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It’s Saturday, the sun is shining on the local sports field. Let’s go play with our friends!
But what is it? A circuit made of plastic, with hills and steep curves. Cool, that looks a lot like a pump track. We’ll have to test that one right away. But with which means of transport can a pump track actually be ridden?
Pumptracks have the advantage that they can be ridden with countless different means of transportation, the main thing that they have wheels or rollers.
In addition to custom-made dirt bikes, mountain bikes, BMX bikes, rollerblades, scooters and skateboards are the most common types of bike on the mobile circuit. This makes the Pumptrack one of the most versatile pieces of sports equipment around.
We show you how the respective pumptrack devices look like and how well they are suited for riding the mobile circuit.
Let’s go!
Designed specifically for the pumptrack, these fun bikes feature a compact steel or aluminum frame complemented by a front suspension fork. The frame is designed so that the saddle of the bike is positioned particularly low, which allows you to always maintain a low center of gravity when riding the waves and steep turns. The bike features either 24-inch or 26-inch wheels for exceptional maneuverability in the turns. The roundels are very wide and can be very smooth or highly textured depending on the nature of the pump track and weather conditions.
A classic dirt bike usually has no gears and has only a rear brake. This is because using a front brake could cause the front wheel to slip away, and also save weight. The pedals are a particularly striking feature. On a dirt bike you will not find conventional pedals, but so-called “bear paws” (flat pedals), which are characterized by their large contact surface.
All these unique features make the Dirt Bike your perfect partner for the Pumptrack.
BMX bikes are the clear number 2 when it comes to riding a pump track. They resemble a dirt bike in many ways, but differ mainly in their extremely small 20-inch wheels and the lack of a suspension fork. The frame of these bikes is usually made of lightweight aluminum, while the fork can be made of aluminum, steel or even carbon. Impressive are also the 3-4-way crossed spokes, which give the wheels additional stability.
Just like dirt bikes, the handlebars of a BMX bike can be fully rotated 360 degrees to ensure maximum freedom of movement for spectacular tricks. However, it is important to note that BMX bikes usually have axle-extending bars called “pedals” that should be removed at all costs when riding on pump tracks to avoid accidents and injuries.
Scooters and scooters are available in conventional design or as a so-called stunt variant. But what exactly is the difference?
Handlebars: Unlike conventional scooters, a stunt scooter has a T-handlebar instead of a foldable handlebar.
Wheels: Stunt scooters are equipped with wheels that have a metal core instead of a plastic core to increase stability and resistance during stunts.
Weight: The construction of a stunt scooter is much more robust compared to a conventional scooter, which means that the stunt scooter is usually heavier despite the higher quality components. However, for high-end stunt scooters, this weight difference can be reduced by using special materials like titanium.
For riding a pumptrack, both variants can be used, although the stunt variant seems somewhat more appropriate.
Inline skates and aggressive skates are two different types of roller skates designed for different purposes. When it comes to using them on a pump track, there are some important differences to consider:
Inline skates usually have larger wheels that provide better speed and stability. This is ideal for skating on smooth surfaces such as roads and bike paths. Aggressive skates, on the other hand, are equipped with smaller wheels that provide more maneuverability and control. This is especially important when you’re on a pump track, as you’ll want to perform quick direction changes and tricks.
Inline skates are often equipped with a solid shell, which provides more support and protection for the foot. This is important to maintain speed and avoid injury. Aggressive skates have a softer, more flexible shoe construction that allows the skater to move better and perform tricks like grinds and jumps. This is an advantage on a pumptrack because you need more freedom of movement.
Inline skates often have harder wheels that allow for better speed on slippery surfaces.
Aggressive skates typically use softer wheels to provide more grip on rough surfaces and when landing tricks. This can be useful on a pump track as the surface is not rough.
In summary, inline skates are better for skating on smooth surfaces and longer distances, while aggressive skates are better for skating on a pump track and performing tricks. The choice between the two depends on your personal preferences and your intended style of skating on the pump track.
Mountain bikes are bicycles that are mainly used off-road. Therefore, they differ from dirt bikes by larger wheels, often an additional rear suspension fork, very rough textured tire tread and other features.
However, even with all of these distinguishing features, mountain bikes prove to be excellent at meeting the challenges of steep turns and waves on a pump track with ease.
A skateboard can certainly be used on a pump track, although it is not the optimal choice for this type of track. The challenge of skateboarding on a pump track is the limited steerability and maneuverability compared to other vehicles. Skateboards have smaller wheels and lower ground clearance, which can make negotiating bumps and tackling pumptrack waves more difficult. Nevertheless, experienced skateboarders can perform some impressive tricks and maneuvers on a pump track.
To maximize the usability of a skateboard on a pump track, it is important to effectively manage pumping and weight transfer. Skateboarders can use the waves of the pump track to build up speed and save energy through skillful movements. It requires practice and skill, but it is quite doable.
Overall, skateboarding on a pump track can be a fun challenge and offers the opportunity to expand your skateboarding skills in a variety of ways. However, it is advisable to wear protective gear and be careful, as the track conditions and speed on a pumptrack can increase the risk of falls.
In conclusion, it shows that although there are specially designed sports riding devices for riding a pump track, with a lot of will and skill, a pump track can lead to great fun and enjoyment with any non-motorized means of transportation.
