For many bikers, bunny hop training is a permanent work in progress. Many consider the bunny jump to be a pretty professional move - no wonder, since many articles and videos demonstrate a very high variant on small dirt bikes that is hardly needed in everyday life. However, the rodeo movement of the bunny hop is fundamental for more safety and fun when overcoming obstacles and optimizing the choice of line. In addition, the "real bunny" is also the basis for other jumping techniques , e.g. in the bike park. The problem: Most bikers have gotten used to the so-called "standard hop" on mountain bikes in their early stages, i.e. they pull both wheels up at the same time with their arms and legs. The process of relearning the real bunny hop therefore requires patience , as the autopilot keeps creeping in. But it's worth sticking with it - we'll show you how to approach this expert move step by step. Even on the not exactly lightweight e-bikes, the bunny hop works well with enough practice!
Step 1 Bunny Hop Training- Lift the front wheel and rear wheel
Pulling your arms from the handlebars is the most common bad habit that prevents a successful start to the bunny hop. So you should repeat the dynamic movement at the back until it becomes automatic. It's not about achieving a particular height or length; the focus should be on a clean movement! The next piece of the puzzle is lifting the rear wheel cleanly - here, too, clean execution is important when training the bunny hop using dynamic movements. Since you now want to make the rear wheel light and have assumed a slightly backward position after the manual impulse, you roll in exactly the same way. From there you then perform a dynamic jump with your legs - these stretch out (stretch jump). According to the principle of "light mass follows heavy mass", the rear wheel lifts off. This requires a firm connection of the soles of the feet to the pedals using body tension. To do this, lower your toes and press your feet against the pedal surfaces ( you should still wear shin guards for this exercise ). If the rear wheel comes up too high, compensate by bending your legs so that you don't feel like you're being pushed forward. At first, take all your fingers off the front brake lever so that you don't accidentally touch it. When practicing , avoid trying several times in a row , as this reduces concentration and strength.
- Central deep diving, elbows out!
- Explosive push of the handlebars forward, KSP goes backwards!
- Pay attention to the timing when doing obstacles. Legs bent!
- Jump off your legs, feet wedged in the pedals!
- Before landing, stretch your arms and legs for a gentle impact!
- Central cushioning from legs and arms!
Step 2 – More dynamic connection of the two movements
Now, after the isolated exercises, you can combine the two movements . This works better on agile enduro bikes than on long, stable downhill bikes . A flat surface is great for this; you can leave out an obstacle at the beginning so you don't get distracted. If you perform the impulses on the front and rear wheels in chronological order, you use the path from back to top and front dynamically. Result: First as a "seesaw", i.e. driven more slowly, and then as a small but fine bunny hop. Normally the front wheel then lands on its own. It takes a lot of practice to get this going well - in addition to technique, you also need timing! Tip: For very thick tree trunks you need even more height and you have to adapt your technique during the airtime. Loose obstacles such as shoe boxes are ideal for practicing; tree trunks don't allow you to make any mistakes, so improve step by step!
- Switch to a deep and central posture early.
- Explosive push of the handlebars forward, KSP goes backwards!
- Dynamic jumping with leg extension, feet wedged in pedals!
- If necessary, pull the bike higher and optionally push it forward underneath you!
- Softly cushion the impact with your legs and arms!
Practical tip : Bunny hop training should be approached with patience so that fun and motivation are not lost. There are a few key points to consider:
- Practice with flat pedals and shin guards , you'll slip anyway!
- Lower the saddle naturally to allow enough room to move.
- Proceed step by step – initially as isolated dry runs at the front and back.
- Automate the seesaw and THEN increase the dynamics of the movement .
- Video analysis via iPad, use smartphone, there are apps for super slow motion .
- Be patient with yourself and give yourself time for the bunny hop.
- Commuters and city cyclists can practice on curbs (lots of repetitions) .
- Pay attention to your current form and don't force it.
- Solid and high obstacles send strong danger signals – therefore increase the level slowly .
- Watch online videos from professionals repeatedly to encourage visual learning .
Text: Bikeschule Liquid-Life | Photos: Sascha Bamberg & Fabio Schäfer
