In this review, we look at the best mountain bike for jibbing. These bikes were carefully selected after considering their frame, suspension, durability, and weight. Our top three selections are below.
Table of Contents
Bikes have been used for stunts for a long time. Apart from the regular tricks like wheelies and jumping, bikers have been seen riding on unusual surfaces like benches, handrails. There is a specific term used for these stunts known as jibbing.
Whether you are a professional jibber or a novice like me, you would need the best mountain bike for jibbing to ensure that you don’t compromise on your safety in all the fun and adventure.
We spent weeks trying and testing fifteen plus mountain bikes from different brands. In this review, you will learn about the six best mountain bikes for jibbing based on their performance, build, and quality.
- Understanding what bikes are suitable for jibbing
- How to select the Best Mountain Bike For Jibbing
- Answers to frequently asked questions about Best Mountain Bike For Jibbing
- Reviews of top-six mountain bikes for jibbing
Bikes Suitable For Jibbing
For jibbing, you would need a bike that is light in weight for jumping and easier to maneuver on unusual surfaces. Hardtail mountain bikes are the best suitable bikes for jibbing.
A hardtail mountain bike doesn’t have rear suspension. These bikes are great for performing stunts, with them being better efficient in pedaling.
Hardtail mountain bikes are lighter in weight since they don’t have the rear suspension. Therefore, they are much easier to handle while jibbing.
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Factors To Consider While Selecting A Mountain Bike For Jibbing
Frame
Jibbing requires you to ride your bike on surfaces that are not suitable for bike riding. For that, you would need a bike that would sustain all the obstacles that you will be putting it through.
For jibbing, having a lightweight but strong frame is a must. The most common type of material used in a mountain bike for jibbing would be steel or aluminum. However, even these materials have different qualities. For aluminum, 6061 quality is the best suitable for the bike frame.
Other good quality materials are titanium and carbon fiber. However, both these materials tend to cost higher and are only used in high-end mountain bikes.
Suspension
Suspension in bikes enhances the comfort of the rider while riding a bike through rough terrains. But for jibbing, the efficiency of the bike must be higher.
All the effort you put in pedaling should transfer the power to the rear wheel for better performance while jibbing. For that, you should consider a mountain bike with no rear suspension. A hardtail bike that has only the front suspension would be the one that you should go for.
Performance
The performance of a bike depends on several factors. Build quality of the bike, size of the wheels, and gears are some of the factors contributing to the performance of a bike.
27.5 and 29 inches of wheel size is ideal for jibbing. However, you should choose the wheel size according to your comfort.
For gears, consider a bike with Shimano derailleur and gear shifters as they have the best quality, and shifting between the gears is effortless.
The performance of a mountain bike also depends on its weight. A mountain bike is ideally heavier than a regular bike, but having a lightweight bike offers better control over the bike.
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Safety
With all these things aside, your safety should be your foremost priority, even when just using your bike for commuting. While jibbing, you will be performing stunts that can be risky.
Having good quality brakes is essential for halting your bike in an emergency. Linear pull hand brakes or disc brakes are the most common brakes that you will find on a mountain bike. Wide and knobby tires offer better traction and stability, which is essential while jibbing.
Another vital thing to consider for better safety would be getting a bike suitable according to your age and weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a jibbing mountain bike?
Jibbing is a term used to describe extreme levels of stunts performed by bikers on unusual surfaces like park benches, handrails, staircases, and other places. Bikers usually prefer a hardtail mountain bike for jibbing.
A hardtail bike is a front suspension bike with no suspension at the rear wheel and thus is named hardtail. These bikes are more efficient as all the power applied by the rider in pedaling is transferred to the rear wheel. Being light in weight and low maintenance also makes them an excellent bike for jibbing.
Is a mountain bike good for Bikepacking?
Spending multiple days exploring the trails while carrying only the necessities on a bike is bikepacking. Bikepacking generally refers to exploring off-road trails, which makes mountain bikes a better choice for backpacking. However, there is no right or wrong choice while selecting a bike for bikepacking.
You would need to determine several factors like the trails you want to explore, how much gear you will be carrying, suspension, and bike frame before choosing a bike for bikepacking.
What kind of mountain bike is good for jumping?
There is a wide variety of mountain bikes available in the market. However, not all of them are suitable for performing aerial stunts. The best mountain bike for jumping would be dirt jump bikes. These bikes have oversized handlebars, a lower seat, and a small frame. Most of the time, these bikes also have one brake and a single gear.
