The Reality of Bunny Hopping With a Big Bike

So, you’ve been trying to bunny hop your bike, huh?

That glorious move, the one where your wheels defy gravity for a fleeting second.

You’ve seen the pros do it, effortlessly gliding over obstacles like they’re flying.

You, on the other hand, have a 29er Cube Aim and a 16kg hardtail that feels like it’s made of cement.

The front wheel comes up, but the rear end? It’s stuck, glued to the earth.

Is it your lack of strength? Technique? Or is the bike just too damn big?

Let’s break this down, piece by painful piece…

1. The Heavyweight Fighter Syndrome

The first question that always pops up is whether the bike is too heavy to bunny hop.

Well, if you’re cruising around on a 16kg hardtail, you’re definitely in the heavyweight class.

But here’s the thing: It’s harder but still possible. You might be thinking, “Yeah, but my bike is so big, it’s like trying to hop with a moose on my back.”

Well, think again. It’s not the bike; it’s you. Get the technique right, and you could hop a tank.

2. It’s All in the Technique, Baby

You’re probably not hopping because your technique is crap.

Yeah, I said it.

No bike, however heavy or cumbersome, can stop a rider with proper form. The key is in the motion — a well-executed bunny hop starts with a good manual (the part where you pull the front wheel up), followed by explosive leg power to lift the rear.

If you’re lifting from the pedals alone, you’re not pulling the right strings.

Watch the pros; they don’t just lift their legs — they push forward, extend, and bring the whole body into it. You gotta get your hips in there too.

3. Strength? Nah, It’s Technique

You might be wondering, “Am I too weak to bunny hop?”

Well, guess what? Strength might play a role, but it’s the last thing you need to worry about.

You don’t need to be Arnold Schwarzenegger to hop a bike; you need to be able to move with your bike.

Try this: Stand beside the bike, push the bars forward while pulling up on the rear, and—voila!—you just mimicked a bunny hop without ever leaving the ground.

It’s all about coordination and timing. If your legs aren’t strong enough to pull that off, no amount of gym work is going to change that. You need practice.

4. Big Bikes: A Blessing or a Curse?

Big wheels, big dreams. But the reality? Those large wheels can be a pain when trying to get the bike airborne.

The bigger the wheels, the harder it is to lift the rear. However, this isn’t a deal-breaker.

Bigger wheels give you more momentum, and with the right technique, they’ll make hopping even smoother once you’ve mastered it.

But if you’re just starting out, those wheels might feel like they’re going to trap you in quicksand.

The trick is to let go of the fear. The more you think about it, the more it feels impossible. Stop overthinking, and let your bike flow with you.

5. Flats vs. Clips: Which One Helps More?

If you’re still clipping in, you might feel like you’ve got the upper hand. After all, being clipped in can give you that extra pull.

But here’s the thing: being clipped in isn’t the end-all-be-all. If you’re relying on your clips to do all the work, you’re doing it wrong.

Bunny hopping is about technique, and relying on clips can make you lazy.

Flats, on the other hand, force you to be more conscious of your body position, your leg movement, and that sweet scoop. They might make it harder at first, but the payoff will be worth it.

6. Patience and Repetition: The Only Real Answers

Here’s a dirty secret no one tells you: You’ll suck at bunny hopping for a while. And that’s okay.

Even the pros had to put in hours of practice to make it look easy. So stop expecting instant results.

Practice the motion, do it again, and then do it again. Bunny hopping isn’t a skill you can rush.

You can watch all the YouTube videos you want (Seth’s Bike Hacks, Phil, Skills with Ryan), but it’s not until you put in the work that you’ll see real results.

The more repetitions you do, the better your muscle memory will get. Eventually, you’ll start to surprise yourself, lifting your bike higher than you ever thought possible.

7. Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

If you’ve been at it for a while and still aren’t getting the hang of it, chances are you’re making one of these common mistakes:

• Lifting from the pedals: This is a big one. You’re not supposed to just yank up on your pedals. You need to scoop your pedals.
• Not using your body enough: Your bike is an extension of you. Don’t think of it as something to fight against. Bring your body into the motion. Use your hips. Think of it as a full-body workout.
• Not practicing enough: You’ve got to keep doing it. Simple as that. There’s no shortcut here.

The Conclusion

So, after all that, what have we learned? Your 16kg bike? It’s not the problem. The 29er wheels? They’re not holding you back. It’s you — the rider.

The issue isn’t strength or weight; it’s your technique. You need to rethink how you approach the bunny hop.

It’s a dance, not a deadlift. You need to be fluid, not stiff. Practice, repetition, patience — that’s the ticket.

So, next time you’re out there, stop thinking about how heavy your bike is or how high the hop is. Think about the technique. Forget the size of your bike, and just go for it.

And remember, if all else fails, watch a kid at the local pump track — they’ll make your 29er look like a tricycle.

Tables:

Mistakes	Solutions
Lifting only from the pedals	Push forward with the bars, use your body and legs for a full lift
Not enough body involvement	Engage hips, pull up with legs and use your core
Overthinking	Stop thinking too much. Keep practicing to build muscle memory

Technique Tips	Description
Scoop with the pedals	Scoop with your feet for more height
Stay fluid	Be smooth in your movements — don’t stiffen up
Practice	Repetition is key — do it again and again until it feels natural