I genuinely want this to be helpful so if you found it so, let me know with a like, a comment, and if you’re feeling generous, hit subscribe. I recorded this on the road hence the less than stellar mic audio. Sorry! Accept my 1000 apologies.
Oh, it's definitely helpful, especially the two perspectives which show how rider's perspective differs from what is really going on with wheel placement and causes the early pop. Also the difference between bunnyhoping and jumping hits home because I can bunnyhop alright but I find it hard to do motion of pulling myself towards the bars while popping of a jump after standing up, I guess I'm scared of pulling too hard on the bars because many times it lead me to either going to one side or landing on my back wheel first.
Huh! Interesting, that pov vs profile. That could indeed be a thing. I'll film my awkward self next time I go out and practice. Might be why jumping is so hard, apart from the fear of letting the front wheel following the arch, as you pointed out. Which is so annoying! But, the early pop off the lip could be just another step in the right direction. Thnx! You're the first that pointed out the timing with the pov vs profile so clearly, you've earned yourself a subscription ;)
Coming from someone that's been jumping 2-wheeled things for over 25 years, this is THE BEST tutorial I've ever seen explaining something that is very hard to explain. Aside from putting in the time on the bike (which you covered but can't be stressed enough...), this video should be extremely helpful for any novice to intermediate rider. Even someone with my experience should enjoy seeing this explained so well. Great work man! On a side note: I put a lot of emphasis on people learning how to bunny hop. You're correct in how much that aids in jumping, the technique isn't the exact same but the base skills crossover. It also adds confidence in drops, significantly helps with riding technical terrain, and allows you to go faster over rough terrain; a good rider may do dozens of small fast-twitch hops on a single DH-style trail effectively smoothing the ground without loosing speed from the wheels impacting all those small edges. For jumps it helps teach a little "muscle the bike around" when finesse and talent run out lol... It's not glamorous or maybe seems embarrassing to practice but basic skills like bunny hops and manuals can be learned in your driveway or backyard instead of driving hours to a trail spot. Sorry for the long read but hope my 2 cents helps anyone trying to learn.
Thanks so much! Appreciate the feedback. Regarding the benefits of the bunnyhop, I couldn’t agree more. Great insight.I just posted a video on the topic a few days ago because don’t feel it’s stressed enough. Check it out. Thanks for watching!
@6:00.... dude, that is a game changing observation. I was just out practicing on some small radiused jumps a few days ago and I sort of fell onto that realization... I'm going to try visualizing that from now on as I wasn't letting my front wheel fully ride "up" past the lip.... but if you visualize a naturally filled in parabola of dirt or wood, it should help to remember to get that front wheel up, to naturally follow the arc.
I spent a ~year taking RLC's jumping course and learning proper/safe technique, and since then been on a three year "jumping journey". There are so many HORRIBLE (and sometime dangerous) jumping how-to videos on UA-cam, it is really surprising to see an EXCELLENT jumping how-to video. Even though you didn't explicitly say it, a lot of your advice is great for not only perfecting the correct jumping technique, but also keeps the rider safe. It is so often you hear "just yank the bars", "lean back further", etc., which is the exact opposite of what you want to do. Great video, hope everyone listens to the advice and not the other nonsense you find on UA-cam.
I have watched so many good how to jump a bike videos but this one by far is the best, simple, and direct as I’ve ever seen. I think this is gonna change everything.
Great video , I watch so many and always wish they'd slow down the footage and repeat it as many times as you have done which is really helpful when trying the lock the thought process into the brain before going out to practise it .
This is excellent. I really appreciate how show the “typical” description of compression doesn’t make sense and what show really dies make clear and repeatable. Thanks a million.
Your side-by-side view at 8:15 was one of the most helpful jumping tips I have seen. Made me realize I was doing everything too early. Saw this 2 days ago and when I went to the jumpline today I made sure to pop much later - much closer to the lip - and I was actually hitting backside on almost all the jumps (small line). Big improvement for me after struggling for a month or so. Thanks!
Thank you so much! Sometimes, it just take the right perspective to make things click and I'm happy to have helped. I love hearing about breakthroughs. Keep at it and before long, timing will be something that you don't even have to think about when approaching a jump. Thanks for watching!
This was an excellent breakdown of techniques that was done quite well. I'm trying to move on to steeper face jumps/lips and struggled a couple days which led to me doing some research. This video is unique and very good.
Really like the point about rider POV being different from the side view and how that makes you think you popped correctly but you actual jumped early.
Very well done! I've been jumping a good while now but still enjoy seeing how others break down the process. I wish I'd had this vid many years ago. It'll help a lot of people out for sure!
excellent vids, and this topic is hard to explain to those of us that have jumping for a long time. theres so much unconscious competence, that it takes an added level of understanding to make something like this. hopefully theres a lot more riders that will feel comfortable jumping after watching this. my $.02 is theres no substitute for practice and saddle time.
The perspective and timing thing just was so eye opening. There is really a huge difference. As soon as you see the front wheel exiting the lip, you think you are in the air already, while your backwheel still sitting there, not done with its work ... Thanks for this! Awesome video.
