You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
As it's winter and crappy out, I've had a bit of an urge to get a jump bike, as it looks like a novel way of hurting myself.
Any recommendations on a cheap starter? I'd prefer 26" wheels, as i have loads of tyres, etc. I'm 6' tall, and have no idea about what sort of size/ tt length should fit.
Ta!
you'd probably need something around the 16-17" region depending on how much top tube clearance you want. the smaller the frame the more maneuverable it will be.
best thing would be for you to visit a shop that has a few built up so you can try them out to see which will be best for you. different frame manufacturers specify different top tube lengths and of course this will vary with the fork choice and the angles it creates.
TBH, i'm less into the idea of "jumps" as more 4X- anyone know if this majorly alters what bike to go for? I want to zoom around pump tracks/table tops/doubles, etc, rather than trying to do 360's on vertical jumps?
I'm a similar height to you and had a 17" Kona Shred which was great fun. I gave it up as I ended up having to commute on it, I do regret selling it. It was geared but very capable on the jumps if you are looking for a middle way. I think there are some bargain Kona Cowans around somewhere.
i'm 6'1" and i've got this.
[img] 
[/img]
commencal maxmax cro-mo in size 'long'
cost me about £250 brand new and it's perfect for "zooming" as you say. i'm not much of a dirt jumper but there's a few BMX track type things around and it's ideal for those. great fun for pumping and jumping and ripping berms.
superfast compared to a normal hardtail mountain bike. could do with maybe a rockshox argyle and maybe some gears for proper 4X tracks but i've never even laid eyes on one of those places.
There are some cheap Kona Shonkys around. Steel jump frame. Or pick something up off eBay cheap. I reckon go for a 16" or Medium frame. Most I've ridden are about that size and I'm 5'11".
If you want to race 4X you'll probably want gears but if it's just playing on BMX, 4X tracks and jumps SS is the way to go as less to break and less up keep. I just switched back to BMX as they fit in the boot of GF's car easier for nipping to track so I don't need to take the van all the time.
Tom KP
sharkattack- that looks *ideal*. BMX/4X track railing is indeed the plan. How long is the toptube? I have looked on the commencal website, but they only seem to be doing the absolut now.
Anyone ridden a DMR transition? plenty of them on ebay!
The DMR is well heavy and well short (at least the older ones are, dont know if they've been updated recently)
I'd get something mde of alu if I were you, much lighter.
Giant STP's are pretty cheap I think.
Good point on the steel. thanks for the point on the STP!
Anyone ridden a diamondback bandito?
Ta!
I would say if its just bmx/4x track then a bmx would probably be the most fun option. That being said I've been riding a Charge Blender for the past month or so and I'm really loving it, such a fun bike for everything and not just jumps. I daresay better than a Trailstar!