Only those who can hop over obstacles with ease can stay in the flow of the terrain. Riding technique expert Stefan Herrmann knows exactly what is important when bunny hopping:
THE PIG SHOP
The pig hop is the simpler, but also less effective version of the bunny hop. Both wheels lift off at the same time. The motto of the pig hop: maximum effort with minimum efficiency. It is only used when you want to overcome depressions in the ground at high speed. How does it work? Centralised and impulsive weight transfer from bottom to top.
Stefan Herrmann, riding technique expert: "The bunny hop is both a compulsory move and a fun manoeuvre. Once you've mastered it, you'll never have to dismount again when the tree trunks are lying across. Admittedly: The move seems complex at first. The art of the bunny hop is to make two movements flow into one another. With a lot of practice, you can master the bunny hop in three weeks."
Practise without objects at the beginning.
What is the best way to do the bunny hop?
The bunny hop consists of two moves. You should already be able to do them. So: 1) lift the front wheel and 2) pull the rear with the help of the hip swing. Once you have these two things down, you can start to let the movements flow together and fine-tune your timing.
Where is the best place to practise the move?
Many of my pupils want to jump over obstacles straight away. That's rubbish! Practise jumping without objects at first. The first step is to concentrate on coordinating the two movements.
At what point do most people find it difficult?
There is often a lack of coordination, i.e. the ability to make both movements flow together. Others try to do it with too much force. There's no doubt about it: the bunny hop is tricky at first and requires a lot of practice.
So is the bunny hop only reserved for talented bikers?
No. Of course, talented movers find it easier, but that only affects the learning phase. I believe that if you practise four times a week for half an hour, you can do the bunny hop in three weeks. The prerequisite for this: the right approach. My tip: film yourself to recognise mistakes. And now, get out on your bike!
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Laurin Lehner
Editor
