A couple of ??'s from a newb

[freeridin laxer]

So i'm am going to start freeriding i have a trek 3700 aith a shimano avilo front derailleur as the ony mod. I want to upgrade my pedal i'm looking for a good platform pedal in the $40 range. I cannot bunnyhop, i dont know why. Could this be because i am not getting good grip with my stock plastic pedals. All tip are welcome. Thank you

[BikerBoy28]

I would recomend some Kona pedals, 30 dollas and super grippy

[mattmatt86]

I bought some Bombshell pedals from Cambriabike.com for 20 bucks.

[TRANSITION-MJR]

Pricepoint.com Has Some Good Flats For Under $40, Wellgo Wam, Azonic Fusion, Sun. I Had A Pair Of The Azonic Pedals And They Seemed Super Grippy And Fairly Light Weight, The Pins Are Adjustable And Replacable. As Far As The Bunnyhop Issue Goes, Im Not Fimiliar With How You Ride So It Is Kinda Hard To Give Pointers On Areas To Work On. I Know For Me A Big Thing Was How I Pulled Up And Pushed Down On My Handle Bars. Just Keep Trying.

[SeaPig]

Good shoes help too when using flats. I use 510s although I've heard some don't like them. I like them a lot.

Bunnyhoping, where you pull the whole bike up at the same time, is not the best way. Try to do it in two steps. Step one: load then release the fork by pushing down then pulling it up. Do this at the point of departure. This first step puts you back and loads the back of your bike. Step two: just as the back reaches the spot where the front took off, push off with your legs and push the handle bars where you want the front end to go. If done right your back tire will follow the fligh path of your front tire.

This type of hop gives you more control. I've just been learning these hops after years of riding XC clipped in and using my connection to the pedals to pull up my whole bike. They take a little cordination work, but once you start to get it, it's a world of difference. You get a higher level of control.

Watch park riders when they hop. Slow it down. You'll see two stages to their movement.

[freeridin laxer]

thanks for all the tips when i try to bunnyhop i can't bring my back up:monkeydance:

[Dangerous E]

In a pinch I bought a set of Nashbar flats that have proven to be better than anything else I've owned--20 bucks. Not sure how that works. Also, look into buying the book, "Mastering Mtn. Bike Skills" by Lee McCormack and Brian Lopes. You can get it at leelikesbikes.com or at most book stores. Super good book for anyone from starter to expert.

[Pat...]

People that can bunnyhop decently can even do it with plastic pedals (but not great). More traction will help a lot though.

The common technique is when you compress your arms and legs, angle your feet on your pedals at about 45* (with toes pointed to the ground). Then uncrompress your arms and legs, pulling up.

[rpk1988]

I found that bunny hoping became even easier after using clipless pedals for a few years. Then I started trying it on flats after learning the technique. Just keep practicing. Now I can probably bunny hop over 2 feet upwards. Just keep practicing. Also, some bikes may be *easier* to bunny hop, but it can pretty much be done on any bike.

[sanjuro]

Also make sure to lower the seat so you can crouch as much as possible (and prevent crushing your sac).

But I learned how to bunnyhop in my twenties after years of road cycling. It can be done, although it might take you a while.

[WSR Crash]

on the bunny hop problem what worked for me was to learn on a smaller bike ie try a 20" bike instead of your mountain bike. Then move up after several times. practice and more practice

[freeridin laxer]

thank you will do