Another bike that is good for jumping is the freeride mountain bike. Like the dirt jump bikes, these bikes also have compact frames and are lightweight for performing aerial stunts.
What is the best mountain bike for wheelies?
If you like to perform stunts on a bike, a mountain bike would be best suitable. For performing wheelies, mountain bikes would be great as they are designed to sustain hard trials and obstacles. They have a robust build, and their wide tires offer beer grip while performing wheelies.
In the article above, we have reviewed some of the best mountain bikes that would be great for performing wheelies.
Reviews of the Six Best Mountain Bike For Jibbing
#1 Huffy Stone Mountain Bike For Jibbing
Features
- Frame: 9.5/10
- Suspension: 9.2/10
- Performance: 9.1/10
- Safety: 8.9/10
- Overall Score: 9.1/10
Technical specification
- Brand: Huffy
- Frame: Steel
- Suspension: Front
- Brakes: Linear pull hand brakes
- Gear: Shimano 21 speed
- Wheels: 24 inches
- Weight: 41.1 pounds
Pros
- The bike features a steel frame that has a limited lifetime warranty.
- The front tire features Kolo 1200 suspension fork.
- It has a Shimano derailleur with 21-speed gears for better performance.
- It has knobby tires, which offer a better grip.
- The height of the seat is adjustable.
- There are six colors available to choose from.
Cons
- The tire size is small, considering the bike is for adults.
Bottom Line
This mountain bike from Huffy is one of the best mountain bikes for big jumps for jibbing with its hardtail design and strong steel frame.
Detailed features
- Frame: This mountain bike features a steel frame that has exceptional strength. It is ideal for jumping through obstacles and performing stunts. Huffy offers a limited lifetime warranty on the steel frame.
- Suspension: This mountain bike from Huffy features a front suspension making it a hardtail. The Kolo 1200 suspension forks on the front wheel offer better comfort while jumping and riding on uneven plains.
- Performance: Shifting gears with this mountain bike is effortless with Shimano TZ 31 derailleur with a micro shift twist shifter which offers a 21-speed gear. The wheel size is 24 inches which are not ideal for riding long distances. However, the small wheels help in performing aerial stunts.
- Safety: The bike comes to a stable halt even in an emergency with linear-pull hand brakes. With 1.95 inches wide knobby tires, this mountain bike offers better grip even on unusual surfaces that you will be jibbing on. This bike is suitable for riders aged 12 to 19.
#2 Huffy Escalate Mountain Bike For Jibbing
Features
- Frame: 8.8/10
- Suspension: 8.6/10
- Performance: 9.1/10
- Safety: 8.6/10
- Overall Score: 8.7/10
Technical specification
- Brand: Huffy
- Frame: Aluminum
- Suspension: Front
- Brakes: Linear pull hand brakes
- Gear: Shimano 21 speed
- Wheels: 26 inches
- Weight: 41.8 pounds
Pros
- This mountain bike is available in three different wheel sizes.
- The aluminum frame of this bike comes with a 1-year warranty.
- It has a front suspension and hardtail.
- The linear-pull hand brakes are made of alloy.
- It features Shimano gear shifters.
- The resin pedals offer better grip.
Cons
- This bike is not suitable for tall or heavier people.
Bottom Line
This Huffy escalate mountain bike is another great option for you if you like jibbing with its lightweight aluminum frame and hardtail design.
Detailed features
- Frame: This mountain bike features an aluminum frame making it one of the best mountain bikes for big jumps. Aluminum is light in weight, and a frame made of aluminum offers better bike handling, even on unusual surfaces. The frame of this bike is highly durable and robust. The brand offers a 10-year limited warranty on the frame.
- Suspension: This bike has a front suspension which is great for comfort when performing stunts that require you to jump from a height. However, for the ease of lifting your bike, it must have a lightweight design made possible by the hardtail design. The hardtail design of the bike also offers better efficiency.
- Performance: With Shimano drivetrain, derailleur, and shifter, shifting between the 21 gears is easy and smooth, and you won’t even feel the shift of gear maintaining your balance. The bike is available in three different wheel sizes to choose from according to your height and comfort. With raised handlebars, you maintain a straight posture reducing the strain on your back and shoulders.
- Safety: This bike has linear-pull hand brakes, which offer better stability while applying brakes. The alloy brakes combined with alloy rims offer a smooth halt whenever you apply the brakes. With 2.1 inches wide and knobby tires, the bike will have better grip even over smooth surfaces.
