MTB riding techniqueHow-to Nose-Bonk

Lukas Schäfer

 · 02.10.2022

MTB riding technique: How-to Nose-BonkPhoto: Lars Scharl
Can you learn style on a bike? Style master Lukas Schäfer says: "Yes and no, you have to develop it." To help you do this, Lukas shows you how it works in our series.

On it, instead of over it

Why touch the table with the front wheel? Because it looks stylish and is fun. Lukas shows the beginner's version, without using the front brake.

Approach

I set off at the same speed as if I wanted to jump over the table. But there's also no reason why you shouldn't approach the table slowly at first. Tip: Approach it slowly.

Press

Instead of actively pushing off, I tend to stay crouched. As soon as the front wheel leaves the edge, I push it down with my arms and shift my centre of gravity slightly forwards. As a result, the rear rises and the front wheel touches the table. Important: Make sure that your arms are still slightly bent so that you can react.

Dexterity

Now a sense of balance is required. For more style, I push my hips slightly to the side: as a result, the rear end swings out. My arms and legs remain slightly bent so that I can react if I'm in danger of tipping forwards. My fingers are on the brake levers. Expert riders don't leave it at bonk, but extend their ride on the front wheel with measured braking. However, a nose manual requires much more motor skills and balance.

Shortly before landing, I pull my arms up and lift the front wheel into the landing.

f.l.t.r.: 1. look at the point where you want to place the front wheel. / 2. push the front down, the rear rises. The arms and legs remain slightly bent. | 3. push the rear end to the side for more style and lift the front wheel slightly before landing.Photo: Lars Scharlf.l.t.r.: 1. look at the point where you want to place the front wheel. / 2. push the front down, the rear rises. The arms and legs remain slightly bent. | 3. push the rear end to the side for more style and lift the front wheel slightly before landing.

Common mistakes:

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  • Lack of balance
  • Body position too far back
  • Too little determination
Lukas Schäfer , freeride pro Team Radon: "On boring or poorly shaped tables, I roll over the jump in a nose-bonk. Learn a <a href="https://www.bike-magazin.de/training/fahrtechnik/stoppie-unser-move-des-monats/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">stoppie</a> beforehand on the flat, this gives you the necessary sense of balance."Photo: Lars ScharlLukas Schäfer , freeride pro Team Radon: "On boring or poorly shaped tables, I roll over the jump in a nose-bonk. Learn a stoppie beforehand on the flat, this gives you the necessary sense of balance."

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