I'm learning to bunny hop, mostly by watching how-to videos then going messing about on some fire road / landrover track / kerbs. Some videos (usually the American ones) give the sequence as pump manual (i.e. weight down then back) then stand up and simultaneously pull the bars into your lap and then scoop your feet / pedals up whilst pushing forward on your bars, but the UK ones seems to say that you shouldn't do the pulling up bit and just do the manual then the scoop.
[url=
of the former - Phil Kmetz[/url]
[url=
of the latter - GMB[/url]
I find the first / American way much easier and can get loads more height on the jump, but the ones that say you should never pull on the bars argue that it's because if you mess it up and don't clear the obstacle with your front wheel you'll end up pinging yourself over your bars. Anyone have an opinion about which way is the "right" way?
Edit - got the videos the wrong way round. Now fixed
They're the same but the Phil kmetz one just takes it to an extreme. He's adding in the extra pull and jump to gain extra height.
Here's one I made earlier for [s]willy waving[/s] caparison
Which if I understand correctly is the american way you describe?
Build one of these,
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You'll soon figure out what works and what doesn't.
In the days of riding every night after school we had a bamboo cane and zip tie high jump to play on and our technique improved rapidly especially with us competing against each other. There was four or five of us regularly using it and all going well over 30 inches.
I often wonder what I could manage now but it would be pretty depressing to find out.
Build one of these,
I fashioned a rudimentary one out of some sticks and stones I found next to the landrover track (honestly). It wasn't as high as that, although I think I probably had the same look on my face when I was trying to jump it.
I recon it'd be easier to ride under that than jump over it
Although possibly not if that bloke's still balancing on the bar
You should build a real one and get a few mates on it. A proper progression session. I remember struggling to hit 12 inches then nailing the technique and pushing for 40.
I never, ever hit 40 inches. I regret missing out on that more than all the young girls I repelled by playing on bikes.
Which if I understand correctly is the american way you describe?
Aye. I guess I'll carry on doing that.
I didn't realise the two styles had different names. I just thought they were a normal bunnyhop or the kind of bunnyhop that Mr. Bean might do. That 'English' style only looks good for knocking your teeth out.
That 'English' style only looks good for knocking your teeth out.
It's slightly better with spds. Still not very good though.
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