#3 Schwinn Bonafide Mountain Bike For Jibbing
Features
- Frame: 8.5/10
- Suspension: 8.4/10
- Performance: 8.9/10
- Safety: 8.7/10
- Overall Score: 8.6/10
Technical specification
- Brand: Schwinn
- Frame: Aluminum
- Suspension: Front
- Brakes: Mechanical disc brakes
- Gear: 24-speed trigger shifter
- Wheels: 29 inches
- Weight: 39 pounds
Pros
- This bike has an aluminum frame.
- With mechanical disc brakes, it has excellent stopping power.
- The wide knobby tires are ideal for rough terrains.
- This bike has 24 speeds.
- It features a hardtail design with just the front suspension.
- The double-wall alloy rims on this bike offer durability.
Cons
- The price of this bike is relatively high.
Bottom Line
The hardtail design of this Schwinn bonafide mountain bike makes it one of the best mountain bikes for big jumps and jibbing, and the mechanical disc brakes keep you safe.
Detailed features
- Frame: The frame on this bike is exceptionally durable and can sustain jibbing with aluminum material. Aluminum is a lightweight material and rust-proof, making it an ideal material for bike frames. The double-wall alloy rims on this bike enhance its durability.
- Suspension: The bike features a robust suspension fork in the front wheel that absorbs all the jerks and bumps your face while jibbing. With no suspension at the rear wheel, this bike has a hardtail design which makes it suitable for jibbing. Hardtail bikes are light in weight and have high efficiency of pedaling.
- Performance: This bike has trigger shifter gears with 24-speed settings. Having gears in a bike allows you to have better power while pedaling while applying the same amount of effort. The cranks on this bike are double alloy which makes shifting between the gears smooth. The 29 inches wheels on this bike offer better performance and efficiency on long rides.
- Safety: With front and rear mechanical disc brakes, this bike comes to an immediate stop even in an emergency or on an uneven trail. The 2.25 inches wide tires are knobby and offer better grip and stability over unusual surfaces.
#4 Vilano Blackjack Mountain Bike For Jibbing
Features
- Frame: 8.1/10
- Suspension: 8/10
- Performance: 8.5/10
- Safety: 8.3/10
- Overall Score: 8.2/10
Technical specification
- Brand: Vilano
- Frame: Butted 6061 Aluminum
- Suspension: Front
- Brakes: Mechanical disc brakes
- Gear: 24 speed
- Wheels: 29 inches
- Weight: 30 pounds
Pros
- The frame on this mountain bike is butted 6061 alloy aluminum.
- This bike has mechanical disc brakes.
- The front suspension on this bike can be locked when needed.
- The rims on this bike are double-walled and made of alloy.
- There are 24-speed gears on this bike.
- The wheel is 29 inches in size which makes it efficient for long rides.
Cons
- The bike might require you to get it installed from a local shop.
Bottom Line
This Vilano blackjack mountain bike has a strong butted aluminum frame that can sustain the jumps while jibbing.
Detailed features
- Frame: The frame of this bike is made with handbuilt hydroformed butted 6061 aluminum alloy. The frame is rigid and highly durable, making the bike great for jibbing. Apart from durability, aluminum is also rust-resistant.
- Suspension: With an 80 mm front suspension fork, this bike is a hardtail and one of the best mountain bikes for big jumps. The front suspension absorbs shocks while jumping or going over a bump, and the hardtail makes it more efficient while climbing uphill or jibbing on unusual surfaces. You can also lock the front suspension for enhanced efficiency.
- Performance: The integrated shifters on this bike allows shifting between the 24-speed gears quickly. You won’t even feel the shift of gears. The rims on the 29 inches wheels are double-walled and made of alloy, which makes them durable. The wheels are comfortable to ride even over obstacles.
- Safety: This bike comes with front and rear mechanical disc brakes. The disc brakes help bring the bike to an immediate stop in case of an emergency. The 2.1 inches wide tires offer better stability, and the knobby design grips the surface while riding the bike.
#5 Diamondback Overdrive Mountain Bike For Jibbing
Features
- Frame: 7.9/10
- Suspension: 8.2/10
- Performance: 7.8/10
- Safety: 8/10
- Overall Score: 7.9/10
Technical specification
- Brand: Diamondback
- Frame: Butted 6061- T6 Aluminum
- Suspension: Front
- Brakes: Disc Brakes
- Gear: Shimano 24 speed
- Wheels: 27.5 inches
- Weight: 32 pounds
Pros
- This bike has a hardtail design with no back suspension.
