Jitters Posted October 23, 2008 Report Share Posted October 23, 2008 Hi gang,Allow me to show off my total noob skills and just say that I am happily getting more proficient with this backhop stuff. I can go side to side and backwards and best of all forwards now and sometimes even up curbs and tiny little gaps. i know that sucks, but it's a start and I'm pleased to no end.BUT What it seems like to me, and this is probably an experience thing, is that I lack a tempo for the hops. almost like I am using brute force rather than getting into a groove and, so to speak.Anyone have some tips on finding a rythm or working towards the proper finesse so that it isn't as clunky or doesn't tire me out so?What works for you guys?Thank you and appreciated, as always. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
forteh Posted October 23, 2008 Report Share Posted October 23, 2008 You should be able to regulate your hopping direction and speed at will, assuming you balance is good enough you should be able to stop hopping and stand on the back wheel. Bike geo and setup can make a big difference to this.Excuse me if Im telling my grandmother to suck eggs When trying to teach new riders to backhop (over the last few years) the biggest mistake they make is to have their arms too straight and their weight too far back over the rear axle. Try to get the bike as vertical as you can and keep you elbows bent to keep the weight above the rear wheel, this will make hopping easier. With a bit more practise you will get the hang of booning - hopping forwards without pedalling, its a very useful skill to have Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan81 Posted October 23, 2008 Report Share Posted October 23, 2008 (edited) Nice work....keep practising and you'll gradually get more comfortable and less tired!...like the other guy said try experiementing with your balance point. Personally I don't like the 'look' of really upright back wheel hops....to me it just doesn't look cool for street riding but I suppose sometimes its just necessary.Keep working on your pedal hops and try to clear little gaps (on low objects like palettes)....get used to lowering the front a little more than normal and letting the crank come back a bit to really launch across the gap.Also, watch lots of vids and observe how other riders do things - its a good way to pick up on techniques. Thats all I can offer on this.*Edit: I didnt know thats called booning but its pretty useful for nudging to the edge of a drop or whatever. Edited October 23, 2008 by Dan81 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guuuuuuuuu leeeeeeeee Posted October 23, 2008 Report Share Posted October 23, 2008 i found it just came as i kept riding more with better rider Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jitters Posted October 23, 2008 Author Report Share Posted October 23, 2008 Hey some nice posts, thank you! I'll keep working at it, naturally. I'll experiment with the balance point a bit as suggested. It's possible that getting a short recording from the side may be helpful with a video cam too, just to see how far back I am. My pedal kicks while doing this are really sloppy, but I'll keeping working on all that.As far s the videos go, i try to catch some on youtube or vimeo when I can.Thanks again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
forteh Posted October 24, 2008 Report Share Posted October 24, 2008 A high engagement hub/freewheel will make your pedal hops alot tidier, especially with a king hub - touch the pedals and you have instant drive to the rear wheel Also make sure your chain is tight/tensioned, taking up any slack in it will give the effect of less engagement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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