Guys,

I want to learn to manual and bunnyhop in my mountain bike but I am having a really hard time getting it off the ground. Should I start weight training in order to have more upper body strength???

In case that is the indicated solution, exactly what exercises should I do? Is there a training plan I could implement??

I just don't want to try and try and try till I start hating it.

Thanks,

Ricardo

What comes to mind immediately would be squats and dead lifts. Anything working the back and shoulders will help you bring the bike up. But it's mostly technique, just keep hoping and you'll find that you'll get more and more height. As far as manuals go, it's all about finding the balance point.

I recently started lifting weights. I did a decent amount of research to come up with a basic plan. I came up with: squats, deadlifts, bench press. (You have to do these with proper form and start with very low weight!)

These are all compound movements that work many muscles at once. So it's an efficient way to build strength.

I am just a novice lifter. I have been able to increase my weight every session, though, and I feel stronger after a few weeks.

Others will have better things to say. My advice is just about general fitness, I have no idea what exercises will help you do these tricks.

I think you should practice weight shifting on the bike too. Have you read any technique reviews on doing these?

Just get clipless pedals. I can bunnyhop on my road bike with them.

Yeah, I've read all the How to manual and bunnyhop guides but I havent been able to lift the bike enough to reach the balance point. I even watched the "Fundamentals" DVD but with no success.

I am convinced that it is a lack of strength but, on the other hand, I dont want to bulk.

Thanks,

Ricardo

Lifting weights does not make you bulk up. You can use weight lifting to bulk up, but you aren't going to do that.

Lifting weights does not make you bulk up. You can use weight lifting to bulk up, but you aren't going to do that.


To clarify the only way to bulk up from lifting is to eat a caloric surplus, but frankly most people realize when they're eating the Kcals to gain mass.

That said you should be able to get some air without needing to gain strength, the best lift IMO would be a power clean, BUT you need someone to coach you on that lift, otherwise squats, deadlifts and lunges for lower body and bench, pullups and rows for upper body.

Guys,

I want to learn to manual and bunnyhop in my mountain bike but I am having a really hard time getting it off the ground. Should I start weight training in order to have more upper body strength???

In case that is the indicated solution, exactly what exercises should I do? Is there a training plan I could implement??

I just don't want to try and try and try till I start hating it.

Thanks,

Ricardo


Is your only goal to be able to perform a bunnyhop? If so, there is no need for a weight trainnig program. The bunnyhop is a specific skill, not a function of strength.

keep practising!

Is your only goal to be able to perform a bunnyhop? If so, there is no need for a weight trainnig program. The bunnyhop is a specific skill, not a function of strength.

keep practising!


Are you positive?

I have been practicing a lot, (reading how-to's and watching YouTube videos) to the point of becoming frustrated with the bunnyhop but I haven't been to get the front end of my bike high enough and I cant reach my balance/tipping backwards point.

I thought it was a lack of strength since my bike is not very light...

Do you have any suggestions? Thought weight training was part of the solution...

Thanks,

Ricardo

won't work to lift some weights, it's good for u :)

Hi Group,
Iv'e been weight training for a few months now and found that it helps a lot with the lower part of my body. Iv'e also found a book calld WEIGHT TRAINING FOR CYCLISTS at my local bike shop verry good book.