- The frame of this bike is custom-made with butted aluminum.
- It has Shimano 24 speed gear shifter and derailleur.
- This bike has Tecktro disc brakes for better stopping power.
- It has an 80mm front suspension coil-spring fork.
Cons
- The bike can be challenging to assemble.
Bottom Line
This Diamondback mountain bike is excellent for jibbing with its strong frame of butted aluminum and a hardtail design.
Detailed features
- Frame: This bike features a 6061 aluminum frame which is custom made for this bike. The butted tube of the frame offers incredible strength and durability. Aluminum is also corrosion resistant making it ideal for long-term use. Aluminum is lightweight, making the bike perfect for jibbing.
- Suspension: With the spring fork front suspension, this bike provides comfort and stability on uneven surfaces. It doesn’t have a rear suspension which makes it light in weight and more efficient in pedaling. The hardtail design of this bike is excellent for performing stunts.
- Performance: This bike has a Shimano drivetrain with 24 speeds gear settings for you to climb uphill with ease. zShifting between gears is highly convenient too. The 27.5 inches wheels accelerate better, offering a better speed.
- Safety: With Tektro mechanical disc brakes, this bike has excellent stopping power making it one of the best mountain bikes for big jumps. Even in an emergency, your bike comes to a halt once you press the brakes. The wide knobby tires are great for performing stunts on unusual surfaces.
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#6 Mongoose Tyax Mountain Bike For Jibbing
Features
- Frame: 7.6/10
- Suspension: 7.5/10
- Performance: 7.4/10
- Safety: 7.8/10
- Overall Score: 7.5/10
Technical specification
- Brand: Mongoose
- Frame: Tectonic T2 Aluminum
- Suspension: Front
- Brakes: Disc brakes
- Gear: Shimano 12 speed
- Wheels: 27.5 and 29 inches
- Weight: 29 pounds
Pros
- This mountain bike is made of tectonic t2 aluminum.
- You can choose from 27.5 or 29 inches wheel sizes.
- The rear spacing is 147mm, which is great for a hardtail.
- This bike features strong Tektro disc brakes.
- It has Shimano 24 speed gear.
- This bike is the lightest on our list.
Cons
- The cost of this bike is high.
Bottom Line
This Mongoose Tyax mountain bike is an excellent bike for jibbing as it has 147 mm rear spacing, making it a rigid hardtail bike.
Detailed features
- Frame: This mountain bike’s tectonic T2 aluminum frame. Tectonic T2 aluminum frame provides increased strength and decreased weight, is lightweight, and makes it easier for you to perform aerial stunts while jibbing. Even though the material is light, there is no compromise in durability. This bike will last long. The cables on this bike are internally routed through the frame, making it have a clean design.
- Suspension: This bike features a hardtail design with only front suspension with a 100 mm travel fork. The front suspension helps you have a stable ride while getting off from high surfaces like handrails. With 140 mm rear spacing, this bike features a rigid hardtail which makes it ideal for jibbing.
- Performance: The bike performs exceptionally well while jibbing with its 27.5 inches wheels. You also have the option to select the wheel size of 29 inches. This bike features a Shimano SLX derailleur and shifters with 12-speed gear. It is very convenient to shift between the gears according to the need.
- Safety: With hydraulic disc brakes from Tektro, you don’t have to worry about your safety. Even on the dustiest road, your bike will come to a precise halt the moment you apply the brakes. The 2.60 inches wheels have a wire bead design which offers better traction even on slippery surfaces.
My Top 3 Best Mountain Bikes For Jibbing
Performing stunts on a bike is something a hardcore biker can never get enough of. Performing stunts or jibbing on a bike that is not built for stunts can be dangerous. But, with all the fun and thrill taking care of your safety is the first thing you should do.
We have reviewed the six best mountain bikes for jibbing for you to select.
If I have to choose anyone, then my top choice of mountain bike for jibbing would be the Huffy Stone Mountain Bike For Jibbing. It features a hardtail and steel frame which is strong to sustain all the unpredictable riding.
Another favorite of mine would be the Huffy Escalate Mountain Bike For Jibbing, again from Huffy. It also has a hardtail design, and the aluminum frame makes it lightweight, which is easier to control.
While a good mountain bike for jibbing would not come cheap, however for under a budget range of $350, the Vilano Blackjack Mountain Bike For Jibbing gives serious competition to other higher-priced bikes.