Love mountain biking but I started relatively late in life (been riding different types of bikes since childhood though) I was always kinda scared of jumping. This video made me understand the dynamics involved and why and when one has to perform certain motions. So I guess I will try to find a place where I can safely practice and hopefully learn how to jump! Thanks for making this video! P.S.: I subscribed to your channel 🙂
Thank you, I've been cycling for 5 years, watched hundreds of videos and yet I always had these questions, how should my body be, forward? on the back? how pop? when pop? but 1 time in 10, I went OTB without really understanding why. You just answered it, I hope I can now make some nice jumps!!
The fear of going OTB and for reasons you aren’t certain for is a confidence killer and jumps are all about confidence. Start small, build technique, and build confidence. You got this!
I really like these style of vids filmed from the side and then in slow motion with explanations at each point , this helps me to really understand what’s going on, and look at body position etc , which when iv been going over jumps I don’t always know what’s going on just know it feels sketchy 😂 but seeing it done properly and in slow motion is super helpful .subbed 😎
Outstanding instruction. I think many new jumpers don’t appreciate the importance of putting in the reps. Good jumpers make it look so easy because they have spent lots of time logging quality reps. Regular, consistent practice along with videoing from the side of the jump are essential for progress. The videos don’t lie… it’s easy to compare my movement patterns with yours and see exactly where I’m getting it wrong.
Perfect explanation of jumping. I found that the body position you need on the transition to launch is a really big key to success. Took me quite a while to understand though.
Super helpful. Im a roadie to mtb, and idk what the hell im doing on the trail. This was sick. Especially showing the jump technique on the flat to show the "effort" involved.
Honestly, the single most to the point and easiest instructional video I've seen on jumping (and believe me, I've probably exhausted youtube on the damn topic). Especially loved the comparison between the bunnyhop and jump with explanation on how hard you were reloading the jump vs how hard and how much more body movement you put in to do the bunnyhop. I found a bit of a revelation for me a few weeks back as I was almost always going dead tailoring due to a 'tug' the bars which was being caused by me popping to early as you experienced watching the video. I couldn't quite work out where sometimes when I was jumping it felt so natural and easy and the front wheel and bar where coming right up off the jump high into the air and there was no sketchy dead sailor and I felt like I could move the bike around and do whateverwI wanted and it was exactly as you discovered, I thought I was popping as the front wheel left off but it was actually too early. When I went back and forced myself to wait that touch bit longer I consistently had the front wheel light more readily as the bike left the lip of the jump and the bars naturally came back and into my mid section and from there I was totally in control and could do whatever with the bike I wanted as I was always balanced and the bike would just come up with me; where previously it felt like I was popping but getting nothing and I would get a tug as I came off the lip, get off balance and dead sailor. Watching your video just summed everything I needed to know in a few minutes; no confusion, no weird do an L shape with your body, pull the bars, don't pull on the bars, stay centered, no get back over the rear wheel, you have to know to bunnyhop, but start with a manual etc paradoxical explanation. Wish you'd made it sooner 😂 Only problem I've had lately is trying to pop off long drops or very shallow jumps going dead sailor, though I suspect it's going to be much the same issue as I had with the jumps, just trying to pop the bike too soon before hand as it seems to only effect the smaller ones when I go slower, the bigger ones I never seem to have issues with. Go figure.
Oh and that reminds me it was your other video about looking at the jump from the side to realise that unlike coming at the jump from the front and the transition and lip looking like a wall, look side on to realise its not as bad as your head is telling you, and the angle of it isn't going to throw you OTB. Something else I took on that made a big difference. After looking at my local jump line, I looked at it side on and realised that actually, it's not as aggressive as it looks riding toward and made it so much easier to give it a proper go.
Hey thanks so much! This comment means a lot to me! I love to hear about progression, it's an awesome motivator. Nothing feels worse than a proper dead sailor. It's a great topic and deserves a deep dive. I'll definitely cover it in a future video. Thanks for watchin'
@slantedground no problem :) Keen to see future instructionals if you head in that direction; far too many videos with too much fluff or presenters who just seem to make their videos a touch too convoluted in what they are trying to get across. This vid was perfect 👌
One of the better videos I’ve seen on jumping. Great breakdown and explanation of the progression. I can see a number of mistakes that are holding me back. Thanks for this!
This is so helpful! I’ve been watching loads of videos on how to jump better and I love your phrase “pushing through the lip.” The length of contact time I can give me rear wheel to the transition makes a huge difference.
Wow. This is legitimately the best video on MTB jumping I've ever seen. Like, I've never seen anyone so clearly, via 2 cam perspective, show why someone might be trying pull off the lip of a jump early. Or the illustration of how much effort is being put in to hop the bike. Its taken me years to figure jumping out and you still gave me a couple of light-bulb moments. Great video! Going to check out your other stuff.
I have watched loads of tutorial videos on jumping and yours was the first that made sense. Not easy to explain the mechanics of how and when to move your body, but your video nailed it.
