BMX Dirt Jumping. Where Air Time Meets Style

If you love BMX bikes and high-flying tricks, then you probably already know about dirt jumping. One of the most electrifying disciplines in BMX racing and freestyle. This style of riding is all about launching off dirt mounds, getting massive air, and pulling off mind-blowing tricks. However, unlike BMX racing, where speed is the name of the game, dirt jumping is all about style, creativity, and sheer guts.

Dirt jumping has deep roots in BMX history, evolving alongside BMX racing as riders sought new ways to push the limits of what was possible on two wheels. Today, one thing is clear, dirt jumping is BMX at its most exciting.

BMX Bikes Built for Dirt Jumping

Not all BMX bikes are built the same, and when it comes to dirt jumping, having the right setup can make all the difference. Dirt jump BMX bikes are designed to handle big impacts, absorb shocks, and provide the perfect balance between control and airtime.

Unlike street or park BMX bikes, dirt jumpers typically have longer frames for better stability. They also feature knobby, treaded tires for maximum grip on dirt surfaces. Most dirt jump BMX bikes run single-speed gearing and have only a rear brake (or sometimes no brakes at all) to avoid interference during tricks.

However, some riders prefer dirt jump mountain bikes, which are slightly larger, have 24-inch or 26-inch wheels, and often include front suspension to help absorb hard landings. Moreover, hybrid models blend elements of BMX and mountain biking, creating a perfect setup for both freestyle tricks and racing.

Types of BMX Dirt Jumps

If you’ve ever watched a BMX dirt jumping session, you know it is about how you land and how smooth you make it look. This means different types of jumps are designed to challenge riders in unique ways.

A double jump is the most common, featuring a takeoff mound and a separate landing mound. Riders must clear the gap between them to land smoothly. Meanwhile, tabletops are beginner-friendly jumps with a flat top that allows riders to land safely even if they don’t clear the entire jump. For those looking for extra speed, rollers and step-ups help maintain momentum, while hip jumps challenge riders to land at an angle instead of straight ahead. More advanced riders love spines and whoops, which are multiple small jumps in a row that can be pumped through for speed.

Insane Tricks That Define Dirt Jumping

What makes BMX dirt jumping so amazing is the tricks. While riders can start with basic jumps, the real magic happens when they throw in supermans, backflips, tailwhips, and barspins mid-air. One of the most legendary tricks is the backflip, where the rider and bike rotate completely backward before landing smoothly. However, the progression of BMX means riders are now combining flips with tailwhips (spinning the bike frame 360° around the handlebars) and barspins (spinning the handlebars mid-air).

Moreover, some tricks push physics to the limit. The cashroll, for example, combines a 180-degree spin with a corked backflip into another 180-degree spin (making it one of the most technical tricks in BMX freestyle, in our opinion). Meanwhile, the superman seat grab involves the rider extending their legs behind them like Superman while holding onto the bike’s seat.