In the exhilarating world of slopestyle cycling, 2024 has marked a significant shift, ushering in an era of groundbreaking dirt jump frames that are impossible to ignore. It's in the electrifying arena of dirt jumps—a thrilling crossroads of skill, creativity, and daredevil antics—where the true essence of cycling bravado shines brightest.
Whether you're navigating the air on a BMX, maneuvering a hardtail, or mastering the dynamics of a full-suspension slopestyle, the right frame transforms dirt jumping from mere sport to artistry.
This post is dedicated to the aficionados of hardtail mountain bikes, a group whose keen eyes can discern the subtle yet crucial differences in frame geometry and materials that can dramatically influence both your ride and your repertoire of tricks. It's these nuances that determine whether you soar or stumble.
After an exhaustive series of tests and trials, a champion has emerged: the Trek Ticket DJ frame stands unparalleled as the premier choice for dirt jump enthusiasts in 2024.
Best Dirt Jump Frame
Trek Ticket Dirt Jump Frame 2024
- Significant presence in competitions
- Lightweight yet durable
- Versatile (slopestyle and trails)
- Horizontal sliding dropouts
- Geared or single-speed setup
- Full potential in Ticket S model.
- Specific to certain riders.
- History might not appeal to all.
- Requires specific maintenance.
Photo by trekbikes.com
If you ever watch any slopestyle or dirt jump competitions you'll begin to notice that Trek make up a significant share of the field. The TrekTicket S, the full suspension version of this frame, is in their top 8 for the 2024 year.
Trek is one of the older mountain bike brands, formed way back in 1975 by Dick Burke and Bevil Hogg with the intention of providing high end, quality bikes made in the US. The name was chosen by Burke, hoping it would signify travel and adventure. Several months after this decision was made, the spring of '76, the two men set out to make these great bikes in the town of Waterloo.
The next few decades saw tremendous innovation and improvement. The Trek Ticket definitely shows how far they've come from their humble beginnings. Designed to be lightweight but extremely durable to enable riders to throw this thing all over huge slopestyle jumps and not be worried about heavy landings. Just by looking at its sister frame, the Ticket S that is fully optimized for slopestyle jumps, you can see that this has some of those great characteristics.
The frameset is manufactured with horizontal sliding dropouts to give you more choice of how and where you ride your setup. Having the ability to choose between a single speed bike and a geared setup means one day you can be riding this over huge dirt jumps and the next to be riding it around a mountain bike route in a forest.
Photo by trekbikes.com
Specifications:
- Frame: Alpha Platinum Aluminum 142x12
- Seat Tube: 33.1”
- ST Angle: 75°
- Head Tube Length: 12.3”
- Head Angle: 68.5°
- Standover: 37.5”
- Offset: 4”
- Headset: FSA Orbit
- Weight: 2.54kg
Dream Builds: Trek Ticket DJ
Best Premium DJ Frame
Specialized P.4 Dirt Frame
- Durable A1 Premium Alloy material.
- Compatible with 26" or 27.5" wheels.
- Lifetime frame warranty
- Well-designed geometry
- Higher price point
- Limited color options
Photo by danscomp.com
After personally putting the Specialized P.4 Frame through its paces in 2024, I can confidently say it's a top-tier choice for enthusiasts of slopestyle and dirt jumping. The frame's construction from A1 Premium Alloy is a highlight, offering unmatched strength and reliability even in the most challenging conditions. Its ability to accommodate both 26" and 27.5" wheels is a game-changer, providing the flexibility to tailor the bike to my riding style and the demands of different terrains.
The lifetime warranty on the P.4 Frame speaks volumes about Specialized's trust in its durability. Riding it, I felt a noticeable difference in how the well-thought-out geometry contributed to a ride that was both agile and comfortable, allowing me to tackle jumps and slopes with confidence. The higher price point and limited color options were initial concerns, but the frame's performance and the security of the warranty quickly overshadowed these factors.
Investing in the P.4 Frame feels like more than just buying a piece of equipment; it's investing in a piece of Specialized's legacy of cycling innovation. The added features, such as internal cable routing and dropper post compatibility, only sweeten the deal, making it clear that this frame is designed with the serious rider in mind. My experience with the Specialized P.4 Frame has been overwhelmingly positive, affirming its status as a solid investment for anyone serious about pushing their limits in slopestyle and dirt jumping.
