Dirt Jump Bikes – Specialized P2, Black Market Malice & Haro Steel Reserves

Specialized P2

Darren Berrecloth used his park and free ride experience to help design the P Series bikes for Specialized. The result is a great line-up of bikes that truly perform in the park and in the air.

The Specialized P2 is the mid-level bike in the P Series and offers great value. The tough Reynolds 520 Cr-Mo, chromoly, frame can take a beating. A MID BB, horizontal dropouts, and an integrated chain tensioner keep this single speed dirt jumper dialed. As with any dirt jumper the wheels need to be strong and be able to handle abuse. The P2 comes stock with super strong double-walled, 36 spoke wheels and a 80 mm travel Marzocchi DJ2 fork to cushion the big hits. The stock build also includes a rear Avid mechanical disc brake. The Marzocchi has mounts for a front brake but the front hub won’t take a rotor.

While test riders found this bike to perform best on jumps, on the pump track and in the park, they weren’t as satisfied on the dirt as an all around bike that climbs and descends well on anything.

Overall, if you just like to play in the street or park this bike is for you. Also, if you want to add a bike to your quiver, this is a good value to get a dirt jumping, whip that will last.

Black Market Malice

Unlike most urban, park, and dirt jump bike manufacturers, Black Market solely focuses on freestyle, dirt jumping, park, urban bikes. That focus and dedication shines through in their bikes. Every bike is made to be tough and lightweight with the best geometry to enhance performance.

In 2010 Black Market Bikes made the Malice available as a complete bike. For some reason, in 2011 the Malice is only sold as a frame with a build kit sold separately. For some this custom ability is great. However, there is huge savings when you buy a complete bike. Plus, the Malice had a sick build kit with Hayes Stroker brakes, 20mm thru axle Marzocchi DJ 1 fork, and Microdrive drivetrain. The Fix Bikes bought the remaining inventory of complete Black Market Malice Bikes so we could pass the savings on to you, our customers.

If you want a sick looking, tougher than nails, competition proven bike at a phenomenal price, get the Malice. These complete bikes won’t last long. Hit us up and we will take care of you.

Haro Steel Reserves

The Steel Reserve freestyle bikes from Haro Bicycles have some great advantages and are great all-around bikes. These complete bikes offer graduated specs with the Steel Reserve 1.1 being the most budget oriented and the 1.3 being the most tricked-out while the 1.2 provides great balance of budget and performance. Haro complete setups are rare in that they work well for tall riders or anyone over 6 feet.

All Haro Steel Reserve Frames use tough 4130 double-butted cromoly tubing. The 1.1 is ridged with a Cr-Mo dirt jump specific fork, while the 1.2 and the 1.3 are stocked with a little travel up front. Each bike only has a rear brake yet all have the ability to mount a front brake. Check out the individual product pages for complete specs of each.

As you go up in price, the componentry gets better. If you’re a big rider, you’ll want the extra strong crank on the 1.3 and the better wheels as well. As with most everything, you have to pay for what you get.

The bottom line is the Haro Steel Reserve bikes handle abuse, look nice, and are simple to maintain with good geometry. This bike is versatile too. Try it in 4x and even a little downhill riding and you’ll be surprised. Obviously, you can find a better bike for each condition but this bike will perform outside the park and urban assaults jumping and whipping around.