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Pump track bikes in the testWhich one is the most fun? 8 MTBs for pumping

Jan Timmermann

 · 16.11.2023

We wanted to know: Which bike is a real high-flyer on the pump track?
Photo: Max Fuchs

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Pump tracks are perfect playgrounds for bikers. The waves and berms are a fun way to practise your riding technique and have endless fun. We chased eight bikes with fundamentally different approaches over the pump track. Cube, Octane One, Rocky Mountain, Specialized or XPro - which dirt bike is the most fun to ride? Or will the classic hardtail triumph in the end?

Every biker should have ridden a pump track once in their life. Once you've pushed your MTB over successive crests and through a berm, you'll be back for more. Riding a pump track is addictive! The great thing about it is that it is extremely low-threshold fun. Even small children can shred over the waves on balance bikes and even seasoned bike veterans can find new riding enjoyment on the pump track. Most pump tracks are public sports facilities that can be visited completely free of charge.

Which of these eight bikes is the most fun to ride on the pump track? We tested a wide variety of concepts.Photo: Max FuchsWhich of these eight bikes is the most fun to ride on the pump track? We tested a wide variety of concepts.

You don't even need a lot of special equipment to do this. Many bikers take their normal MTB to the pump track or convert an old hardtail into a pump machine. Nevertheless, there are bikes that feel more comfortable on such a course than others. In addition to slopestyle and street action, dirt bikes find a whole new area of application on the pump track. In 34 years of BIKE, there has never been a dirt bike test. Why? Too special, too niche, too far removed from classic biking. Now it's time to change that, because pump track riding has long since become a popular sport. More and more communities are realising that a "roller sports facility", as it is so beautifully called in officialese, can inspire young and old. We invited eight different bikes to test pump tracks.

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The 8 pump track bikes in the test:

What is the perfect bike for the pump track?

Pump track biking is not only an excellent fitness workout, but also teaches you important basic techniques for off-road biking. But should you buy a bike just for this? We wanted to know whether it's worth it and if so, which manufacturer has the most fun concept on the circuit?

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Which is the best bike for the pump track? This question led to many a discussion during our test.Photo: Max FuchsWhich is the best bike for the pump track? This question led to many a discussion during our test.

In order to clarify which bike is the best companion on the pump track, we selected the test field according to the greatest possible diversity. What's particularly exciting is that the candidates differ significantly from each other in terms of concept, price, distribution channel and wheel size. Curtain up for the nominations in the "Best pump track bike" category!

Specialised P3

Technical data

  • Price: 1700 Euro >> available here
  • Wheel size: 26"
  • Frame sizes: One size fits all
  • Material: Aluminium
  • Handlebar width: 760 mm
  • Stem length: 35 mm
  • Suspension travel: 100 mm
  • Weight of complete bike: 11.14 kg
  • Weight of wheels: 4079 g
  • Translation: 30 / 13
With its 26-inch wheels, the Specialized P3 was available to us as a perfect comparison candidate to the P4 on larger wheels.Photo: Georg GrieshaberWith its 26-inch wheels, the Specialized P3 was available to us as a perfect comparison candidate to the P4 on larger wheels.
Unusual 1: The internally routed brake hose gives the Specialized P3 a tidy look. It is also protected in the frame.Photo: Georg GrieshaberUnusual 1: The internally routed brake hose gives the Specialized P3 a tidy look. It is also protected in the frame.

Equipment

  • Fork: Marzocchi Bomber DJ
  • Crank: Specialised P.Series
  • Wheels: Specialised P.Series
  • Tyres: Specialized Kicker Sport, 26 x 2.1"
  • Brake system / disc size: Sram Level T / 160 mm
The geometry of the Specialized P3.Photo: BIKEThe geometry of the Specialized P3.Unusual 2: The Boost standard is rare on dirt bikes and makes it difficult to obtain spare parts for the Specialized P3 with special single-speed hubs. It would also be possible to retrofit a derailleur.Photo: Georg GrieshaberUnusual 2: The Boost standard is rare on dirt bikes and makes it difficult to obtain spare parts for the Specialized P3 with special single-speed hubs. It would also be possible to retrofit a derailleur.

Test: Specialized P3 dirt bike on the pump track

With internally routed cables, Boost rear triangle, preparation for gears and even a dropper post, the Specialized frame has some unique features. Apart from the 26-inch wheels, the bike is identical to the P4. When cornering, the small wheels are a tick more agile. This liveliness plays into the hands of riding fun on tight lines. On the other hand, the line has to be hit precisely, as the shorter bike is less forgiving of mistakes. It is also not quite as stable in the air as its big brother. On the other hand, the lively character helps with street tricks.

