Backhopping

[Scott Gibbs]

This will round stupid but how do backhop? Im really new to proper trials riding and i cant get the technique right at all! I do really feel stupid! Any pointer or tips would be so much appreciated!

[trialsmax04]

Its one of those things that is really hard to explain. Im not going to attempt to explain as i will make a hash of it, but there is a good section in the wiki.

[TJ.]

Try reading http://www.trashzen.com/backhop.php or http://www.trials-forum.co.uk/wiki/Backhop may help you.

Edited April 29, 2009 by TJ.

[staphan]

Do a small endo (lock front brake at very low or no speed and lean forwards a little) and then use your bike as a lever, keep leaning back when the rear wheel hits the ground and then it's just a matter of practice and getting the feel for it.

This is how I learnt

[Scott Gibbs]

Thanks for the advice guys much appreciated Gunna have to go give it some practice tonite could be a long night of my mates laughing at my 1st attempts! Cheers

[TJ.]

They cant laugh at you unless they can do it themselves is my thinking.

[siyross]

You could start by learning to balance with your front wheel on something like a milk crate or beer crate. Once you have the balance sorted try pulling your front wheel up so you are on the back wheel. See if you can find the balance point (Remember to keep your pedals parrallel to the ground), Once you have found that then try hopping the back wheel up and down. It becomes more like a rocking motion with your ankles and the balls of your feet. When you feel you are losing your balance try and drop the front wheel back onto the crate and then regain your balance and try again.

You can strengthen your calves and ankles for this by standing on a step facing up the steps, with the balls of your feet on the edge of the step start to drop and raise. Basically a calf raise.

Another way to learn the basic hopping motion is to try doing little hops with both wheels flat on the ground. Do it with your brakes fully on. This will get you used to hopping motion.

Hope i have helped.