Specifications:
- Riding Type: Dirt Jump / Slopestyle
- Sizes and Geometry: One Size
- Wheel Size: 26", 27.5"
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- Frame Material Details: Specialized A1 Premium Alloy
- Head Tube Diameter: Tapered, 1.125" top, 1.5" bottom
- Bottom Bracket: 73mm English/BSA threaded
- Rear Dropout / Hub Dimensions: 12mm x 148mm
- Colors: Satin Rusted Red/White Sage
- Warranty: Lifetime frame, 2 years Specialized components
The Tech Behind the All-New Specialized P.Series
DMR Rhythm Frame
- Lightweight and stiff aluminum alloy
- Versatile for dirt jump, pump track, and 4X.
- Interchangeable dropouts for single-speed or geared setups
- Easy chain tension and chainstay adjustments
- Stylish color options
- Limited to 26” wheels
- Dropouts sold separately
- Not compatible with front derailleurs
- Requires specific zero stack tapered headset
- May be pricey for some budgets
Photo by seraph
The DMR Rhythm frame marks a significant return to the brand's lineup, offering a versatile platform for dirt jump, pump track, skatepark, and 4X enthusiasts. This frame is a departure from DMR's traditional steel hardtails, opting for 6061 T6 aluminum alloy to achieve a balance of stiffness and lightness. It's designed for 26” wheels, catering to a segment of riders who value the agility and responsiveness of smaller wheels.
A great feature is the interchangeable dropouts, allowing for both single-speed and geared setups, a testament to its versatility. The sliding dropout system is a highlight, enabling easy chain tension adjustments and chainstay length customization to fine-tune handling. Available in two lengths, the Rhythm accommodates a wide range of rider sizes and preferences.
As nice as the frame looked while testing, it's not just about performance; it's also about aesthetics and customization. It comes in two new colors, Graphite Grey and Solar Gold, adding a stylish look to its robust build.
Compatibility with a wide range of components, including a tapered headtube, machined chainstay yoke, and post-mount disc brakes, makes it a compelling choice for riders looking to build a bike that's truly their own.
Specifications:
- Frame Material: 6061 T6 aluminum alloy
- Headset Type: Zero Stack Tapered. 44mm upper / 56mm lower
- Gyro Tabs: Not Drilled
- Brake Mounts: 160mm Disc
- Bottom Bracket Type: BSA Threaded
- Seatpost Size: 31.6 mm
- Seat Clamp: 34.9 mm
- Dropouts: Interchangeable
- Color: Gold, Graphite
- Weight: 2.37kg
DMR Rhythm
Best Intermediate DJ Frame
DMR Sect Dirt Jump Bike Frame 2024
- Pioneer in flat pedals
- Strong and clean frame
- Optimal headtube angle
- Versatile rear end design
- Options for 26” and 24” wheels
- Not the best frame material
- Straight steerer tube isn't brilliant
- Short chainstay makes it hard for beginners
DMR bikes started back in 1995 by two friends named Damien Mason and Matt Ryley. After reading that the story behind the name becomes pretty obvious. If you couldn't tell, it stands for Damien, Matt Racing.
DMR was unique because of their pedals. They were the first bike brand to develop flat pedals and it turned out that riders loved them. DMR was quickly propelled into the limelight.
Both friends achieved degrees in product design before going into the frame and fork industry in Taiwan. After developing useful contacts in the capital of bike manufacturing, the boys came back and started producing some smaller components like chain tugs and some primitive BMX frames. After some minor success, the brand really cemented itself in the market with their first set of pedals.
20 years on and DMR are still one of the top brands in the mountain biking world. They've since developed a lot more than just pedals though. The Sect is the name given to their dirt jump bike and parts. The Sect frame is, I believe, one of the cleanest and strongest jump frames on the market.
Photo by dmrbikes.com
The Sect frame is the culmination of many years of the team riding dirt and designing bikes for any such activity. DMR have used a lot of experience to design this frame from back to front. At the front, the headtube has been stiffened with some extra material removed. The headtube has been positioned at 69°, a perfect amount to increase stability without making the bike too twitchy when riding. You don't want a head angle that's near vertical like you'd get on a street/flatland BMX because when the smallest turn can throw you off your bike.
The standover has been designed in such a way so to not show any post while being able to keep the back end as short as possible. DMR have done a great job of designing the rear end of the frame. It's the perfect length for spinning tricks and manuals. Lastly, something I think is great, DMR has manufactured the frame for both 26” and 24” wheels for the smaller or younger riders that are looking to upgrade to a great frame but without having to take a hit with a huge increase in size.