Best explaination I've seen so far. Especially, showing rider angle vs the side view of the rider angle to illustrate the timing of the pop. Definitely looks very different from the rider perspective!
This is one of the best tutorials I've seen so far. I'm still a bit scared to fully stretch when jumping a table but it seems like I should just go for it
Learning about preload has helped me so much. I'm 45, back into mountain biking after 15 years off. Was never a jumper previously. Still am not, but I am making progress and enjoying it. Now it's just about consistent technique, timing and overcoming the fear. It's never too late to learn!
The feeling of inconsistency can be frustrating but start slow, stick with it, stay positive, and I can without a doubt guarantee you’ll figure it out and jump confidently.
I have watched a bunch of videos about this topic. You name it all. From the biggest channels and other smaller ones but then you come around that one exact video that really speaks to you. Thank you for this one! That part about timing and giving me the perspective as to why I pop sooner makes a lot of sense now. Thank you!! The youtube algorithm blessed me today!
Genuinely a great explanation on jumping. I found just jumping from a standing position without the bike was a good way to get the timing sorted out in my head. You just squat down and when you are ready to jump explode with your legs - or on the bike, you "jump" when you hit the transition. I was always "running out of compression" and getting bucked a little because I thought I was supposed to be pushing down on the suspension way to early.
Excellent! So helpful Josh, thank you. I would love to see you analyze someone who can't jump, or is just learning to jump. I struggle a lot with timing and standing.
Thanks Sage! Yes, that's a great idea! Per your struggle's, I would suggest finding a small safe jump, slow it down, and really force yourself to work on clearing it with your motions and not speed. Thanks for watching! You the man!
The table on the intermediate line at Phoenixville feels like it mimics the tables at Penn and may be good for practicing boosting on. I've only ridden there once but I liked hitting that jump with it's lip and run in and wanted to focus on gaining height when I'm there next.
Video randomly popped up on my home page (was watching other MTB videos as a still relatively new rider), and your explanation is great. I always had people tell me to try and compress my suspension, and I guess I got away with clearing jumps by being somewhat athletic and good coordination, but I feel on the verge of going dead sailor. Practiced what you showed in this video, and immediately felt safer and was able to clear jumps with less speed and sketchiness. Thanks for the content!
Fat and short guy here. It does affect my ability to jump but using your guide has helped me at least get off the ground. I've watched a lot of videos on how to jump. You are the only one that explained it in a way that makes sense to me. The only other video I watched that helped explained it as if you are going to do a jumping jack. Your feet roll through the jump basically like your going to jump. Your makes more sense though. Plus explaining that you cannot hold compression on the ramp or your bike helped me a lot too. Its physics but my brain says otherwise and I screw it up.
Thanks man, just started riding again since I was a kid. I used to do all this stuff-but helping me to remember for sure and this is giving me some great warm up/practice ideas.
I have struggled with clearing jumps because I cannot wrap my head around the physical body mechanics needed to keep from hopping off the takeoff early. I started practicing on BMX bikes because they're small, cheap, easy to transport, and extremely unforgiving. The feedback is immediate and you cannot rely on suspension to supplement your technique. The wheelbase also makes the timing of small jumps similar to large jumps on a MTB. I practiced bump jumping speed bumps and forced myself to feel two tires hit the bump. And then you get used to the heel pressure and the delay it takes to consistently hit both tires. I still don't think I've got it where I want it but emulating that on the jump face gets me much further than where I was.
You managed to distill all of the MTB how-to-jump YT videos into a single one. I know it because I suck at jumping (think OTB) and watched everything there was to watch. Light bulbs went On after I watched yours. The “idea”, the “how-to”, the reasons and the detailed slow-mo analysis just made things click for me. Thanks a million. (The only thing that could possibly add more is your demonstration of deliberately doing something wrong and then the slow-mo analysis of it - but that might be the last video you post, so don’t 😎)
Thank you ! Without doubt the best how to jump video I have watched - well done ! I've done a couple of jump coaching courses which attempted to explain these concepts in different ways but me understanding the concept of pressing through the lip never really translated well resulting in early take offs or feeling weightless in the air with my shoes almost losing contact with my pedals. The multiple camera angles and your POV angle really communicated the concepts well. Bloody fantastic job !
I’ve been mountain biking for a long, long time and had gave up on jumping because I can’t bunny hop. Your video explains why I don’t need to, thank you.
Super helpful. Thankyou. I ride BMX and can jump all day long but I have really struggled on a full suspension because it feels like im not in control of the exit of the ramp (as in I feel dead from the waist down - no feedback), and then the resulting forces when im in the air I feel like an unstable potato haha - I will find myself drifting to the right, to the left etc with no consistency. Watching you replay this frame by frame and especially show the force you are compressing the bike with in the parking lot on the flat has REALLY explained why I was feeling unstable in the air, I think I was compressing so hard on the front and back suspension that the force coming off of that was why I was so unstable. Gonna hit the jump track on Monday and see what this feels like. Will report back!