Specialised P4

Technical data

  • Price: 1700 Euro >> available here
  • Wheel size: 27.5"
  • Frame sizes: One size fits all
  • Material: Aluminium
  • Handlebar width: 760 mm
  • Stem length: 35 mm
  • Suspension travel: 100 mm
  • Weight of complete bike: 11.43 kg
  • Weight of wheels: 4229 g
  • Translation: 30 / 13
The Specialized P4 is the big brother of the P3 and rolls on 27.5-inch wheels.Photo: Georg GrieshaberThe Specialized P4 is the big brother of the P3 and rolls on 27.5-inch wheels.A particularly aesthetic solution: the sliding dropouts on the Specialized P4 dirt bike for easy chain tensioning.Photo: Georg GrieshaberA particularly aesthetic solution: the sliding dropouts on the Specialized P4 dirt bike for easy chain tensioning.

Equipment

  • Fork: Marzocchi Bomber DJ
  • Crank: Specialised P.Series
  • Wheels: Specialised P.Series
  • Tyres: Specialized Kicker Sport / 27.5 x 2.1"
  • Brake system / disc size: Sram Level T, 160 mm
Specialized uses its own cranks on its dirt bikes.Photo: Georg GrieshaberSpecialized uses its own cranks on its dirt bikes.
The geometry of the Specialized P4.Photo: BIKEThe geometry of the Specialized P4.Tyres up to 2.35 inches wide fit in the frame of the Specialized P3 and P4 despite the compact chainstays and large wheels. The factory-specified tyres should be a little wider.Photo: Georg GrieshaberTyres up to 2.35 inches wide fit in the frame of the Specialized P3 and P4 despite the compact chainstays and large wheels. The factory-specified tyres should be a little wider.

Test: Specialized P4 dirt bike on the pump track

If you don't know that the Specialized P4 has large 27.5-inch wheels, you probably won't notice anything on your first lap of the pump track. But if you then switch to the 26-inch P3 counterpart, the difference is clearly noticeable. The slightly higher front end results in a more homogeneous ride feel. With a comparable chainstay length, the P4 is minimally heavier but still very good on the larger rear wheel. With a longer wheelbase and slacker head angle, it is smoother and more stable at high speeds. As it still corners very well, the 27.5-inch dirt bike concept is a complete success.

XPro Digga Cream

Technical data

  • Price: 2300 Euro
  • Wheel size: 26"
  • Frame sizes: One size fits all
  • Material: Aluminium
  • Handlebar width: 720 mm
  • Stem length: 32 mm
  • Suspension travel: 100 mm
  • Weight of complete bike: 11.66 kg
  • Weight of wheels: 4226 g
  • Translation: 30 / 12
The XPro Digga is limited to a homeopathic number of 25 bikes in the elegant Cream version.Photo: Georg GrieshaberThe XPro Digga is limited to a homeopathic number of 25 bikes in the elegant Cream version.Numerous castings reinforce the Digga dirt bike. XPro is currently the only manufacturer to have series aluminium frames for dirt bikes welded in Europe.Photo: Georg GrieshaberNumerous castings reinforce the Digga dirt bike. XPro is currently the only manufacturer to have series aluminium frames for dirt bikes welded in Europe.

Equipment

  • Fork: Rockshox Pike DJ
  • Crank: DMR AXE
  • Wheels: XPro / Ruff Cycles
  • Tyres: Goodyear Wingfoot Dirt / Park, 26 x 2.2"
  • Brake system / disc size: Magura MT4 / 180 mm
With so many loops, the Magura brake cable gives professionals the chance to perform wild combination tricks. The CNC-machined Ruckus stem was developed in-house by XPro and is made in Germany.Photo: Georg GrieshaberWith so many loops, the Magura brake cable gives professionals the chance to perform wild combination tricks. The CNC-machined Ruckus stem was developed in-house by XPro and is made in Germany.The geometry of the XPro Digga Cream.Photo: BIKEThe geometry of the XPro Digga Cream.XPro relies on bolted and replaceable dropouts for tensioning the chain.Photo: Georg GrieshaberXPro relies on bolted and replaceable dropouts for tensioning the chain.

