The attraction of dirt BMX bikes

Dirt BMX bikes, or jump BMX bikes as they are sometimes known, are extremely popular with first-time BMX buyers. There are two main reasons for this. Firstly, dirt BMX bikes can give a rider a taste of the two main disciplinary streams in BMX: racing BMX and freestyle BMX.

Like racing BMX, dirt BMX involves navigating a dirt track, although without racing BMX's frantic speeds. Like freestyle BMX on the other hand, dirt riding can be used as the basis for learning basic BMX tricks: such as the wheelie (pedalling with the front wheel raised in the air); the manual (like the wheelie but without using the pedals); and the bunny hop (lifting both wheels in the air at the same time).

This 'best of both worlds' quality of dirt BMX is particularly useful if a new rider has not quite made up his or her mind regarding which BMX discipline to choose. Incidentally, if any falls occur during the long hours of careful practice required to learn BMX tricks, a wet and muddy dirt track can sometimes be more forgiving than a concrete surface.

A second reason why dirt BMX bikes are popular is that dirt BMX trails, either provided by the local authority or built on private land, are generally built for exclusive BMX use. This contrasts with concrete parks for freestyle bikes where riders often have to compete for space with skateboarders.

It should be pointed out of course that dirt BMX requires the same degree of body protection, including helmet and pads, as any other form of BMX. It is also vital that any mud or dirt is regularly cleaned off in order to inspect a dirt bike for any signs of cracking or corrosion. At specialist online BMX shop, bmx.co.uk, we have a spectacular range of quality cheap BMX dirt bikes for the beginner.