Dirt/Street

Dirt bikes may conjure up images of tightly-packed soil and flying, wet mud, but they also need to be able to handle urban environments as well as off-road situations. Dirt bikes fall into a number of distinct categories and price brackets, so there is something for everyone.

Dirt jump bikes from brands like Scott can be surprisingly affordable, although like most companies there are ranges which span a number of different budgets. At the more affordable end you can find alloy-framed examples with front shocks that offer decent degrees of travel along with linear pull calliper brakes. Start spending a little more and you will eventually find carbon frames, disk brakes and full suspension setups on a dirt mountain bike which will be able to absorb the hardest hits and help you tackle the most daunting trails available.

Dirt BMX bikes follow a similar pattern, although these can perhaps be better adapted for use on the street as well as off-road. Rigid steel or alloy frames are found at the bottom end of the market, while you can progress to get a hardtail example if you want to increase your investment.

The good thing about dirt and street bikes is that you can choose the style, manufacturer and price without feeling limited in your choices. The idea is to pick a cycle which will let you indulge in whatever activity you find most enjoyable, not mould your cycling to the capabilities of a specific bike.