What is the pump? Here’s why you should drive it bikexchange

Driving a pump path is not just incredibly fun, but it is also a great way to improve your control, stability and comfort on two wheels.

So what exactly is the path with pumps?

In short, the pump path is a continuous loop with berms (raised bandages), rollers and various obstacles that can be rided on a bicycle without the need to pedal. Instead, riders create momentum through the movements of the body up and down known as pumping. Hence the name.

Because of the way they are built, pumps are suitable for all skills levels, including complete beginners and experienced professionals. It is up to you to decide which lines you want to take, how hard you want to take and how challenging you want to be your pump.

Continue to read to learn how to maximize your next pump ride.

The benefits of driving a pump track

Apart from being fun, what is the pump trail used in? Jumps and rollers look mild, and you don’t even need to pedal.

However, what many do not understand is that the skills you acquire here are also translated into the paths of mountain cyclists and cycling in general.

All Berma, rollers and jumps are always the same, which is great because it allows you to practice different approaches in predictable conditions. This way you can focus on your skills without worrying about other factors.

By driving the pump, you can build The skills of mountain biking Like a bend, weight distribution, jumping and whole bicycle handling. All this is very important on the trails in the real world.

The next time you come across Berm or a roller on the hill bicycle path, you will feel familiar and you will probably be able to take a much better line than before. Because you have done it again and again.

Fundamentals for pump riding: bicycle and gear

To make the most of the pump, it is best to drive it to a BMX or a jacking bike. Also, be sure to wear a helmet!

What I love most about driving pump is that you need very little to get started.

In fact, all you need is a bike, and what is still better is that you can use any bike you own.

Number one choice for most riders is to use a A bike for dirt or a BMX bikebut different types of mountain bicycles They are also common, and sometimes you can notice the rider on the road, gravel or hybrid. In addition to bicycles, pumps can also be rode on skaters and scooters.

When it comes to equipment, we recommend that you always wear a Cycling helmetBecause the fall on the pump path can be dangerous, although they are unusual and typically mild.

If you try out new things, like larger jumps or riding with higher speeds, we recommend that you wear a full face helmet just in case, especially if you are driving on a running lane.

Finally, wearing a cub and knee protector is not required, but a good idea if you are new to pump the trails and want to avoid getting boring scratches. The same goes for wearing long -sleeved clothing, such as jeans and hoods.

Who can drive a pump?

Punces of the trail are usually perfectly safe for all riders, including children.

One of the best things you will notice when visiting the pump track are people of all ages and levels of skills that have fun and exercise.

These courses are designed in such a way that everyone can drive them. To the children on balance bikes and Pedal bikes are the usual visitors in shorter courses that share with adults on the dirt jump and mountain bikes.

So, if you are wondering if you are too young or too old to go to the local pump path, I can say that you are not.

Similarly, you are probably also not submissive or overly qualified to drive because path pumps meet a wide range of abilities.

Pumping strip features

The pump plate is usually designed as a loop or as a free flow course consisting of a berm, roller, jumps and other similar features.

Here are the short explanations of the most popular features and their use:

• Rollers: Rollers are the fundamental part of any pump. This is a series of small coats that you can use to get swinging by pumping (pulling on the upper part and pushing to below). They will help you develop balance and perfect your pumping technique.
• Berms: These are the bank turn added to the corners that allow you to turn to the swing. They are another important feature, ensuring the flow of the track. Berms are also common on hill bicycles paths, so the pump trail is a good place to practice how to safely drive them.
• Tabletop jumps: These are the leaps with a straight tip that are perfect for beginners to safely practice jumping and landing. They let you guarantee you if you decide for any reason.
• Transfer lines: As the name implies, these are sections that allow drivers to move from one line to the other, offering flexibility and adding diversity to the track. They are most often on free -shaped pumps.

Main types of pump

Loops were compared opposite the free flow pumps.

Puns of the path usually come in two main types – a loop and a free shape.

Although similar, they offer some key differences in terms of styles and driving variations that you can take when choosing lines.

• Traces of loop pumps: This type of pump is inspired by BMX traces. It contains the starting point and the final point, with a series of features between that loop. Traces of loop pumps are excellent for beginners because they are predictable and are popular with skytboarding among people.
• Punces of free form pumps: These appearances also have a circular design, but the remaining parts between them are also military and filled with features. This makes them a similar look of the skateparax. Because of this approach, free songs offer countless instructions and lines, making them more fun and more appropriate for all skills levels.

Popular pump surfaces

The most common trails for material pumps are definitely dirt. The reason is simple – the port is inexpensive, easily accessible, and it is easy to introduce changes and add features in the future.

Tarmac pump traces are also quite popular and have many advantages over dirt paths. However, they are more expensive to build.

The dirt clues are a lot of forgiveness if you fall, but require regular maintenance. Confused dirt becomes loose over time, so it takes regular time and effort to keep these traces in a mint state.

Furthermore, dirt paths should not be rode in very dry and very humid conditions, as this will accelerate their exacerbation. Instead, it is advisable to muffle the path if it is very dry or wait for it to dry if it is too moist.

Which bikes are the best for pumps?

You can use any pump ride bike, but BMX, dirt jump and mountain bikes are the most appropriate.

When it comes to choosing the best bicycles for pump trails, BMX bikes and bikes for dirt are the best choices.

These bikes are built for agility, with solid frames and reactive handling that make them perfect for navigation in tight turns, rollers and jumps located on the pump path.

Mountain bikes, especially stubborn, are also a great option, offering greater versatility if you plan to drive both pumps and paths.

Although you could see some rider on the road, pebble or hybrid bicycles, they are not so appropriate because of their less robust design.

In short, the best bike for the pump path is one that allows you to feel control and confidently, maximizing your fun and skill development.

Often asked questions

Can you pedal on the pump track?

Yes, you can pedal on the pump track, but you don’t need to. If you use rollers and berms properly, you will be able to get speed and maintain momentum without pedaling, using pumping. This is the main advantage of pumps.

What to wear on the pump?

You can wear anything on the pump, including occasional clothing and clothing specific to bikes. If you want to avoid scratches, we recommend that you wear thick jeans and a long -sleeved shirt. Otherwise, a pair of shorts and T -shirts will be sufficient.

Do you need a special pump bike?

No, you don’t need a special bike for pump driving. Accordingly, some are bicycle types, such as BMX, a jump with dirt and mountain bicycles better than the others for this application. Some also drive pumps on road, pebble and hybrid bicycles, but that’s less frequently.

How much is the pump trail usually?

Most pump trails cover an area of ​​about 10,000 square meters, with an oval about 65 feet wide and 165 feet long. However, there is no predetermined need for size when making a pump. Homemade courses in the yard can be much smaller and are still fun to drive.

Are pumps safe?

Yes, pump paths are perfectly safe for riders of all ages and skills levels. Of course, collisions and downs can happen, so it is important to take usual precautions, such as wearing helmet. Children should not drive them unattended their parents, but everyone else can admire them.