Dirt Jump Frames | Best Dirt Jumper Bike Frames in 2023

If you're a regular here, you know we often rave about BMX bikes. But 2023 has unleashed some killer dirt jump frames that demand attention. Whether you're on a BMX, hardtail, or full-suspension slopestyle, dirt jumps are where skills and thrills unite.

Today, we're zeroing in on hardtail mountain bike frames. Don't be fooled by their similar looks; differences in geometry and materials make or break your ride and trick game.

After rigorous testing, we're crowning the Trek Ticket DJ frame as the go-to pick for 2023. Read on to find out why it leaves the competition in the dust.

Overall Best Dirt Jump Frame

Trek Ticket Dirt Jump Frame 2023

• 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.

$950 from Trek

 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 2023 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

Dream Builds: Trek Ticket DJ

Best for Intermediate Riders

DMR Sect Dirt Jump Bike Frame 2023

• 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

$233 from Ebay

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.

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.

Pushys Online Review - DMR Sect Dirt Jump Bikes

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.

Sam Pilgrim - NS Bikes Majesty bike check

 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

MY NEW NS DECADE DIRT JUMP BIKE! Build and First Ride

Dartmoor have long been a favorite of mine. The full suspension slopestyle Shine model was my dream bike for a long time. The only problem was always that I couldn't find a good place in the UK to buy any of their products.

Dartmoor creates many different bikes. They make everything from BMX bikes up to hardtail and full suspension mountain bikes. The Two6player is one of their most popular bike parts. Used by many top riders on both big and small courses. The 2023 Two6player puts them over the tenth year mark for this model. After 10 years of having success with iterations of one model you know you're onto something good.

I'm starting to see a theme with each of these dirt jump bike companies. Many of them seem to say their frame has been proven to be the best or most popular jump frame in the world. While some of them may well be very popular and the strongest or the lightest, I don't think so many brands should go round saying they have developed the best jump frame ever.

This year Dartmoor have created a completely new shape and geometry for the Two6player 2023 and I like it. The more geometric and thick to thin style of tubing looks good. This newer design isn't just for looks either. During testing, this frame survived over a quarter million cycles with a 40% overload on an ISO machine.

26Player 2017 Bike Check

Dartmoor Cody Jump Bike Frame

To me, the style of the Dartmoor Cody frame is much sleeker and minimalistic than the Two6player. Exactly how I like jump frames. Instead of the clever design ideas on their other frames, the Cody is made from straight, unmoulded tubing. These are multiple butted, seamless Japanese Cr-Mo 4130 steel tubes that are heat treated and perfectly welded. All these features improve the strength of the frame significantly, allowing tubing to be thinner and therefore lighter too.

A feature harder to see by eye is the thickening of the frame walling over certain sensitive areas. Areas such as curves and joints on a bike frame are put under significantly more stress than long open areas. This coupled with the fact that welding will never be as strong as a straight piece of metal means it can crack much easier. Dartmoor has got around this by adding a bit of extra material inside the frame at these weaker points. It adds a little more weight to the frame but I think that this option is much better than having to change the design or materials significantly.

Dartmoor Cody - hydroformed chainstay

Black Market Mob Edit1 Jumper Frame

Before working on this article I hadn't actually heard of Black Market bikes but after researching I'm loving some of the bikes and parts they're creating. Black Market Bikes was created back in 2004 after its created struggled to find 26” bikes that rode as well as BMX bikes over the larger jumps.

The first ever product made by this company was the MOB. This bike really put them on the map, with it still being a very sought after and influential hardtail. Decline magazine themselves rated it as one of the most influential dirt jump hardtail frames ever made.

It's pretty easy to tell from the logo that this is a very American company. The Edit1 is entirely American made, making the manufacturing process a little more expensive but it allows the company to take a much closer look at how the bike is manufactured, making sure everything is running smoothly, something a lot of companies struggle with when their bikes are being manufactured in somewhere like Taiwan.

This dirt jump mountain bike frame is the newest descendant of their most popular bike, the MOB. The geometry was passed down almost exactly. They definitely believe they've got an almost perfect geometry set up to carry it over so accurately.

You can tell this bike company is actually thinking about its riders now and in the future. They're also willing to take a few risks by not just doing everything the same as the older, more established brands. What do I mean by this? Well for starters they've developed 7 different sizes of their new frame. The difference between the top tube length of the smallest and largest frame is two and a half inches. It doesn't seem like much but for the more advanced or pro rider the slightest geometry changes can significantly improve their comfort and confidence on a bike.

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.

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.

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