It might be hard to believe at first, but you absolutely can bunny hop on a fixed gear bike! It’s a useful ingredient for the rest of your freestyle riding, with plenty of variations to play with: bunny hop 180s, bunny hop barspins…
What you need
First, a fixed gear bike—surprise—with wheels that are sturdy, or that you don’t mind damaging.
The rear wheel takes most of the impact during bunny hops, but the front wheel can take a beating too 🙂
You can bunny hop on carbon wheels, but it takes more finesse and experience.
The idea
Start by getting comfortable lifting your front wheel while riding—the wheelie movement. Shift your weight onto the pedals, pull the bars up toward you and rise off the saddle. Practice until you can do this comfortably at low speed or from a standstill.
Once you can lift the front wheel and put it back down when you want, you’re ready to start jumping.
As you lift the front wheel, near the top of the movement, try to release the tension in your legs and feet while bringing the bars forward. Don’t hesitate to bring your chest and head forward to follow the movement.
If you get the timing right, the rear wheel will lift off the ground too—ideally as high as the front wheel.
Practice is the way to learn and refine your bunny hop. Don’t get discouraged!
Once you’re comfortable, try hopping down a curb, then back up onto the pavement.
As your bunny hop develops, you can work toward clearing steps and street furniture around the city.
It’s a satisfying trick to have, with plenty of uses once you’re comfortable with it.
We hop to see you jumping around!
If this tutorial helped, find us on Instagram at @after.spin.
Video tutorial
Here’s a video tutorial by Jackson Radshaw, founder of FOAD Gang.
