can show you major jumping.

[Rockinthecasbah]

jumping huh??

[pmortuary]

Ok Now after all the great responses here's the nobb-ish question.

What's you DJ bike? Any company make one in the last couple years that you jones for?

[mfoga]

I would look for a used one. People seem to buy these and then sell them after almost never using them.

I have a giant STP its on the heavy side but the new ones are lighter i believe.

[DownHillPhil]

Specialized P.1 cromoly frame with custom componentry..got the frame from a friend.

I love jumping it.

[BigRedHit]

You should have tested my DJ when i was at your place. Shame on Me. Mine again was the Giant STP. Im still looking for a decent fork, my Marz MX fork suck dingle berries.

[BigRedHit]

Which DJ brands are you looking into?

this one is up for sale on craigslist for $625

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/851645239.html

[pmortuary]

Rally looking at eveything in or around the $600 range new or used. I found a lot of good adds on another forum site. Just want something with a descent fork. But it's all pending on the 29er sale.