Jigsaw Jumps – Review
Being a confident jumper takes time and practice, but it’s not always easy to find the time or the places to learn. It’s a skill that can often move down the priority list due to either not having jumps nearby, which allows for progression, or the time to learn.
Without the time or the means to learn, jumping can end up being put in the too-hard basket which can result in opting for the b-line every time. Learning to jump requires time and commitment, and more importantly a set of jumps where you can learn to progress in a safe and encouraging environment.
So imagine if you could build your own jump, ranging in size from small to large, and better still, take it to a location where you can learn in your own time and with friends, without the pressure of being judged by others. Sounds too good to be true? Thankfully brands such as Jigsaw Jumps allow you to do exactly this.
A new generation of Aussie-made portable ramps has landed. Jigsaw Jumps are like having a bike park in your backpack. It’s more than a jump — it’s a giant leap.
Who Is Jigsaw Jumps?
Jigsaw Jumps was created by Sam Knight during the lockdown of 2020 in Melbourne. A need to ride his bike but with the COVID restrictions in place was the ignition needed that sparked the Jigsaw jump concept. With a 5km restriction in place at the time, and no trails within that area, the rules for design were set in motion.
The jump needed to be mobile and small enough to carry in a backpack, on a bike. A large Uber Eats delivery bag was going to be about the right size and the method of transportation had to be the bike. The jump had to be light and small enough to carry in a backpack, strong enough to support a fully-grown adult taking off, and be put together without the need for any tools.
Using a jigsaw in his home workshop, Sam designed each part so it would fit together like a jigsaw piece, making it very compact when broken down for transportation. Testing at his local park saw great success with the initial design and soon attracted onlookers who also wanted to learn more and get their hands on their own Jigsaw Jump. This was the start of the journey for Sam and has led to the full line-up you can see on the Jigsaw jumps website today.
Jigsaw jumps goal is to make bike jumps accessible to families all over Australia – so there is something in the range to suit every age and skill level.
Features & Models
There are 4 Jigsaw Jump models to choose from starting from Junior, Pocket Rocket, Medium, and Large. All 4 models have been designed with skill progression in mind. To achieve this, the Jigsaw Jumps include a variety of “Extensions” which allow you to create roll-overs, and tabletops and add additional kicker height and length to the jump. Check out the full range of extensions here.
In this review, we tested out the Medium and Large models.
Jigsaw Jump Junior
The most playful member of the Jigsaw Jumps family, the Junior brings the joy of jumping to children aged as young as 3 years old. It’s hours of fun for anyone riding on two wheels!
Tech Specs:
- Small kids age 3-6yrs
- Balance bikes / small BMXs
- Junior max ramp height- 22cm
- Weight: 5.1kg
3 Stages:
- Small Two Way Roller
- Small Rollable Jump
- Small Jump
- J+ Extension now available – 39cm
- M+ Extension now available – 57cm
Jigsaw Jump Pocket Rocket
The Pocket Rocket has an amazing amount of pop for its ultra-portable size! It’s short but it’s steep, so with the right technique it can launch you higher than you might think!
Tech Specs:
- Kids, teens, adults
- BMX, Dirt Jumper, MTB
- Max. ramp height – 27cm
- Weight: 4.2kg
3 Stages:
- Mini Jump
- Rollable Mini Jump
- Mini Kicker (Short and Steep)
- Ultra-portable, no extensions
Jigsaw Jump Medium
Hitting the sweet spot, the medium offers a good size in terms of height and length for some serious air-time excitement and jump skill progression. The medium jump like all other Jigsaw Jumps packs down and can be carried in its backpack.
Tech Specs:
- Kids, teens, adults
- MTB, BMX, Dirt Jumper
- Medium ramp height – 39cm
- Weight: 8.2kg
3 Stages:
- Medium 2-Way Roller Ramp
- Medium Rollable Jump
- Medium Jump (Mild Kicker)
- M+ Extension now available – 57cm
- M++ Extension now available – 79cm
Jigsaw Jump Large
The largest jump in the range taking it to the next level. The big brother to the medium offers extra width, steeper geometry, and a higher take-off. This is the one if you are already confident in jumping and want to keep your jump skills fresh. Although the largest of the 4 ramps, it can still be carried in its pack on a bike, pretty amazing.
Tech Specs:
- Advanced children, teens, adults
- MTB, BMX, Dirt Jumper
- Large ramp height – 52cm
- Ramp weight: 11.5kg
3 Stages:
- Large Two Way Roller
- Large Rollable Ramp
- Large Jump (Steep Kicker)
- L+ Extension now available – 79cm
Assembly
The assembly process is super-quick and intuitive. Each section of the ramp locks into place just like a jigsaw puzzle and is held in place with a short bungee cord. Packing down the jump is as quick as the assembly process with diagrams printed on each panel to show you where each section sits together when stored in the pack.