It's nice to see the distinction between loading your suspension and using that loading motion as a means to create movement and shape with your body. Definitely makes more sense than the idea of the suspension being loaded as to what makes height. I would say timing and keeping weight on the heels all the way through the lip are what making jumping challenging. The plop on top is a great summation of how to work into technique and allowing for increasing speed safely. Great tutorial! Also the jumps on A-line are no joke but fun for sure. I'm still working up to clearing Boomsauce before moving on to those.
Quite a good quality explanation and addressed some of the aspect that I didn't notice was addressed anywhere else. Good job. And good luck with your channel.
This is great, lots of valuable stuff demonstrated in an objective manner. I get confused watching Ben Cathro’s tutorial on popping jumps when he talks about pulling up on the bars or when people say “yank up” to get more height. Cathro also says to lean so far back you feel like you’ll loop out. I do that and get bucked like crazy over the bars.
I'm presently healing my collarbone fracture and your video made me realize my error. Instead of resisting the jump, I've pumped my suspension (which I thought was the good technique). Doing so, my bike went sideways and I've ended up otb. I'm glad to have found your video 🤘
This was extremely helpful; especially the section on perspective. I've paid for jumping courses in the past, including a one-to-one session with a professional downhill racer. Every coach taught the same bunny hop technique for learning to jump; where you aggressively push your weight down on the bars to "preload" the front wheel, before doing the same with your legs to pop off the lip of the transition. This never felt right, comfortable, or safe. With a steep transition, aggressively compressing the front feels like you are going to get your stem in the face. The opposing forces means the front of the bike going up the transition comes back at you just as hard. It's a violent buck, which really messed with my focus, confidence, and progression. To be honest, it terrified me. I'm still learning to jump properly, but since dismissing the bunny hop advice for jumping, my learning curve has improved significantly. Your video is the first one I've seen to corroborate my feelings on this, and scientifically debunk the bunny hop myth. After watching this, I'm now going to focus on perspective and timing. Thank you so much.
Your take on it is more understandable...so I subscribed...others say you should always slow down the rear rebound.. but I think should be on the fast side both shocks equal and like you said, practice practice practice 🫡
I found it incredible that you noticed the wheels lifting off the ground in the first-person camera, but the side camera showed them still planted on the ground. I used to ride a Kona Stinky and push it hard, but I could never explain how it didn't seem as hard or fast as it looked. I think this might be a textbook example of Einstein's Theory of Relativity.
Great video! I think one thing that will help (and relate to your pov segment) is for people to film themselves. Its amazing how different something can look va feel. Especially if you aomw baked in bad habits!
![The 12 "Backwards" MTB Basics for Beginners [The RIGHT Way - 4K]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/IfwwgTkrTU4/mqdefault.jpg)
I genuinely want this to be helpful so if you found it so, let me know with a like, a comment, and if you’re feeling generous, hit subscribe. I recorded this on the road hence the less than stellar mic audio. Sorry! Accept my 1000 apologies.
Oh, it's definitely helpful, especially the two perspectives which show how rider's perspective differs from what is really going on with wheel placement and causes the early pop. Also the difference between bunnyhoping and jumping hits home because I can bunnyhop alright but I find it hard to do motion of pulling myself towards the bars while popping of a jump after standing up, I guess I'm scared of pulling too hard on the bars because many times it lead me to either going to one side or landing on my back wheel first.
40+ learning to jump. 33 hours and counting. Your video with the angle lines to show perspective is very helpful.
Huh! Interesting, that pov vs profile. That could indeed be a thing. I'll film my awkward self next time I go out and practice. Might be why jumping is so hard, apart from the fear of letting the front wheel following the arch, as you pointed out. Which is so annoying! But, the early pop off the lip could be just another step in the right direction. Thnx! You're the first that pointed out the timing with the pov vs profile so clearly, you've earned yourself a subscription ;)
Coming from someone that's been jumping 2-wheeled things for over 25 years, this is THE BEST tutorial I've ever seen explaining something that is very hard to explain. Aside from putting in the time on the bike (which you covered but can't be stressed enough...), this video should be extremely helpful for any novice to intermediate rider. Even someone with my experience should enjoy seeing this explained so well. Great work man!
On a side note: I put a lot of emphasis on people learning how to bunny hop. You're correct in how much that aids in jumping, the technique isn't the exact same but the base skills crossover. It also adds confidence in drops, significantly helps with riding technical terrain, and allows you to go faster over rough terrain; a good rider may do dozens of small fast-twitch hops on a single DH-style trail effectively smoothing the ground without loosing speed from the wheels impacting all those small edges. For jumps it helps teach a little "muscle the bike around" when finesse and talent run out lol... It's not glamorous or maybe seems embarrassing to practice but basic skills like bunny hops and manuals can be learned in your driveway or backyard instead of driving hours to a trail spot. Sorry for the long read but hope my 2 cents helps anyone trying to learn.
Thanks so much! Appreciate the feedback. Regarding the benefits of the bunnyhop, I couldn’t agree more. Great insight.I just posted a video on the topic a few days ago because don’t feel it’s stressed enough. Check it out. Thanks for watching!
