Video: How to Improve Your Bunny Hops with Duncan Shaw

Apr 20, 2020 at 4:26
by Duncan Shaw  

This week we decided to set up the Drop and Roll hop bar and film a quick video showing you some tips and techniques on how to add height to your hops!

The bunny hop is definitely one of the most useful techniques for you to know, whether you're riding street or smashing trails, being able to hop high is such a practical skill to have in your repertoire...

photo
Rory managed to add an extra 20cm to his previous PB, hopping over 105cm before then clearing 115cm later in the day!

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I was able to clear 118cm

The main tips for maximising height are:

Speed: Roll in at a comfortable speed. Not too fast, otherwise, you'll find it difficult to time the other moves.

Preload: Arguably the most important step. The more you can push into the ground before taking off, the higher you will be able to go!

Rear brake: To help level your wheels in the air, a quick grab of the rear brake will utilise the rotation of your back wheel to lift it slightly higher.

Tuck: Work on hopping at a slight angle with your front foot closer to the bar (or even a fallen tree that would otherwise be blocking the trail) and bringing the bike up into your body. This way you can make the most of the energy that you have put in.

Author Info:
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Member since Dec 13, 2010
53 articles
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27 Comments
  • 72 1
 This guys technique is all wrong.

First, you get clipless pedals and a fully. The proper technique is as follows:

You compress your suspension down as hard as you can, and keep your upper body as tense as possible. Being tense is critical. Then you jump up as your suspension rebounds, and once you leave the ground you use the clipless pedals to pull the bike up with you. If executed properly, the front tire will hit the ground first after a successful bunny hop.

Trust me, I could have gone Pro but didn't because I didn't want to sell out.
  • 10 2
 I think the skinny jeans are key as well.
  • 4 0
 Thank you! Glad to hear I've been doing it right all along. Now back to trying to clear that curb.
  • 38 0
 Travel to the equator where gravity is slightly lower and you'll go higher without extra effort.
  • 12 0
 9000 IQ
  • 7 2
 It's not that gravity is lower but the extra speed of rotation at the equator will reduce the effect of gravity.
  • 2 0
 @brodoyouevenbike: heak
  • 1 0
 Actually the gravity is slightly higher at the equator. This is the reason riders from Cameroon have been dominating the Norwegian Kaninhopp Liga in recent years.
  • 1 0
 So geography has been holding me back
All this time?! Jeezus man- what didn’t u speak up sooner?!!! Years and years just LOST!
  • 8 0
 I always found i have a mental block when the obstacle approaches handlebar height. The thought of dead sailoring my front wheel onto something and flying head first, i guess. I had to fight it every session. It's amazing how much those mental games can make a difference. Nice video. Even when you guys push it, you make it look so fluid.
  • 8 0
 I’ve been hopping 10cm for about 40 years. I’ll be out in the driveway trying to tuck. Thanks man.
  • 6 0
 "The bunny hop is all about basically getting back what you put in."

Isn't that a lyric from a Beatles song?
  • 3 0
 I think it's from their Knobby Road album...
  • 2 0
 Another great practice edit Duncan. I remember when I was practicing hopping onto picnic tables, and some watchers commenting on how "he really moves around on that bike to make it jump like that", Exactly! It really is 'getting out what you put in', and then 'fine tuning' for the situation. Check out Duncan's you-tube channel, actually just start at his first , and Practice, Practice, Practice! Probably THE MOST important aspect of trials. Thanks again Duncan!
  • 3 0
 Suspension bikes are worthless when bunny hopping. They absorb all the energy you put into it.
  • 3 0
 That said I wouldn't mind seeing a clip on how to successfully bunny hop on a fully, if the technique is any different etc.
  • 1 0
 Agree... until you see guys like Shaw, Clarkson, Macaskill and Wibmer come along. Heck even Seth’s Bike Hacks... props to dem guys
  • 1 0
 im left foot forward and for some reason when i bunny hop i usually whip my rear wheel to the right (opposite of what is shown in the video). will have to try to opposite to see if i improve
  • 3 0
 Can we see a poll on how high riders can hop?
  • 5 0
 And how many people wouldn't add 30cm to what they could do ?

Guys are good at that apparently
  • 1 0
 My record is at a solid 2,5cm...
  • 2 0
 not be fat....... so basically I'm screwed.
  • 1 0
 Hopping 1 metre plus! That's certainly a monster pop!
  • 2 0
 i remember a 7 stair to manual bunny from nwd8. those guys are crazy. i'm content being able to 3 stair a dh bike
  • 1 0
 Cheers, I've learned something today!
  • 1 0
 Step 1: Get a trials bike.

Step 2: Have no friends.
  • 1 0
 Great stuff, thanks!







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