How to Buy a GRP Fibreglass Pump Track

Pump tracks built from glass fibre reinforced polyester, usually shortened to GRP, have become one of the most requested outdoor sports installations for local authorities, campsites, schools, holiday resorts and property developers. Their appeal is easy to explain: one compact surface serves cyclists, scooter riders and skaters of every level, it is used continuously without supervision, and it needs very little looking after. This guide sets out how a GRP pump track is procured, why the material is chosen, and what to settle before committing budget.

What a GRP pump track is

A pump track is a cycle circuit designed so that riders generate speed using their own body movement, pumping through the terrain rather than pedalling. Unlike a conventional track it is made up of banked turns, rollers and dips, which allow riders to keep their momentum without pedalling continuously.

Glass fibre reinforced polyester is the material the modular versions are built from. It is a tough, durable composite that gives a smooth, non-slip riding surface. It is also weather resistant and needs very little maintenance, which is what makes it well suited to a permanently open outdoor installation.

Ways to buy a GRP pump track

There are three routes to procurement, and which one suits you depends mainly on how standard your requirement is.

1. Direct from a manufacturer. A number of manufacturers specialise in building GRP pump tracks. Contacting them directly gets you their product information, prices and lead times, and some also offer an installation service to put the track in for you.

2. Through a supplier. If you would rather not deal with a factory directly, a specialist supplier can offer a selection of GRP pump tracks from several manufacturers. That gives you more choice and lets you compare prices and specifications before committing, and it usually means one contract covering supply, delivery and installation rather than three.

3. Bespoke build. If you have specific requirements or want your own layout, a track can be built to order. Contractors specialising in GRP pump tracks will work to your design. This is the more expensive route, but it produces a track that fits the site and the brief exactly.

Why GRP for a pump track

Durability. GRP is an extremely hard wearing material that stands up to constant use by bikes and skateboards. It is weather resistant, so it can sit outdoors without deteriorating quickly.

Non-slip surface. The surface provides excellent grip, which lets riders keep control through tight turns and jumps. That makes the riding experience both safer and more enjoyable, and it is the single most important property for a facility open to the public.

Low maintenance. Unlike other track materials, GRP asks very little. It can be cleaned with soap and water, which keeps the surface in good condition for many years and keeps the running cost predictable.

Design flexibility. GRP can be moulded into different shapes and sizes, so a track can be built with features specific to your site: banked turns, dips and rollers that make the circuit more engaging and more progressive.

What to settle before you buy

Budget. Set the budget before you start looking. Prices vary considerably with the size of the track, the complexity of the layout and any additional features. The aim is a balance between quality and price rather than the lowest headline figure, because the surface has to survive years of unsupervised use.

Available space. Assess the space you have. Measure the plot carefully so that you select a layout that genuinely fits, including the run-off and circulation space around the circuit, not only the track footprint.

User skill level. Think about who will use it. If you expect riders of mixed ability, a modular design is worth considering, because difficulty can be changed by adding or removing elements as the user base develops.

Installation and maintenance. Ask what installation services the manufacturer or supplier offers, and make sure you understand the maintenance requirements of GRP so the track stays in good condition. For a publicly accessible installation, check the applicable national and local rules for outdoor sports facilities with your authority before the site is opened.

Where a pump track fits in an outdoor offer

A pump track rarely stands alone. On a campsite or in a municipal park it works alongside outdoor fitness stations and obstacle equipment to serve several age groups from one site. Our range is set out under pump tracks, with the surrounding equipment under outdoor gym equipment and children outdoor sports parks.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a GRP pump track cost?

The cost varies with the size, the layout and any additional features, so there is no single figure. Pricing is done per project against your plot dimensions and the configuration you choose.

How long does installation take?

Installation time depends on several factors, principally the size of the track and the condition of the site. A lead time is confirmed per project once the ground conditions and access are known.

Can the layout be customised?

Yes. You can work with a manufacturer or a contractor to create a layout that matches your requirements and your site rather than adapting the site to a catalogue circuit.

Are GRP pump tracks suitable for beginners?

Yes, they suit riders of every skill level and are particularly good for beginners, because they build core cycling skills without the need to pedal continuously.

What are the advantages over other materials?

Durability, a non-slip surface, easy maintenance and design flexibility. The material gives a good riding surface and withstands the weather, which is what makes it a strong choice for an outdoor circuit.

How do I find a reliable supplier?

Look at completed installations, read customer feedback and ask for references, so that you are working with a supplier whose tracks have already survived a few seasons in public use.

Planning your project