Specifications:
- Reach: 420mm
- Stack: 670mm
- Head Angle: 69°
- Seat Angle: 71°
- Top Tube Length: 570mm
- Front Centre: 652mm
- Rear Centre: 390mm
- Wheelbase: 1041mm
- Head Tube Length: 115mm
- ST Length: 330mm
- BB Drop: 25mm
Pushys Online Review - DMR Sect Dirt Jump Bikes
NS Majesty Jump Bike Frame | Dirt
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I have been following NS and specifically the Majesty jump frame since I first heard about Sam Pilgrim and his bike setup. I was young and couldn't afford to build a custom jump bike, let alone understand how to build one so I was stuck staring at the NS website and re-watching Sam's awesome YouTube videos.
Ever since then NS has been developing the awesome Majesty along with other great bikes, frames and parts for many riding styles. The Majesty is one of the strongest jump bike frames available today, being blessed with 4130 Tange Eccentric Chromoly steel.
After getting so popular with so many different riders, NS branched out and developed a second majesty frame. One is designed for park riding and one for dirt or slopestyle riding. The dirt frame has been designed to be more stable with a lower bottom bracket so when riding bigger jumps at higher speed a slight turn or bump won't knock you off. Larger forks, up to 140mm, are available for use on the dirt frame.
While to some steel isn't the best material to make a frame from, NS has developed a quality slim look that keeps the bike strong while also giving it a look different from a lot of other bikes.
Both the park and dirt models of the Majesty have littered bike competition podiums across the world for years now. Some of the best jump riders across the globe are sponsored by or are riding NS Majesty frames. According to NS, this frame has actually won more than anything else in its class.
There's a full heat treatment and offset multi butting process used to make the Majesty frame that is rarely seen on any other jumper bike. This strengthens the steel and welds so much that can be reliably considered one of the lightest jump frames for sale.
A Spanish BB has been fitted to both frame versions to enable compatibility with almost all BMX cranks. This is great for those BMX riders looking for a change into dirt riding.
Pros and Cons:
- Strong frame (4130 Tange Eccentric Chromoly steel)
- Two models (park and dirt)
- Stable design for dirt riding
- Quality slim look
- Highly competitive (won many competitions)
- Steel material (some may not prefer)
- Might be expensive for some
- Specific to jump riding
- Requires knowledge to customize
- Limited to BMX cranks compatibility
NS Majesty Specifications:
- Material: 4130 Tange Eccentric cromomoly steel
- Recommended Fork Travel: 80-140mm
- Headset: Integrated Tapered IS42/IS52
- BB: Spanish BB 68mm
- Biggest Chainring: 32t
- Max Tire Size: 26”x2.3”
- Seat Clamp: 27.2mm
- Weight: 2.2kg
Photo by nsbikes.com
The NS Decade is another one of the most popular jump frames among the professional riders on the circuit. Riders such as Szymon Godziek and Max Fredriksson are some very experienced riders using this frame on their primary bike, winning competitions all over the world.
Personally, I much prefer the geometry and style of the Majesty frame though I do see aesthetic appeal of the Decade and why so many riders swear by it. The Frame itself looks much smaller than other frames with slightly odd curves in the top and seat tube. You can see this frame has been designed with ultimate strength in mind, custom aluminium tubes with double pass welding make up the complete frame, keeping it both light and strong.
Photo by nsbikes.com
NS Decade Specifications:
- Material: AL6061-T6 + AL6066-T6 custom formed
- Recommended Fork Travel: 80-140mm
- Head Tube: 115mm Integrated Tapered IS42/IS52
- BB: Threaded 68mm
- Biggest Chainring: 32t
- Max Tire Size: 26”x2.3”
- Seat Clamp: 30.9mm
- Weight: 2.15kg
MY NEW NS DECADE DIRT JUMP BIKE! Build and First Ride
How to Find a Good Jump Bike Frame
If you're new to jump bike riding then buying a frame separately from the rest of your bike may not be the best idea. You need to find your riding style first and the geometry you like to ride. Testing this with a second-hand complete bike is a much better idea than going straight into building up your own bike.
Having said that, no one dirt jump frame is perfect for everyone. Literally, every person will prefer a different geometry, style or suspension setup so in this list, we are going to go through some of the lightest, strongest and overall most popular dirt jump frames. If you're looking for some great information on the full bike, head over to our post on the best dirt jump and slopestyle bikes.
How we Researched these Frames?
We started by making a list of all possible frames to feature on this list. We listed our favorite frames from past bikes, suggestions from popular forums and a list of the most popular/best selling frames from the top mountain bike stores.
