Hi all, long time lurker seeking some pointers, I’ve been watching videos and slowly learning to
Jump / clear tabletops, after a while (as seen in this video) I think I can finally clear one or two pretty consistently, when riding I feel like im flying, and I love it, but when I watch this I’m bearly getting air, but I’m just happy to be making it to the other end.
My question is how to I get more airtime, as I feel more speed makes me feel unstable, and less in control of the bike, I’m trying to pop at the top of the takeoff (might not show in this video) I’m open to all suggestions, and yes I’m sacred of dying, injuries won’t pay bills so maybe that’s a factor but I’m aware of that.
One pointer I’ve been told but I’m not sure how to control of influence is that sometimes after takeoff I push my back wheel down hard and it’s noticeable, but when riding I feel I’m trying to stay straight and looking ahead. I try to “stand up to the jump” which I feel helps, I load the forks into the takeoff ramp.
In the meantime I’ll keep trying and wondering how many others make it look effortless haha.
Thanks in advance for suggestions
by xeonzx2
1 Comment
First up, move to the line of jumps one left of that line. Those jumps are too short to learn comfortably on a mountain bike and are better suited to smaller wheels. The moment you start getting air even at low speed the second one becomes a huck to flat!
The right hand line on the middle set have much nicer landings and you get used to a longer lip. You can still roll them to get a feel.
It looks to me like you are coming into the jump with your legs bent and just absorbing the jump, with maybe a bit of a pull in the bars as you go up the lip.
The folks who make it look effortless are pushing into the takeoff with their legs, which is where standup to the jump comes from. But standing straight up is also not ideal, you need to push perpendicular to the transition.
Can you bunny hop – the type where you lift the front wheel first then the rear?
Also, is Pines your local?