MTB
Rob Warner and Tom Oehler explain how to master the ability to lift both wheels off the ground at once.
The ability to bunny hop is not just a case of kids' play and has many practical uses for when you're out on the trails. Getting both wheels in the air at the same time can help you clear roots, rocks and other obstacles without having to slow down your speed.
The bunny hop is a combination of two different skills: the front wheel lift and the rear wheel lift. Discover the component parts and techniques needed to perform this useful skill with Tom Oehler and Rob Warner in the video above.
Front wheel lift
- Find a flat a spot. Lower your saddle.
- Roll slowly, standing centrally on the bike, with your feet horizontal on the pedals.
- Pump down and into the bike by lowering your position over the centre of the bike, bending your arms and legs as you do. In the same movement pull back on the handlebars to lift the front wheel in the air. Keep your arms straight as you pull back on the bars.
- To keep the front wheel in the air, shift your hips towards the back of the bike, while at the same time pushing the bike forward with your heels.
- Your weight and not your arms should be lifting the front wheel.
- Keep on practising this process until it becomes one fast fluid movement.
Back wheel lift
- Keep your pedals level and lower your weight on the bike.
- As you roll in this position, come up straight in an explosive movement upwards, moving your hips forward. At the same time lift the handlebars. Scoop up the bike and pedals behind you.
- The further forward you push your weight on the bike the more the rear wheel comes off the ground.
Putting both together for the hop
- To get both wheels off the ground at the same time, roll in and lift that front wheel. Than in a quick, explosive movement stand up on the bike with your legs extended, push your bodyweight forward towards the handlebars, scooping the pedals back as you do.
- Aim for your body to come up forwards towards the handlebars and diagonally when you do.
- Both wheels should hit the ground at the same time when you land.
- Bunny hopping is all about timing and with continual practice you'll eventually nail this skill.
Discover more How to MTB on with Rob and Tom here or click on the related stories below.