@6:00.... dude, that is a game changing observation. I was just out practicing on some small radiused jumps a few days ago and I sort of fell onto that realization... I'm going to try visualizing that from now on as I wasn't letting my front wheel fully ride "up" past the lip.... but if you visualize a naturally filled in parabola of dirt or wood, it should help to remember to get that front wheel up, to naturally follow the arc.
I spent a ~year taking RLC's jumping course and learning proper/safe technique, and since then been on a three year "jumping journey". There are so many HORRIBLE (and sometime dangerous) jumping how-to videos on UA-cam, it is really surprising to see an EXCELLENT jumping how-to video. Even though you didn't explicitly say it, a lot of your advice is great for not only perfecting the correct jumping technique, but also keeps the rider safe. It is so often you hear "just yank the bars", "lean back further", etc., which is the exact opposite of what you want to do. Great video, hope everyone listens to the advice and not the other nonsense you find on UA-cam.
The best of the hundreds of how to jump videos I've watched over the years.
Same. I've watched literally scores and scores of jumping videos from the biggest MTB channels and this is legitimately the best one I've ever seen.
Incredible video. Absolutely excellent. Thank you for the time and effort.
I really appreciate your calm voice and the music in the background. Really helps focus the video and what you’re trying to explain
I have watched so many good how to jump a bike videos but this one by far is the best, simple, and direct as I’ve ever seen. I think this is gonna change everything.
Great video , I watch so many and always wish they'd slow down the footage and repeat it as many times as you have done which is really helpful when trying the lock the thought process into the brain before going out to practise it .
Awesome! Thanks for watching!
This is excellent. I really appreciate how show the “typical” description of compression doesn’t make sense and what show really dies make clear and repeatable. Thanks a million.
Thanks!
Your side-by-side view at 8:15 was one of the most helpful jumping tips I have seen. Made me realize I was doing everything too early. Saw this 2 days ago and when I went to the jumpline today I made sure to pop much later - much closer to the lip - and I was actually hitting backside on almost all the jumps (small line). Big improvement for me after struggling for a month or so. Thanks!
Thank you so much! Sometimes, it just take the right perspective to make things click and I'm happy to have helped. I love hearing about breakthroughs. Keep at it and before long, timing will be something that you don't even have to think about when approaching a jump. Thanks for watching!
This was an excellent breakdown of techniques that was done quite well. I'm trying to move on to steeper face jumps/lips and struggled a couple days which led to me doing some research. This video is unique and very good.
Thanks and best of luck. It takes repetition so don’t get bummed out if it doesn’t click right away.
Really like the point about rider POV being different from the side view and how that makes you think you popped correctly but you actual jumped early.
Yes, the split video sequence really did it for me. Now to bring this loading knowledge along with the Pop Jump skills (next video) to the trail. 😊
Very well done! I've been jumping a good while now but still enjoy seeing how others break down the process.
I wish I'd had this vid many years ago. It'll help a lot of people out for sure!
I really appreciated your comments and footage on perspective. Extremely helpful to see "early pop" in action juxtaposed with rider's line of sight.
This is THE best jumping video....PERIOD
excellent vids, and this topic is hard to explain to those of us that have jumping for a long time. theres so much unconscious competence, that it takes an added level of understanding to make something like this. hopefully theres a lot more riders that will feel comfortable jumping after watching this. my $.02 is theres no substitute for practice and saddle time.
The perspective and timing thing just was so eye opening. There is really a huge difference. As soon as you see the front wheel exiting the lip, you think you are in the air already, while your backwheel still sitting there, not done with its work ... Thanks for this! Awesome video.
The perspective part is very interesting for someone dealing with premature eja... jumping :D
The most detailed how to jump - thank you for sharing
Love mountain biking but I started relatively late in life (been riding different types of bikes since childhood though) I was always kinda scared of jumping. This video made me understand the dynamics involved and why and when one has to perform certain motions. So I guess I will try to find a place where I can safely practice and hopefully learn how to jump! Thanks for making this video!
P.S.: I subscribed to your channel 🙂
Thank you, I've been cycling for 5 years, watched hundreds of videos and yet I always had these questions, how should my body be, forward? on the back? how pop? when pop? but 1 time in 10, I went OTB without really understanding why. You just answered it, I hope I can now make some nice jumps!!
The fear of going OTB and for reasons you aren’t certain for is a confidence killer and jumps are all about confidence. Start small, build technique, and build confidence. You got this!
I really like these style of vids filmed from the side and then in slow motion with explanations at each point , this helps me to really understand what’s going on, and look at body position etc , which when iv been going over jumps I don’t always know what’s going on just know it feels sketchy 😂 but seeing it done properly and in slow motion is super helpful .subbed 😎
Thanks!
Outstanding instruction. I think many new jumpers don’t appreciate the importance of putting in the reps. Good jumpers make it look so easy because they have spent lots of time logging quality reps. Regular, consistent practice along with videoing from the side of the jump are essential for progress. The videos don’t lie… it’s easy to compare my movement patterns with yours and see exactly where I’m getting it wrong.
