The bunny hop (literally "jump of the rabbit") is a stunt on the bicycle that involves jumping with both wheels at the same time. This technique allows you to jump the vehicle in the air to avoid obstacles and overcome them. In reality, it is a combination of two movements, the wheelie and the rear wheel jump. You will need to master both parts of the technique before you can combine them to perform a bunny hop. With a little training, you'll be blowing your bike in no time!
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Mastering the Rush
Step 1. Pedal at low or medium speed and tilt your back back
Get up off the seat while keeping the pedals parallel to the ground.
- Keep your elbows and knees relaxed, slightly bent, then bring your chest forward so that you are above the seat and not behind it.
- As you stand up, keep your head directly over the front wheel.
Step 2. Bring your weight onto the front wheel, then pull the handlebars upward with your arms
Use the inertia generated by shifting your center of gravity to make an explosive motion directly upward.
As you pull up with your arms, push with your feet on the pedals, applying even pressure to both
Step 3. Raise the front wheel off the ground by pulling with your arms
After raising the bike as far as possible by moving your back back, pull the handlebars upwards with your arms until the bike is wheelie.
Keep the pedals steady throughout the movement
Step 4. Gently return the wheel to the ground
You will not have mastered the wheelie until you can bring the front wheel back to the ground in a controlled motion, not letting it fall to the ground due to the force of gravity.
Part 2 of 3: Perform the Rear Wheel Jump
Step 1. Shift your weight forward
Do this quickly, but not to the point that you "lunge" forward and rock the bike.
Step 2. Quickly pull your heels upward, dragging the pedals with your feet
Stand up until your feet are almost vertical.
Step 3. Push against the pedals as you pull your legs up
You should make a backward semicircle motion. The pressure applied to the pedals, with your feet in a horizontal position, will allow you to keep your feet on the bike as you pull up the rear wheel with your leg muscles.
Step 4. Use your leg muscles to lift the rear wheel off the ground
Shrug your shoulders, then push or twist the dumbbell forward as you move.
Step 5. Gently return the rear wheel to the ground
As with the wheelie, you will not have mastered the rear jump until you are able to bring the wheel to the ground, not letting it fall due to the effect of gravity.
Part 3 of 3: Combining the Wheelie and the Rear Wheel Jump
Step 1. To begin, perform a wheelie
During the movement, release your weight to the ground through the rear wheel, which will "bounce" and help you perform the back jump.
Pull the front wheel to maximum height before moving on to the next part of the movement
Step 2. Quickly pull your heels upward, dragging the pedals with your feet
When the front wheel is in the air, pull your heels up so that your feet are almost vertical.
Step 3. Push against the pedals as you pull your legs up
Extend your toes, then drag the pedals up in a backward semicircle motion. Use the push and pull to lift the rear wheel off the ground (while the front wheel is still suspended).
The pressure you apply on the pedals, with your feet in a horizontal position, allows you to stay in contact with the bike as you lift the rear wheel with your leg muscles
Step 4. Shrug your shoulders and push the dumbbell forward
Do this at the same time as pushing your feet, creating a movement similar to a gear shift.
Try to stay focused on the technique and don't worry about the speed of the vehicle
Step 5. Stabilize the bike in the air
Squeeze your legs together in the middle of the jump, so you get a better looking bunny hop. Bringing the bicycle parallel to the ground is an important habit to follow in order to be able to jump safely on surfaces higher than the starting one.
Step 6. Touch the ground with the rear wheel
This measure serves to have a better balance at the time of landing. Land with the wheel in front only if you need to regain control of the vehicle and traction right away - for example, because you have to turn right after the jump.
- Practice on grass before trying the technique on asphalt or dirt.
- If you notice that you are about to fall while performing the jump, try to lean on the side of the climb on the grass to cushion the blow.
Step 7. Practice jumping over various obstacles
The bunny hop is a stunt, but it is also a very useful technique for avoiding or overcoming vertical obstacles that block your way.
Place obstacles to jump, starting at about 6 inches and gradually increasing the difficulty when the stunt becomes too easy
Step 8. Try to lift both wheels at the same time when jumping over an obstacle
This advanced technique requires you to jump as you would on the ground, but never let go of the pedals.
- Just jump by turning the bicycle handlebars forward, without taking your feet off the pedals.
- If you jump with your feet on the pedals, the back of the bike will rise.
- Lift the handlebars as soon as you feel the wheel come off the ground. No need to pedal.
Advice
- When you train, choose obstacles of reasonable heights. Start with small steps and work from there.
- If you want to reach impressive heights, you will need to hone your technique and make sure you get the rear wheel very close to your body. Keep training!
- The lighter your bike, the easier it is to jump. Eliminate excess weight from yourself and the vehicle when exercising.
- When you first try this stunt, do it on grass and not concrete until you have more experience.
- Try training on a light bike. The difference in weight and mobility is crucial for beginners.
- Always wear a helmet, knee and elbow protectors when cycling.
