Bike
MTB
Perfect the pump with Rob Warner and Tom Oehler
Follow our handy guide on how to maintain maximum trail speed.
When it comes to hitting the trails, few techniques are as valuable as the pump. Put simply, it's the ability to eek speed from the trail itself by compressing your bike into holes and undulations.
In the video below, ex-DHer Rob Warner and pro rider Tom Oehler will tell you all you need to know to master it.
2 min
Perfect the pump with Rob and Tom
Learn how to eek speed from the trail in this pumping tutorial from MTB pros Rob Warner and Tom Oehler.
So what are you waiting for? Go and grab your bike, head out onto the trails and get practicing.
Steps to perfecting the pump on a MTB
- To learn this technique ideally find a pump track or a trail where there is roll up and then an immediate small down slope.
- Approach roller with pedals flat and seat low. Don’t go too slow or fast on your approach.
- On the upslope, pull gently on the handlebars. Your front wheel shouldn’t rise off the ground, instead the motion of pulling the handlebars should help you absorb the bump underneath you.
- As you go over the bump, your knees and arms should be bent with the handlebars coming up towards your chest. The aim is to be a coiled spring as you go over the top of the roller with your bodyweight forward at the top of the rise.
- On the downslope, push down on the handlebars with your arms but keep those arms straight. At the same time, push down onto the pedals with your legs so that your legs become straight. Drop your heels on the pedals to drive momentum forward.
- Timing has to be perfect but once you’ve perfected the pump it will give you great flow on the trails.
Discover more How to MTB on with Rob and Tom here or click on the related stories below.