Perfect explanation of jumping. I found that the body position you need on the transition to launch is a really big key to success. Took me quite a while to understand though.
as a new rider and trying to learn how to jump i love that comment you made about perspective ...ITS SOOOOOOO TRUE ... love this video ...
Very helpful demonstration! I particularly like the perspective point that you made. It makes sense.------------
Super helpful. Im a roadie to mtb, and idk what the hell im doing on the trail. This was sick. Especially showing the jump technique on the flat to show the "effort" involved.
Honestly, the single most to the point and easiest instructional video I've seen on jumping (and believe me, I've probably exhausted youtube on the damn topic).
Especially loved the comparison between the bunnyhop and jump with explanation on how hard you were reloading the jump vs how hard and how much more body movement you put in to do the bunnyhop.
I found a bit of a revelation for me a few weeks back as I was almost always going dead tailoring due to a 'tug' the bars which was being caused by me popping to early as you experienced watching the video.
I couldn't quite work out where sometimes when I was jumping it felt so natural and easy and the front wheel and bar where coming right up off the jump high into the air and there was no sketchy dead sailor and I felt like I could move the bike around and do whateverwI wanted and it was exactly as you discovered, I thought I was popping as the front wheel left off but it was actually too early. When I went back and forced myself to wait that touch bit longer I consistently had the front wheel light more readily as the bike left the lip of the jump and the bars naturally came back and into my mid section and from there I was totally in control and could do whatever with the bike I wanted as I was always balanced and the bike would just come up with me; where previously it felt like I was popping but getting nothing and I would get a tug as I came off the lip, get off balance and dead sailor.
Watching your video just summed everything I needed to know in a few minutes; no confusion, no weird do an L shape with your body, pull the bars, don't pull on the bars, stay centered, no get back over the rear wheel, you have to know to bunnyhop, but start with a manual etc paradoxical explanation.
Wish you'd made it sooner 😂
Only problem I've had lately is trying to pop off long drops or very shallow jumps going dead sailor, though I suspect it's going to be much the same issue as I had with the jumps, just trying to pop the bike too soon before hand as it seems to only effect the smaller ones when I go slower, the bigger ones I never seem to have issues with. Go figure.
Oh and that reminds me it was your other video about looking at the jump from the side to realise that unlike coming at the jump from the front and the transition and lip looking like a wall, look side on to realise its not as bad as your head is telling you, and the angle of it isn't going to throw you OTB. Something else I took on that made a big difference. After looking at my local jump line, I looked at it side on and realised that actually, it's not as aggressive as it looks riding toward and made it so much easier to give it a proper go.
Hey thanks so much! This comment means a lot to me! I love to hear about progression, it's an awesome motivator. Nothing feels worse than a proper dead sailor. It's a great topic and deserves a deep dive. I'll definitely cover it in a future video. Thanks for watchin'
@slantedground no problem :)
Keen to see future instructionals if you head in that direction; far too many videos with too much fluff or presenters who just seem to make their videos a touch too convoluted in what they are trying to get across. This vid was perfect 👌
The perspective part and then seeing the effort of the J hop vs the effort of the “jump” on flat were very informative.
Cheers bro, very casually reassuring and refined minimal teaching style, thanks a bunch. Namaste...
Thank you! 30+ years of riding and I really learned something. Establish good timing…great stuff!💪
One of the better videos I’ve seen on jumping. Great breakdown and explanation of the progression. I can see a number of mistakes that are holding me back. Thanks for this!
Thanks!
One of the best videos about jumping i have seen so far
This is so helpful! I’ve been watching loads of videos on how to jump better and I love your phrase “pushing through the lip.” The length of contact time I can give me rear wheel to the transition makes a huge difference.
Ur comment on bunny-hopping was BRILLIANT
Wow. This is legitimately the best video on MTB jumping I've ever seen. Like, I've never seen anyone so clearly, via 2 cam perspective, show why someone might be trying pull off the lip of a jump early. Or the illustration of how much effort is being put in to hop the bike. Its taken me years to figure jumping out and you still gave me a couple of light-bulb moments. Great video! Going to check out your other stuff.
Really helpful video and great throughout explanation. Gonna put this to the test this weekend 😅
Awesome breakdown. Good visual aids!
One of best jumping tutorials out there!
This is the best explanation on preload and jumping I've ever seen.
I have watched loads of tutorial videos on jumping and yours was the first that made sense. Not easy to explain the mechanics of how and when to move your body, but your video nailed it.
So helpful. I really liked the 2 camera views. I think that's going to help me a lot. I'm an early popper. Thanks!
Thanks for watching. It’s a common issue. You got this.
Good stuff, dude. Don't think I've seen anyone explain preloading on the transition this way, makes more sense to me now.
Best explaination I've seen so far. Especially, showing rider angle vs the side view of the rider angle to illustrate the timing of the pop. Definitely looks very different from the rider perspective!
This is one of the best tutorials I've seen so far. I'm still a bit scared to fully stretch when jumping a table but it seems like I should just go for it
Go for it!…but go slow and land on top. Get the feel for the technique and slowly increase the speed. You’ll get it in no time.