Test: Dirtbike XPro Digga Cream on the pump track

Welded in Bosnia-Herzegovina and assembled in Regensburg the Digga is something very special - especially in the Cream version, which is limited to 15 units. From the very first metre, the very stiff bike generates as much speed as the Rocky and the large Specialized. At the same time, however, the geometry is shorter. Every twitch has consequences on the highly reactive Digga. Staying on line requires good fitness and riding technique. On the other hand, the direct handling immediately implements impulses - fun and great for tricks! Anyone who masters the Digga gets a lively and fast dirt bike made in Europe.

>> Here is the detailed presentation of the XPro Digga Cream <<

Octane One Melt Pump

Technical data

  • Price: 699 Euro
  • Wheel size: 26"
  • Frame sizes: One size fits all
  • Material: Aluminium
  • Handlebar width: 740 mm
  • Stem length: 45 mm
  • Weight of complete bike: 11.98 kg
  • Weight of wheels: 4545 g
  • Translation: 26 / 14
The Octane One Melt Pump is designed to show what dirt bikers can expect for less than 700 euros.Photo: Georg GrieshaberThe Octane One Melt Pump is designed to show what dirt bikers can expect for less than 700 euros.The mechanical disc brake of the Octane One Melt Pump is sufficient for deceleration. For manuals and tricks, the bite and modulation could be better.Photo: Georg GrieshaberThe mechanical disc brake of the Octane One Melt Pump is sufficient for deceleration. For manuals and tricks, the bite and modulation could be better.

Equipment

  • Fork: RST Gila
  • Crank: Samox
  • Wheels: Octane One / Rodi
  • Tyres: Kenda Small Block Eight, 26 x 2.1"
  • Brake system / disc size: Tektro CL520 / 160 mm
Octane One is implementing a consistent savings programme. Square cranks have long since disappeared from high-quality bikes. But the Melt Pump is unbeatably affordable.Photo: Georg GrieshaberOctane One is implementing a consistent savings programme. Square cranks have long since disappeared from high-quality bikes. But the Melt Pump is unbeatably affordable.The geometry of the Octane One Melt Pump.Photo: BIKEThe geometry of the Octane One Melt Pump.Unfortunately, the inexpensive RST Gila suspension fork in the Octane One Melt Pump really limits the fun on the pump track.Photo: Georg GrieshaberUnfortunately, the inexpensive RST Gila suspension fork in the Octane One Melt Pump really limits the fun on the pump track.

Test: Octane One Melt Pump dirt bike on the pump track

Good geometry costs nothing. This is also the case with the cheapest bike in the test. Unfortunately, the short but successful base is cancelled out by the RST suspension fork, which is useless on the pump track. Without any support, it immediately dives away and the rider hangs low over the front end. In addition, the far too fast rebound cannot be adjusted and cancels the rider out as soon as the speed increases. Together with a hard bottom-out, this hardly conveys any feeling of control. Pumptrack riders would be better off with a rigid fork. However, the Octane One is not a good deal. Too bad!

Rocky Mountain Flow

Technical data

  • Price: 1200 Euro
  • Wheel size: 26"
  • Frame sizes: M / L (tested)
  • Material: Aluminium
  • Handlebar width: 780 mm
  • Stem length: 40 mm
  • Suspension travel: 100 mm
  • Weight of complete bike: 11.05 kg
  • Weight of wheels: 4169 g
  • Translation: 30 / 14
Long, flat, low and black, like the Batmobile, the Rocky Mountain Flow rolls into the test.Photo: Georg GrieshaberLong, flat, low and black, like the Batmobile, the Rocky Mountain Flow rolls into the test.This head tube badge alone suggests a painful price for the Flow. Contrary to expectations, however, the Rocky remains competitive.Photo: Georg GrieshaberThis head tube badge alone suggests a painful price for the Flow. Contrary to expectations, however, the Rocky remains competitive.

Equipment

  • Fork: Manitou Circus Expert
  • Crank: Rocky Mountain 2PC
  • Wheels: Rocky Mountain TR30
  • Tyres: Maxxis DTH, 26 x 2.3"
  • Brake system / disc size: Sram G2 R / 160 mm
Rocky Mountain relies on horizontal dropouts and slotted holes to move the brake calliper.Photo: Georg GrieshaberRocky Mountain relies on horizontal dropouts and slotted holes to move the brake calliper.The geometry of the Rocky Mountain Flow in size L.Photo: BIKEThe geometry of the Rocky Mountain Flow in size L.With a width of 780 millimetres, the handlebars of the Rocky Mountain Flow would also look good on an enduro bike. It should be shortened for pump tracks and tricks.Photo: Georg GrieshaberWith a width of 780 millimetres, the handlebars of the Rocky Mountain Flow would also look good on an enduro bike. It should be shortened for pump tracks and tricks.

