Cycling is not only a sport but a hobby too. Like most games, some people live for biking. Not knowing how to jump high off the ground and safely touch down might be devastating to some cyclists. This can be mainly because of fear or lack of knowledge and skills.
In some cases, knowing how to jump a mountain bike might seem like a necessity to help you through a tough situation. This is why knowing this simple trick is actually mandatory for cyclists. This fundamental guide for beginners will help you understand better how you can do that.
Bike Jumping Essentials
Before we get into details, it is great to understand some bike jumping essentials. You need to know the following:
Learn The Manual:
This simple rule applies everywhere and in everything you do or intend to do. Instructions are necessary, especially if you are not so certain with whatever you intend to venture in.
Having a clue will not hurt, so there are manuals to guide you along the journey. Manuals tend to prevent many things, and ensuring your safety is one of them. Therefore, the purpose of reading through and understanding all the instructions given.
Assess Your Skills:
Before deciding to jump the mountain bike, ask yourself the type of jumping technique, you will be comfortable with. If it is your first attempt at jumping, do not go for the more complex styles. Start with a simple one, then with time, you can advance as you get a better hold of your bearings.
First, ensure that you are comfortable with the bike you own, and you know every inch of it perfectly. Honestly, rate yourself before you lift the wheels of the bike off the ground. Different people have different durations in which they tend to grasp things.
This also applies to biking, and the fact that you have always ridden a mountain bike all your life does not simply mean that you can jump it just as easy without the proper guide.
Know Your Bike:
Not all mountain bikes are for jumping. Avoiding cheap bikes with just as well cheap parts will save you trouble and unnecessary accidents. In most cases, the cheap bikes are not sturdy enough to handle jumping, and this will most likely put you in harm's way.
Before you decide to take your bike out, always ensure you have double-checked everything is in good condition, and this entails; the air, brakes, and chains. Such little things matter and, in the long run, end up saving you wasted time and money. Get your bike checked if you feel like there is something amiss.
Scout It Out:
Surveying the area, you plan on jumping is important as it familiarizes you with the area and boosts your confidence. Picture the kind of jumping, you would like to initiate, and if it does not sit well with you, do not attempt. This is because in anything you decide to do, always trust your intuition. Always follow your gut, and if you feel like you do not trust yourself, then do not do it yet.
How To Jump A Mountain Bike – Step By Step
Now that you know some bike jumping essentials, let's get into details. Follow this simple guide to help you jump safely.
Bike Towards Your Ramp:
Speed is essential during jumping. For beginners, be extra careful on how you moderate the speed and balance while on your saddle. Going too fast might bring about unnecessary accidents.
Also, this can hurt you in the process and damage the bike giving you unplanned expenses. Moving slowly will also make it difficult for you to ace the jump. With this in mind, work on your speed before you decide to go mountain bike jumping.
The Take-Off:
Handle one tire at different times; it will make your work much easier. If you want to compress your bike, ensure the wheel at the front makes contact with the ramp's lip, and you feel its force against the tires.
Always try to make sure that by the time your front wheel makes contact with the lip, the weight from your hands is pushed to your feet. Let your body parts help you navigate the bike.
Transfer Weight:
When you are halfway through the jump, switch from using the weight in your arms fully and shift them to your feet. Pull the front part of the bike while you jump when the wheel makes contact with the lip of the ramp. Keeping your hands at the handlebars and feet on pedals all the time puts in a crouching position. This enables you to have access to the bike and pull it with you easily.
Landing:
Once you have eyes on the target you wish to land, use your limbs to enable your landing efficiently. The most crucial part when landing is your elbows and knees' position, which must be bent and ready for landing. Try landing on both wheels simultaneously to avoid your body jerking forward and ending up hurt.
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs
Q: Are mountain bikes made for jumping?
A: Not all mountain bikes are suitable for jumping. When going bike shopping, thoroughly check all the bike parts and ensure that they are sturdy enough and can handle jumps and hard landings. The best ones to go for are the tough ones, which is proof that they can withstand anything whatsoever thrown their way. You should invest in the bike that will meet all your needs and give you worth for your money.
Q: Are Hardtails good for jumps?
A: Based on the reviews from many cyclists, beginners, and professionals alike, using hardtails to jump is a piece of cake. In addition to that, they are relatively cheap and have their benefits too. Hardtails help you ride faster and reduce your fatigue, which is why they are more fun than jumps. However, during the transition, they are slightly a tad more sensitive compared to the other ones. Not only are they versatile, but the cost of maintaining them is not as much.
Q: How do I keep my feet on pedals when jumping?
A: You can easily do this by pointing your toes down and pushing back slightly on the pedals while moving your legs towards the wheel at the back off the ground. Ensuring you have a working pedal and the perfect shoes for pedaling is key. Start by first placing your foot at an appropriate angle and allowing your weight to move slightly toward the handlebars as you go upwards.
Q: How do you hit big jumps on a mountain bike?
A: Big or small jumps, only initiate the jump once you are positive; you will have a safe landing. Practice more often on your jumps so that it is much easier for you when the time comes. Ask professional riders for advice. Be familiar with how your body and bike react to any jump you make. Only then will you be able to pull off a jump. However, keep in mind that pumping up the tires to the wheel faster makes your work easier.
Q: Can you jump a trail bike?
A: In most cases, the furthest you can go is at least up to 2-foot jumps, and that is only if you have a high-quality mountain bike and you maintain on the trails. In scenarios where it is too high of a jump, you should do your bike the favor of taking a much simpler route. Some trail bikes, if not all, find it difficult to handle big jumps.
Conclusion:
Your safety should always come first above anything else and be at the forefront of your brain. Having at least a helmet, knee and elbow pads with you at all times is essential. Ensure you can do a bunny hop before you try bike jumping. The main purpose of going bike jumping is to enjoy the thrill of wild fun and enjoy yourself. Therefore, avoid anything that might keep you at risk and jeopardize your experience. Happy biking!
Hello Guys! I am John Reese, a professional biker and my hobby is biking! I have been biking for last 10 years and I love using bikes while outing as well. Based on my experiences with the different type of bikes (mountain bikes, road bikes and hybrid bikes); I am sharing my opinion about various bikes so that a beginner can get started right away. Happy reading!