Learning about preload has helped me so much. I'm 45, back into mountain biking after 15 years off. Was never a jumper previously. Still am not, but I am making progress and enjoying it. Now it's just about consistent technique, timing and overcoming the fear. It's never too late to learn!
The feeling of inconsistency can be frustrating but start slow, stick with it, stay positive, and I can without a doubt guarantee you’ll figure it out and jump confidently.
Perfect explanation, I have been strugling a lot on the mechanics after the preload so this video really helps.
I have watched a bunch of videos about this topic. You name it all. From the biggest channels and other smaller ones but then you come around that one exact video that really speaks to you. Thank you for this one! That part about timing and giving me the perspective as to why I pop sooner makes a lot of sense now. Thank you!! The youtube algorithm blessed me today!
Thanks for the feedback! Glad to be part of your journey.
Very well explained.😊
Great breakdown and approach to jumping. Recognizing upper and lower body position relative to the ramp and base was awesome to see. Well done!
Genuinely a great explanation on jumping. I found just jumping from a standing position without the bike was a good way to get the timing sorted out in my head. You just squat down and when you are ready to jump explode with your legs - or on the bike, you "jump" when you hit the transition. I was always "running out of compression" and getting bucked a little because I thought I was supposed to be pushing down on the suspension way to early.
The dual vision of side and pov for timing is brilliant.
Excellent! So helpful Josh, thank you. I would love to see you analyze someone who can't jump, or is just learning to jump. I struggle a lot with timing and standing.
Thanks Sage! Yes, that's a great idea! Per your struggle's, I would suggest finding a small safe jump, slow it down, and really force yourself to work on clearing it with your motions and not speed. Thanks for watching! You the man!
Become a "small jump hero!" - Josh (previous video). Awesome video brother! Great perspectives. You're SO good at this!!
The table on the intermediate line at Phoenixville feels like it mimics the tables at Penn and may be good for practicing boosting on. I've only ridden there once but I liked hitting that jump with it's lip and run in and wanted to focus on gaining height when I'm there next.
@@slantedground "clearing it with your motions and not speed." < this.
Video randomly popped up on my home page (was watching other MTB videos as a still relatively new rider), and your explanation is great. I always had people tell me to try and compress my suspension, and I guess I got away with clearing jumps by being somewhat athletic and good coordination, but I feel on the verge of going dead sailor. Practiced what you showed in this video, and immediately felt safer and was able to clear jumps with less speed and sketchiness. Thanks for the content!
Fat and short guy here. It does affect my ability to jump but using your guide has helped me at least get off the ground. I've watched a lot of videos on how to jump. You are the only one that explained it in a way that makes sense to me. The only other video I watched that helped explained it as if you are going to do a jumping jack. Your feet roll through the jump basically like your going to jump. Your makes more sense though. Plus explaining that you cannot hold compression on the ramp or your bike helped me a lot too. Its physics but my brain says otherwise and I screw it up.
Glad it helped! Keep at it and it'll feel natural in no time.
Thanks. You brought a new perspective that helped me see what I have been doing wrong.
Thanks man, just started riding again since I was a kid. I used to do all this stuff-but helping me to remember for sure and this is giving me some great warm up/practice ideas.
Thank you that finally makes sense and i understand now what’s happening. Now i can be more confident
Awesome! You got this!
Best explanation of jumping I've seen so far. Well done
Man that bit on timing was especially great. I feel like it managed to pinpoint my own problem exactly. Super helpful stuff, thanks!
I have struggled with clearing jumps because I cannot wrap my head around the physical body mechanics needed to keep from hopping off the takeoff early. I started practicing on BMX bikes because they're small, cheap, easy to transport, and extremely unforgiving. The feedback is immediate and you cannot rely on suspension to supplement your technique. The wheelbase also makes the timing of small jumps similar to large jumps on a MTB. I practiced bump jumping speed bumps and forced myself to feel two tires hit the bump. And then you get used to the heel pressure and the delay it takes to consistently hit both tires. I still don't think I've got it where I want it but emulating that on the jump face gets me much further than where I was.
Best jump vid I’ve seen. 4 stars dude
I really liked the piece in the car park about how little you need to compress your bike for a jump… definitely a Doh! Moment for me.
Great explanation, for more advanced riders who want to perfect their jumping skills
You managed to distill all of the MTB how-to-jump YT videos into a single one. I know it because I suck at jumping (think OTB) and watched everything there was to watch. Light bulbs went On after I watched yours. The “idea”, the “how-to”, the reasons and the detailed slow-mo analysis just made things click for me. Thanks a million. (The only thing that could possibly add more is your demonstration of deliberately doing something wrong and then the slow-mo analysis of it - but that might be the last video you post, so don’t 😎)
Sweet! Glad I could help. Your idea of showing the result of poor technique is awesome! I’ll try to incorporate that in future videos.
I can show the results of poor technique too, just need to find the X-rays.
Thank you ! Without doubt the best how to jump video I have watched - well done ! I've done a couple of jump coaching courses which attempted to explain these concepts in different ways but me understanding the concept of pressing through the lip never really translated well resulting in early take offs or feeling weightless in the air with my shoes almost losing contact with my pedals. The multiple camera angles and your POV angle really communicated the concepts well. Bloody fantastic job !
