Think you need a full-suspension mountain bike to do some serious bunny hopping? Think again. You can do it on any kind of bike, as long as you have the right technique. In this post, we’ll show you how to bunny hop your mountain bike like a pro, no matter what type of suspension it has. Ready to give it a try? Let’s go!
What is bunny hopping and why would you want to do it on a full-suspension bike?
Bunny hopping is a skill set every mountain biker should have in their tool belt. It allows you to clear small obstacles like rocks and roots, and can be a useful way to get around on the trail when pedaling is not an option.
While it may take some practice to perfect, bunny hopping is relatively easy to learn. Bunny hopping can be done on any type of mountain bike, but it is especially useful on full-suspension bikes. This is because the suspension helps to absorb the impact of landing, making it easier on both your bike and your body. So next time you’re out on the trail and come across an obstacle, give bunny hopping a try. You may be surprised at how far you can go.
How do you bunny hop on a full-suspension bike – what are the steps involved?
To bunny hop on a full-suspension mountain bike, there are basically 3 key steps, which are load, pull, and push.
Start by pedaling hard to gain speed. As you approach the obstacle, stand up on the pedals and push down hard with your feet, this is ‘loading’ to create compression. Start with hips fairly high, tall legs so you’re not too crouched down. This allows you to compress down. That compression will help to bring the front end up.
Next, you’ll pull back on the handlebars, try not to pull up on the bars. This step pulls the bars up towards your body (pressure should be on the underside of the grips).
As you reach the peak of the hop and the front end is up off the ground, simply push forward on the bars and the back wheel will meet or exceed the height of the front wheel.
With a little practice, you’ll be bunny hopping like a pro in no time! Here is an article that will help with your bunny hopping skills.
What are the benefits of bunny hopping on a full suspension bike vs. a hardtail or no suspension bike?
Full suspension bikes are designed to provide a more comfortable ride by absorbing some of the shock from bumps and jumps. This can be especially beneficial if you plan on spending a lot of time on your bike, as it can help to reduce fatigue and discomfort.
Bunny hopping is also easier on a full suspension bike, as the suspension helps to absorb some of the impacts. Additionally, full suspension bikes typically offer better traction and control, which can come in handy when riding on rough or uneven terrain. When performing a bunny hop, it’s important to ‘preload’ your suspension by driving your bodyweight down to compress the suspension which helps in lifting the bike after loading the shock.
With a hardtail mountain bike, you lack the rear suspension which makes it a little more difficult to create the compression needed than with a full-suspension bike. Without rear suspension, you just don’t get the spring or bounce that a full suspension provides but bunny hops are very doable with practice.
Likewise with a rigid (no suspension) bike, like with a hardtail, performing a bunny hop is a little more challenging but just takes practice and once you get the movement down to create the desired hop, it won’t matter much what type of bike you are riding.
Is bunny hopping difficult to learn and master, or is it something that most riders can do with a little practice?
Bunny hopping is a basic skill that every mountain biker should know how to do. Not only is it great for getting over small obstacles, but it can also help you maintain speed and flow when riding.
While it may look difficult, bunny hopping is actually quite easy to learn with a little practice. The key is to get your timing right and use your body weight to generate lift. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you’ll be able to clear small obstacles with ease and keep your momentum going on the trail.
So don’t be discouraged if it takes a few tries to get the hang of it – with a little practice, anyone can learn to bunny hop like a pro!
Examples of when and where you might use the bunny hop maneuver.
There are a few situations where the bunny hop can come in handy on a mountain bike.
For example, if you’re riding over some roots or rocks, you can use the bunny hop to lift your front wheel up and over them. Or, if you’re coming up to a small drop-off, you can use the bunny hop to jump down from it.
Basically, the bunny hop is a way to lift both wheels off the ground at the same time, which can be helpful in avoiding obstacles or jumping down from small ledges. So, next time you’re out riding your mountain bike, keep the bunny hop in mind – it might just come in handy!
How can you improve your bunny hopping skills if you’re having trouble mastering this cycling technique?
Bunny hopping is a great way to get over obstacles quickly and smoothly on your bike. But if you’re having trouble mastering the technique, here are a few tips to help you out.
First, make sure you’re using your body weight to your advantage. when you approach an obstacle, shift your weight onto your back foot and use your front foot to push off the ground and lift your rear wheel over the obstacle. It may take a few tries to get the timing right, but once you do, you’ll be flying over those obstacles in no time.
Another tip is to practice pumping your bike as you approach an obstacle. This will help to increase your momentum and make it easier to bunny hop over higher obstacles. With a little practice, you’ll be nailing those bunny hops in no time. So go out and start practicing!
Final Thoughts
There you have it. After analyzing the data and considering all of the factors, it seems that the answer to our question is a resounding “yes!” A full-suspension mountain bike makes bunny hopping significantly easier than a hardtail MTB. So if you’re looking for an edge up on the competition or just want to make your rides more fun, consider investing in a good quality full suspension mountain bike.