Test: Rocky Mountain Flow dirt bike on the pump track

Apart from the Cube touring hardtail, the Canadians provide the longest test bike. After a little familiarisation, the Flow can be ridden around the pump track faster than any of the other candidates. Thanks to its low weight and fast tyres, it outpaces everyone else on the straights. However, so much speed needs to be controlled and makes the rider reach for the brakes before corners. On tight bends, the smaller frame size is the better choice. The extremely wide handlebars are also too much of a good thing. Unusual for Rocky is the fair price tag despite the well-functioning Manitou fork with air suspension.

Rose The Bruce 2

Technical data

  • Price: 1199 Euro >> available here
  • Wheel size: 26"
  • Frame sizes: M / L (tested)
  • Material: Aluminium
  • Handlebar width: 760 mm
  • Stem length: 35 mm
  • Suspension travel: 100 mm
  • Weight of complete bike: 11.2 kg
  • Weight of wheels: 4203 g
  • Translation: 32 / 13
The Rose The Bruce is the working tool of super trickster Lukas Knopf, among others.Photo: Georg GrieshaberThe Rose The Bruce is the working tool of super trickster Lukas Knopf, among others.A little more tread on the front wheel of the Rose The Bruce also gives you confidence on dirt pump tracks. In practice, there is no noticeable difference in rolling resistance.Photo: Georg GrieshaberA little more tread on the front wheel of the Rose The Bruce also gives you confidence on dirt pump tracks. In practice, there is no noticeable difference in rolling resistance.

Equipment

  • Fork: Rockshox Pike DJ
  • Crank: Truvativ Descendant
  • Wheels: Reverse Black One
  • Tyres: Maxxis Ikon, 26 x 2.35"/ DTH, 26 x 2.3"
  • Brake system / disc size: Sram Level R / 160 mm
The geometry of the Rose The Bruce 2 in size L.Photo: BIKEThe geometry of the Rose The Bruce 2 in size L.With an RRP of around 1000 euros, the Rockshox Pike DJ is by far the most expensive fork in the test. Rose installs it in a barely more expensive complete bike. On the pump track, the performance advantage is minimal.Photo: Georg GrieshaberWith an RRP of around 1000 euros, the Rockshox Pike DJ is by far the most expensive fork in the test. Rose installs it in a barely more expensive complete bike. On the pump track, the performance advantage is minimal.

Test: Dirtbike Rose The Bruce 2 on the pump track

The Rose is not only in the midfield in terms of price. The well-balanced riding characteristics of the mail-order bike also impressed all the testers. Not too long and not too short, it strikes a harmonious balance between smoothness and agility. The sweet spot is easy to hit with the high-frequency weight transfer on a pump track. The Bruce is also willing on the rear wheel. A harmonious, high-quality equipment package rounds off the uncomplicated handling. Wide rims and a good choice of tyres ensure comfortable damping. If you want to fully insert the seatpost, you have to reach for the saw. The Rose The Bruce 2 secures the coveted BIKE price-performance tip!

Cube Flying Circus

Technical data

  • Price: 1099 Euro >> available here
  • Wheel size: 26"
  • Frame sizes: M / L (tested)
  • Material: Aluminium
  • Handlebar width: 680 mm
  • Stem length: 45 mm
  • Suspension travel: 100 mm
  • Weight of complete bike: 11.77 kg
  • Weight of wheels: 4034 g
  • Translation: 28 / 15
Cube has had the Flying Circus dirt bike in its programme for many years.Photo: Georg GrieshaberCube has had the Flying Circus dirt bike in its programme for many years.Cube not only supplies its dirt bike with a hydraulic front brake, but also prepares the frame and dropouts for retrofitting a gear system.Photo: Georg GrieshaberCube not only supplies its dirt bike with a hydraulic front brake, but also prepares the frame and dropouts for retrofitting a gear system.

Equipment

  • Fork: Manitou Circus Sport
  • Crank: Race Face Affect DH
  • Wheels: Cube Ex 23
  • Tyres: Schwalbe Billy Bonkers, 26 x 2.25"
  • Brake system / disc size: Tektro HD-M 275 / 160 / 160 mm
The Manitou Circus Sport in the Cube dirt bike at least offers a functioning rebound adjustment, which keeps the rebound speed of the steel spring under control. However, the damping is too weak for riders over 80 kilos.Photo: Georg GrieshaberThe Manitou Circus Sport in the Cube dirt bike at least offers a functioning rebound adjustment, which keeps the rebound speed of the steel spring under control. However, the damping is too weak for riders over 80 kilos.The geometry of the Cube Flying Circus in size L.Photo: BIKEThe geometry of the Cube Flying Circus in size L.Handlebar widths under 700 millimetres seemed to be extinct. The narrow cockpit of the Cube Flying Circus makes sense for children and facilitates tricks such as X-ups. Adults should have a wider grip.Photo: Georg GrieshaberHandlebar widths under 700 millimetres seemed to be extinct. The narrow cockpit of the Cube Flying Circus makes sense for children and facilitates tricks such as X-ups. Adults should have a wider grip.