I’ve been mountain biking for a long, long time and had gave up on jumping because I can’t bunny hop. Your video explains why I don’t need to, thank you.
Thanks great video
The prospective/ timing part was a real 👌 eye opener,
I have just started jumping and getting the timing wrong 😂
You’re not alone. Everyone gets the timing wrong at the start. You got this!
This is so good! Having the two pov perspective just before taking off is so good, i cant get the timing right! Many thanks!
Great walk through
Thank you this was a great video!
Ive seen a few really good learn to jump but like others have said this is the best. please make more learn to ride vids !!!
Super helpful. Thankyou. I ride BMX and can jump all day long but I have really struggled on a full suspension because it feels like im not in control of the exit of the ramp (as in I feel dead from the waist down - no feedback), and then the resulting forces when im in the air I feel like an unstable potato haha - I will find myself drifting to the right, to the left etc with no consistency. Watching you replay this frame by frame and especially show the force you are compressing the bike with in the parking lot on the flat has REALLY explained why I was feeling unstable in the air, I think I was compressing so hard on the front and back suspension that the force coming off of that was why I was so unstable. Gonna hit the jump track on Monday and see what this feels like. Will report back!
Awesome content, no fluff. Thanks a ton! And here’s a tip that worked wonders for me: Grab a dirt jump bike and hit those steep jumps!
It's nice to see the distinction between loading your suspension and using that loading motion as a means to create movement and shape with your body. Definitely makes more sense than the idea of the suspension being loaded as to what makes height. I would say timing and keeping weight on the heels all the way through the lip are what making jumping challenging. The plop on top is a great summation of how to work into technique and allowing for increasing speed safely. Great tutorial! Also the jumps on A-line are no joke but fun for sure. I'm still working up to clearing Boomsauce before moving on to those.
Really helpful. Thanks for putting this together.
Thank you. This is really well explained.
Quite a good quality explanation and addressed some of the aspect that I didn't notice was addressed anywhere else. Good job. And good luck with your channel.
Some really good stuff here I’ve not seen on other videos. The amount of effort simulation on the flat was particularly helpful
Very good video and explained really well. You give me confidence. I can't wait to get back out there. Thanks
This is great, lots of valuable stuff demonstrated in an objective manner. I get confused watching Ben Cathro’s tutorial on popping jumps when he talks about pulling up on the bars or when people say “yank up” to get more height. Cathro also says to lean so far back you feel like you’ll loop out. I do that and get bucked like crazy over the bars.
Well broken down, super helpful 👍
So easy to understand 👌🏼
I'm presently healing my collarbone fracture and your video made me realize my error. Instead of resisting the jump, I've pumped my suspension (which I thought was the good technique). Doing so, my bike went sideways and I've ended up otb. I'm glad to have found your video 🤘
Glad you found the video helpful. Heal up!
I’ve never been confident or good at jumps, gonna try this though for sure. Great video dude
Great video! Great breakdown.
Your explanation of perspective v reality was very very helpful
This video is so good. Thank you for it.
Brilliantly explained once again Josh, you are so good at this dude👊
Very well explained. Thanks.
Great explanation I really appreciate the split screen shots in particular. On to Carnegie Hall :). Thank you !
Amazing video. Using video to be able to see where we need to focus is a great tip. Thank for sharing it bro. New sub here.
Thank you for this video!
Man great video. Perfect timing for me too!
Excellent explainer as always Josh, thanks for the awesome vids!
This is great. Thank you!
This was extremely helpful; especially the section on perspective.
I've paid for jumping courses in the past, including a one-to-one session with a professional downhill racer.
Every coach taught the same bunny hop technique for learning to jump; where you aggressively push your weight down on the bars to "preload" the front wheel, before doing the same with your legs to pop off the lip of the transition.
This never felt right, comfortable, or safe. With a steep transition, aggressively compressing the front feels like you are going to get your stem in the face. The opposing forces means the front of the bike going up the transition comes back at you just as hard. It's a violent buck, which really messed with my focus, confidence, and progression. To be honest, it terrified me.
I'm still learning to jump properly, but since dismissing the bunny hop advice for jumping, my learning curve has improved significantly.
Your video is the first one I've seen to corroborate my feelings on this, and scientifically debunk the bunny hop myth.
After watching this, I'm now going to focus on perspective and timing.
Thank you so much.
Thanks so much!
Your take on it is more understandable...so I subscribed...others say you should always slow down the rear rebound.. but I think should be on the fast side both shocks equal and like you said, practice practice practice 🫡
I found it incredible that you noticed the wheels lifting off the ground in the first-person camera, but the side camera showed them still planted on the ground. I used to ride a Kona Stinky and push it hard, but I could never explain how it didn't seem as hard or fast as it looked. I think this might be a textbook example of Einstein's Theory of Relativity.
Great video! I think one thing that will help (and relate to your pov segment) is for people to film themselves. Its amazing how different something can look va feel. Especially if you aomw baked in bad habits!