Mountain Biking - Bike skills (endos, hops, etc) - possible without cages/clips?

I'm just getting more involved in the MTB sport, and I'll eventually upgrade to cages or clipless pedals. however, I do enjoy the challenge of using my mega-heavy Gary Fisher steel bike with no really fancy parts, kickstand, rear rack and all and powering the uphills blowing past some of the ultralight MTBs I sometimes see out there on my trail.

I was wondering if the technical skills such as endos, hops and such are possible without clips or clipless. I'd get started on 'em right away if so! I just can't really see how to do a hop without being able to pull upwards on the pedals, but some of you expert riders always have such surprising skills....

you dont need clipless to hop. all you need is gather speed, lift the front as high as possible, try and put the bike forward, and it will lift the back wheel which gives you a hop. of course... easier to say than do.

For a hop...
-get low on your bike
-push back on your pedals
-pull bars up while twisting forward
-pull up rear with legs
I really don't know if your supposed to do the whole twist thing cause I haven't heard of anyone else doing it but thats how I learn at it works. Of course I don't do that anymore however:D
Endo...
-lean back
-lock front brake

first of all, TAKE OFF THE KICKSTAND!!!!! Then think off all the stuff a trials rider can do on flats.:p

http://broadbandsports.com/node/1798
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4la1iWYOvU&search=mountain%20biking

^^^ They both have pedals like these (http://www.tartybikes.co.uk/product.php?id=112).

It's actually easier to do stuff unclipped.

This is me a while back doing stuff on my huge bruiser. I use 50/50 x platform pedals.
http://media.putfile.com/new-trick-23

Ofcourse, I'm way better now :p

Yes...lots of us can ride like that without assistance ;)

What's wrong with the kickstand? It only weighs like a fraction of a pound!

What's wrong with the kickstand? It only weighs like a fraction of a pound!
Gets in the way, or can fall down and become dangerous. Just isn't really all that necessary.

Gets in the way, or can fall down and become dangerous. Just isn't really all that necessary.

Danger danger will robinson...DANGER...

Danger danger will robinson...DANGER...
lol...okay?

A lot of people stuggle with learning all the basics moves...My advise...learn to use the front of your foot.

Here's a good site (BLASPHEMY!)
http://www.trials-online.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1747

..haha its a quote from an old sci fi tv show...I am simply being a dick :D ...I was agreeing with you in regards to the kickstand :)

..haha its a quote from an old sci fi tv show...I am simply being a dick ...I was agreeing with you in regards to the kickstand
Gotcha. It's now 5:11 am. :D

those pedals linked too have some seriouse grip but i wouldnt want to come off pedals like that on a jump or something