Test: Cube Flying Circus dirt bike on the pump track

Together with the Octane One, the Cube produced the shortest ride in the test - even though we ordered the longer frame. The very narrow handlebar also suits smaller riders better. The Flying Circus handles tight changes of direction quickly. However, when the speed increases, the smoothness of the longer test rivals creates more riding safety. The heavy Manitou steel suspension fork works just okay, but makes for a somewhat unbalanced weight distribution. Overall, it's a little harder to build up speed on the bike with the cool paintwork.

Cube Reaction Pro

Technical data

  • Price: 1700 Euro >> available here
  • Wheel size: 29"
  • Frame sizes: S / M / L (tested) / XL / XXL
  • Material: Aluminium
  • Handlebar width: 720 mm
  • Stem length: 60 mm
  • Suspension travel: 100 mm
  • Weight of complete bike: 13.07 kg
  • Weight of wheels: 4881 g
  • Translation: 32 / 11-51
In this test, the Cube Reaction holds up the flag for all-round hardtails and stands up to dirt bikes on the pump track.Photo: Georg GrieshaberIn this test, the Cube Reaction holds up the flag for all-round hardtails and stands up to dirt bikes on the pump track.A quick-release axle and 29er wheels are not a very stiff combination on the Cube Reaction Hardtail in fast berms. The good Shimano XT components are of little use on the pump track, but all the more so on tour.Photo: Georg GrieshaberA quick-release axle and 29er wheels are not a very stiff combination on the Cube Reaction Hardtail in fast berms. The good Shimano XT components are of little use on the pump track, but all the more so on tour.

Equipment

  • Fork: Rockshox Judy Silver
  • Crank: Shimano FC MT-611
  • Gear system: Shimano Deore / XT
  • Wheels: Cube ZX 20
  • Tyres: Schwalbe Racing Ray / Racing Ralph Performance Addix TLR 29 x 2.25"
  • Brake system / disc size: Shimano XT / 180 / 160 mm
The geometry of the Cube Reaction Pro in size L.Photo: BIKEThe geometry of the Cube Reaction Pro in size L.The rigid seatpost of the Cube Reaction Pro hardtail cannot be fully lowered ex works. Be careful when shortening it: you may still need the extension for touring.Photo: Georg GrieshaberThe rigid seatpost of the Cube Reaction Pro hardtail cannot be fully lowered ex works. Be careful when shortening it: you may still need the extension for touring.

Test: 29-inch hardtail Cube Reaction Pro on the pump track

The first impression after a lap on the pump track: surprisingly good! Of course, the Reaction is less consistent than a dirt bike. For an active weight transfer, it would help to shorten the long seat post in the equally long seat tube and the additional weight cannot be denied. But once the hardtail has been brought up to speed, it can be ridden quickly. It requires more effort from the rider and the higher flex of the 29er wheels can be felt at peak loads. However, neither is a knock-out criterion for riding enjoyment. Useless on the pump track, the Shimano XT parts score points on tour.

Conclusion

The sobering and at the same time brilliant conclusion of our pump track test is: Every bike can be fun! Even the Cube Reaction all-round hardtail is not out of place on the occasional pump track visit. Bikes like the Rocky Mountain Flow and the Specialized P4 love pump track laps at high speeds. The XPro Digga and the Specialized P3 are the most fun for tricks. With the Flying Circus, Cube offers a versatile dirt bike platform that falls somewhat behind in comparison due to its equipment. This is even more true of the Octane One Melt Pump. The best all-rounder for all pump track conditions is Rose's well-balanced The Bruce. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE test editor
Jan Timmermann, BIKE test editor.Photo: Miha MatavzJan Timmermann, BIKE test editor.

Jan Timmermann

Jan Timmermann is a true mountain biker. His interests cover almost everything from marathon to trail bikes and from street to gravel. True to the motto "life is too short for boring bikes", the technical editor's heart lies above all in bikes with charisma. Jan also runs the fitness centre for our cycling brands.

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