Do a Mountain Bike Bunny Hop

Bunny hopping is a method of lifting your mountain bike into the air without having a lip or ramp to ride off. Being able to confidently bunny hop will allow you to ride faster, safer, and open up new trails to enjoy. In this article we will walk you through two methods of hopping with your bike: a traditional bunny hop and a two-wheel hop.

Steps

Traditional Bunny Hop

  1. Learn how to get the front wheel off the ground (manual). Stand up on your pedals, level your cranks, and move your weight to the rear of the bike. Push down on your front shock, then when you start to feel the momentum shoot you back up, lift your wheel.
  2. Learn how to lift the back tire off the ground. Explosively toss your weight toward the front of the bike. If you are using clipless pedals, lift the rear wheel off the ground at the same time by pulling your feet up. With flat pedals you should point your toes downward to brace your feet against the pedals and lift up with your feet.
  3. Find a flat, grassy area and coast across it at a relatively slow speed.
  4. Do a manual to lift your front wheel up into the air.
  5. Heavily preload your rear shock by moving your weight backward and downward.
  6. Spring upward and forward in an explosive manner.
  7. Lift your rear wheel up into the air by lifting with your feet while using your wrists to roll the handlebar forward.
    • Using clipless pedals? Simply lift the bike up into your body.
    • Flat pedals? Curl your toes around the pedals and bring your feet up while pushing rearward to keep them on the pedals.
  8. Land on both wheels simultaneously and absorb the impact by bending your knees.

Two-Wheel Lift

  1. Preload both of your shocks by leaping upward then pressing your bike into the ground.
  2. Explosively leap upward to lift both your front wheel and rear wheel up into the air at the same time.
    • If you are using flat pedals, point your toes toward the ground and push rearward while lifting upward at the same time.
  3. Land. Absorb the shock with your knees and land on both wheels simultaneously, or the back tire first if possible.

Tips

  • Don't get angry if you don't get it right away. Reposition yourself and try again.
  • It takes time to get it right. If you get too tired, stop and take a break.
  • Clip-in pedals are very useful too, try pulling on the pedals and using method two at the same time.
  • It is easier to do on hardtails than on full suspensions. It's possible, but the shock absorbs the force and it's harder to get into the air.
  • Try this on really short grass first. It's a lot easier and you won't mutilate yourself if you fall.
  • You should be going about 4-6 mph (6-8 km/h). When you get better, up the speed a bit.
  • Always wear a helmet for your safety.

Warnings

  • Avoid shoes with no grip. Or flip flops. Or sandals.
  • Never try to jump something too tall. Not only could you pop a tire, you could pop yourself, too.
  • It can be very tiring. Regard the last tip.
  • Always Always Always wear a good helmet. It's not just common sense or safety, it's the law.
  • If you are not sure you can do this don't.

Things You'll Need

  • Mountain bike
  • Good athletic or skater shoes.
  • Clothing that won't get caught in the chain (shorts, ankle socks, etc.)
  • Helmet
  • Optional: shin guards, gloves

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