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How To Jump on a Mountain Bike: Technical and Tips From Decathlon

Discover Decathlon's techniques and tips for mastering the art of mountain bike jumping. Essential tips for all levels, from beginner to expert.

Are you ready to launch yourself into the air as you hurtle down the mountain trails? Mountain bike jumps are, without a doubt, the most exhilarating part of a descent! But to make the most of them, it's essential to master the technique.

Decathlon shares its advice and tips on mountain bike jumping for beginners to help you gain confidence and perfect your mountain bike skills.

How to Prepare for Your First Jumps

Jumping on a mountain bike requires preparation, analysis, and proper technique. When you're just starting, confidence and caution are your best friends! Begin with small, flat obstacles and gradually increase the difficulty before tackling bigger ramps.

Breaking Down the Steps of a Jump

Let's start with a bit of theory. To clear an obstacle without difficulty and enjoy the thrill of airtime, you'll need to analyze the terrain and tackle each stage with control and precision:

  1. Run-up phase (or impulse phase): Build the right speed to ensure a successful bike jump.
  2. Ramp or takeoff zone: This phase is where the bike leaves the ground, pushing you into the air.
  3. Transition zone: Shift from ascent to descent while maintaining your trajectory.
  4. Hover: The peak of your jump, where keeping your bike stable and balanced in preparation for landing is essential.
  5. Landing phase: Now is the time to regain your balance and adjust your speed.
Your jumping technique will vary depending on the type of obstacles, the height and angle of the ramp, and the type of landing area. Let's review the basics to ensure you're in control and stay safe when learning to jump on a bike.

Finding the Right Approach Speed

Nailing the right speed is crucial to a successful jump—even experienced riders spend years perfecting it. If you're just starting, hit up a bike park and watch how other riders approach their mountain bike jumps to get a feel for the right momentum.

Remember, the type of obstacle determines your speed. The taller the ramp, the more it'll slow down your approach, so you'll need to push a little harder.

Choosing a Suitable Obstacle to Start

For your first jumps, stick with flat obstacles! Start with levels of 2 to 3 metres, which provide a solid foundation for gauging your speed and beginning to get your wheels off the ground. Small jumps will help build your confidence as you prepare for larger challenges.

Exercises and Fundamentals to Learn Mountain Bike Jumping

To learn how to hit a jump on a mountain bike, your lower and upper body position and posture are very important! Here are the steps to take at each stage of the jump:

  1. Preparing for Takeoff
    Once you've got your momentum and are approaching the jump phase, stand on your bike in a neutral position with the pedals flat.
  2. Generating Lift on the Ramp
    The momentum determines your flight height and airtime as you pass over the transition. As you approach the ramp, push your body weight down into the bike, keeping steady pressure throughout. Hold the bike firmly throughout the transition.
  3. Jump and Body Posture in the Air
    As you launch, lift the front wheel by bending your arms and legs while shifting your weight slightly backward.
    Stay centred once in the air, with your knees slightly bent and arms relaxed. Keep your eyes locked on the landing zone!
    As your front wheel takes off, simply follow the jump — but don't yank on the handlebars. The more you pull, the higher and further you'll go. Start with easier jumps before working your way up to more challenging ones.
  4. How to Land a Jump on a Mountain Bike
    If you land on a slope, you can first land with the rear wheel to absorb the impact. Pull on the handlebars to land your rear wheel while pushing your legs. If you land on flat ground, you can try landing with both wheels simultaneously.
    Keep your legs and arms bent to absorb the impact while keeping your feet firmly planted on the pedals. If you need to use your brakes, do so gently—applying too much force could throw off your balance.


The Different Types of Mountain Bike Jumps for Beginners

As you get the hang of mountain bike jumping, you'll discover a world of different techniques and jump categories!

The Bunny Hop: Basic Mountain Bike Jumping

Commonly known as a 'bunny hop' in mountain bike jargon, this type of jump involves lifting the wheels off the ground to clear obstacles without losing speed.

Jumps on Ramps

Practising on ramps is a great way to learn! Whether at a bike park or using a setup in your driveway, ramps offer a predictable trajectory that helps you refine your takeoff and landing. Start low, then gradually increase the height and incline.

Jumps on Natural Obstacles

If you ride downhill on a mountain bike trail, you'll encounter various natural obstacles, such as roots, ditches, and rocks. These jumps demand speed, sharp reflexes, and advanced mountain bike technique. As you develop experience, these obstacles become more thrilling and challenging.

Our expert mountain biker's advice: Wait until you've mastered your flat and ramp jumps before heading into the wild!

How To Jump on a Mountain Bike: Technical and Tips From Decathlon

Essential Equipment for Mountain Bike Jumping

Now that you know how to jump a mountain bike, you're ready to get your wheels off the ground! Remember that mountain biking is a unique sport with its own rules, so it's essential to have the right equipment to launch you into your first jumps confidently and efficiently.

Start by choosing a mountain bike suited to your level, size, and riding preference. Next, you'll need protective gear designed specifically for mountain biking, including:

  • A helmet and cycling goggles protect your head and ensure a clear view of the trail ahead so you can plan your jumps accurately.
  • Your best cycling clothes to keep you comfortable while protecting your skin (helpful tip: pick clothes that are easy to wash).
  • Extra protection, such as knee pads, gloves, and elbow pads, shields you from scrapes or falls while giving you better control over your bike.
To make every expedition memorable, Decathlon has all the protective gear you need for mountain biking! Explore our complete range of equipment to find your next cycling companions.

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