Once we had 10 to 15 products we set out to research and test each one. After researching so many products for this site, we've developed a list of important factors we should look for in each product. This helped us rank the DJ frames and narrow down the list further.
We tested each of the top frames to make sure our research was accurate. Anything that didn't live up to our research was swapped out.
What to look for When Buying a Dirt Jumper Frame
As well as finding a high-quality part from a reputable brand behind, it's very important for bike frames to feel good when being ridden.
It's the largest part on your bike and a frame that doesn't feel comfortable will limit your ability massively.
When buying a new slopestyle bike frame look for the following things:
- Geometry
- Size
- Brand
- Material
- Headset type
- Bottom bracket type
- Headtube angle
- Color
Frequently Asked Questions about Dirt Jumping Frames
What's the Best Frame Material for a DJ Frame?
There are a few different frame materials that are commonly used for DJ frames, and the best choice will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Some popular options include aluminum, steel, and carbon fiber.
Aluminum frames are lightweight and strong, a common choice for mountain bike manufacturers.
They are relatively inexpensive and very light but you do lose out on durability. Aluminum can bend easily when taking hard landings.
Steel frames are much stronger and more durable than aluminum, making them a good choice for DJs who need a frame that can withstand heavy use.
They are also typically less expensive than aluminum frames, so they may not be the best choice for those on a tight budget. Steel is generally too heavy for these bikes so you will see a lot of frames with some form of alloy as the main material.
Carbon fiber frames are the lightest and strongest frame material available, making them a great choice for DJs who need a frame that can withstand heavy use without weighing them down. Carbon fiber is very light but pretty expensive.
Carbon fiber is not good with heavy impacts. Instead of absorbing impact and bending like aluminum, carbon fiber loves to instantly snap.
Ultimately, the best frame material for a DJ frame will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Aluminum alloy is my choice for the best dirt jumper frame material.
What Makes a Dirt Jump Bike a Jump Bike?
Jump bikes have short, low frames, with a very low standover height, with quite high handlebars. The forks are usually durable with less travel, around 80-120mm. There is no rear suspension, making is a 'hardtail' frame.
What Size Dirt Jump Frame for a Tall Person?
As with all bikes, there are different options for people of different sizes. Younger and much smaller riders may opt for a 24” dirt jump bike, but the majority will use 26” wheels.
If you're very tall you can look at getting higher rise handlebars, longer forks and a larger rear triangle.Where are NS Bikes Made?
NS bikes was founded by Szymon Kobylinski in Poland. The company started as 7ANNA around 2000 before being re-branded to NS Bikes in 2004.
How does the weight of the frame affect performance in dirt jumping?
The weight of the frame in dirt jumping significantly impacts performance. A lighter frame can make the bike more maneuverable and easier to handle in the air, allowing riders to execute tricks and rotations with greater ease.
However, a frame that's too light might compromise on strength and durability, which are essential for absorbing the impacts of hard landings. Hence, it's crucial to find a balance between weight and strength to optimize performance in dirt jumping.
How can I tell if a dirt jumping frame is durable enough?
- Material: Check the frame material. Chromoly steel and high-quality aluminum are popular choices for their balance of strength and weight.
- Construction: Look at the welds. Consistent, smooth welds indicate good craftsmanship, which can contribute to durability.
- Tube Thickness: Thicker tubes generally provide more strength, but also add weight.
- Brand Reputation: Research brands and read reviews. Established brands in dirt jumping often have a track record of producing durable frames.
- Reinforcements: Some frames have gussets or other reinforcements at high-stress areas to enhance durability.
- Warranty: A longer warranty can indicate the manufacturer's confidence in the frame's durability.
- Feedback: Talk to other riders or professionals in the field. Their experiences can provide insights into a frame's real-world durability.
- Intended Use: Ensure the frame is specifically designed for dirt jumping. Other types might not withstand the stresses of this discipline.
Which Brands Make the Best Dirt Jumping Frames?
The best brands always come down to personal preference, location and riding style. I grew up riding in the UK so my opinion is skewed towards these brands.
- DMR
- Specialized
- NS
- Dartmoor
How much should I expect to spend on a dirt jumping frame?
You can expect to spend between $350 and $700 depending on the quality of the frame you want.
Recent Updates
Apr 01, 2024:
We have updated this list and introduction for 2024. The NS Decade, Black Market Mob Edit1, Dartmoor Cody and Dartmoor Two6Player have been removed due to less popularity and less availability. For 2024 we've added the Specialized P.4 and DMR Rhythm frames to this list.
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