MTB riding technique basis: the normal bunny hop
If you can't do it, you should learn it. If you can do it, you should improve it. Because the bunny hop is the introduction to a playful riding technique on the trail. MTB Pro Christian "Texi" Textor shows you how to do it.
That's what the bunny hop is all about
The bunny consists of two movements that flow into each other. It is worth breaking down the bunny hop and practising the individual movements in isolation:
- The manual impulse (front up)
- The hip swing (high back)
Once both are in place, you need to fine-tune the timing to harmonise the two movements. Only then will the bunny hop be smooth and high. If it works, it's time to practise: Practise your riding technique. Because the bunny in front of obstacles requires precise timing.
1. approach
Start with momentum. The crank position is horizontal. Arms and legs are bent. Build up tension by going low. Your eyes are focussed on the obstacle.
2. front up!
Just before the front wheel hits the obstacle, initiate the manual impulse (front up). To do this, dynamically stretch your arms and legs and push your hips backwards and upwards. Result: The front rises.
3. high at the back
The second movement (pulling the rear) happens immediately afterwards. As soon as the front wheel is up, you swing your hips dynamically and impulsively towards the stem. As a result, the rear wheel becomes light and pulls in. Important: put a lot of pressure on the pedals. The toes point downwards. This way you wedge your body into the bike with tension. Common mistake: not actively pushing off. Then the rear end flies low and hits the obstacle. So: Pull the rear up!
The style variant of the bunny hop
Rabbits make hooks - be like a bunny, don't just pull the bunny hop straight over the obstacle, but put a little more style into the jump. Put your bike in the air - a little - at an angle. In the picture, Christian Textor shows us what's important.
Bunny Hop into Seatgrab
Doesn't get you any further on the trail, is extremely demanding in terms of coordination, but looks damn stylish: the Bunny Hop into Seatgrab.
Why reach for the saddle with your hand?
Admittedly, the bunny hop into seatgrab is a gimmick - a pure car park move. But I still like it, and this riding technique also trains your coordination. However, you need to know: A seatgrab over a table jump is easier than out of the bunny hop (photo). Because here everything has to happen at lightning speed. On the other hand, the risk of injury is lower. Before you try it, you should reach a certain height from the bunny. By the way: The jump is done from a standing position, not from a ride!
Level up: Bunny Hop into No-Hander
In contrast to the variant during a jump, everything has to happen at lightning speed here. Determination is key.
Take your hands off the handlebars!
The good news first: with sufficient body tension, it is perfectly possible to land the jump without your hands on the handlebars. However, no manoeuvre is completely safe, not even this one. In the worst case scenario, your chest will hit the stem. The procedure: Similar to the seatgrab bunny hop, everything has to happen quickly here too. You don't need to start, just a stable stance. Clamping the saddle is the be-all and end-all, just like with the no-hander over the table jump. The biggest challenge apart from timing is the mental hurdle of putting your hands off the handlebars.
Christian Textor (32), Enduro racer (YT MOB)
The bunny hop is one of the most important moves of all, and I also use it all the time in the Enduro World Cup, for example when changing lines or, of course, to jump over obstacles.
You can find out more about Christan "Texi" Textor here:
Laurin Lehner
Editor