Photos ©Aaron Dickfos
Materials
In terms of materials, each Jigsaw jump is made with 12mm thick durable birch plywood which gives the jumps their strength. The jump surface features an anti–slip covering to provide plenty of grip and the entire structure is glued together with waterproof glue. Each section slots together and is held in place with a locally sourced bungee cord.
Each ramp has been strength tested and can even support e-bikes (but NOT rated for motorbike use).
Photos ©Aaron Dickfos
Learning to Fly
We unpacked both jumps from their backpack and got started with the assembly process. We can’t express how easy this was. In about 5 minutes or less, you’ll have a fully functioning ramp ready to be ridden.
Stability is key of course, so make sure you settle the jump on a flat surface before attempting a take-off. Once you are confident that the jump is stable it is a case of trying your first take-off attempt.
Find a location, set up the jump, and off you go for an afternoon of fun and skill progression. What could be better?
The geometry of the jumps has been worked out to offer a smooth transition up the surface to the kicker. The medium and large offer the largest and longest of these providing a very natural take-off. With a little pop off the top, we could get some serious height, considering the size of these jumps.
Progress is all about doing things in stages. Jigsaw Jumps help you build up your skills by progressively building up the length and height of the jump.
We were amazed at how much air time we were getting, we had plenty of time to try some styling in the air. This is perfect for skill progression and building confidence allowing you to add new elements to your jump routine.
Once we got confident on both ramps we eagerly started looking for new places to set up the jumps. This in itself is a lot of fun and only your creativity will hold you back. We set up on flat sections, downhill slopes, and even over obstacles to add a little variety to the landings.
We were able to gain some decent height with the medium and could still get away with flat landings. The large, however, is best suited positioned with a downslope for the lander due to the extra height gained. The downslope just took the sting out of the harsh landings when landing to flat. This is the result of how good these ramps are and how much air time you can achieve.
It goes without saying, please be sure you are riding within your skill level and make sure nobody is going to get hurt by placing the jumps in dangerous locations.
The Jigsaw Jumps backpack system makes carrying your ramp super easy, and it’s incredibly comfortable thanks to the padded back and straps. So whatever size jump you choose, you can just throw it on your back and ride.
Packing up was as easy as the assembly, with intuitive instructions the jump was back in its bag and we were heading off to a new location, within minutes.
Conclusions
If you are looking to learn how to jump, improve your existing technique or just keep your skills fresh but don’t live near a jump park or have the means to get to one, then Jigsaw Jumps could be the solution for you. A mobile and modular jump system that you can literally carry around with you. All you need is open space and your imagination and you’ll soon be whipping off like a pro.
Where to Buy / Price
You can pick up the Jigsaw Jumps directly from their website. Alternatively, just ask your local bike store to see if they can get them in for you.
- Jigsaw Jump Junior: $299.00AUD
- Jigsaw Jump Pocket Rocket: $289.00AUD
- Jigsaw Jump Medium: $399.00AUD
- Jigsaw Jump Large: $499.00AUD
Check out the full list of stockists below:
VICTORIA
Yarra Valley Cycles
(03) 9735 1483
108 Main St
LILYDALE, VIC 3140
Life of Bikes
(03) 5940 2299
88-90 Princes Hwy
PAKENHAM VIC 3810
bikeNOW
(03) 9696 8588
240 Kings Way
SOUTH MELBOURNE, VIC 3205
Rye Bike Shop
(03) 5935 1836
2329 Point Nepean Rd
RYE, VIC 3941
Hardtail Havoc
0417 140 254
Grnd flr 9, 55 McClure St
THORNBURY, VIC 3071
Wheel Heat
(03) 56724113
323A White Road
WONTHAGGI, VIC, 3995
Jigsaw Jumps Workshop
– by appointment only
0433 303 324
Woods Point Road
WARBURTON, VIC 3799
NEW SOUTH WALES
Berry Mountain Cycles
(02) 4464 3857
5/65 Queen St
BERRY, NSW 2535
Batemans Bay Cycles
(02) 4472 1777
Unit B, 23B Vesper Street
BATEMANS BAY, NSW, 2536
QUEENSLAND
Bike On
(07) 5474 3322
12/20 Venture Dr
NOOSAVILLE, QLD 4566
Pump n Pedals
(07) 4051 6853
13/117 Sheridan St,
CAIRNS CITY, QLD 4870
Biked Cairns
(07) 4059 0513
Shop 2/123 Williams Esplanade,
PALM COVE QLD 4879
Corry Cycles
(07) 4918 8305
Gordon St & Milton St,
MACKAY QLD 4740
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Bicycles Mt Barker
(08) 8391 4777
12 Walker St
MOUNT BARKER, SA 5251
TASMANIA
Roll Cycles Hobart
(03) 6213 9640
93 Harrrington St,
HOBART, TAS 7000
