Essential Cross Country MTB Skills | Learn To Jump On Your XC Bike

Jumps have become a key part of cross country mountain biking, you see them a lot right up to World Cup level so it is now an essential skill when it comes to XC riding. Neil, with the help of the MTB Hopper Coach Ramp, will be teaching our guest rider - Nathan - how to jump safely on an XC Bike.
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Leave us a comment below!

[@gmbn]

Did you find these tips helpful?

[@Tzed250]

This is good stuff!!

[@elanorfairbairn]

Yes,very. Neil could make a fortune coaching a very nervous nurse here in Iceland

[@buboysevtv8304]

Yes😇

[@Bobswann6723]

Yes very much...69yrs old and just starting.thankyou....enjoy all your videos including maintenance.

[@Dewsta26]

Yes. I'm now going to try to approach a jump more like I would a drop off. I've not had that in my mind before but I can see it now. Thanks!

[@_sam__mtb]

The amount of times I thought he was going over the bars was uncountable

[@kylebatson5971]

Duuuuude ikr

[@HAFIZzainalHZ]

Damn. It flashed back my own memory. MULTIPLE times. 😂

[@joshiles3732]

I love how every attempt was the same, in the end Neil just moved on

[@kylebatson5971]

@@joshiles3732 yeah at least it shows that learning something new doesn’t magically happen

[@joeMopar412]

He rode halfway down the hill on his front wheel!

[@trialsted]

Massive respect to him for carrying on after all those near death experiences

[@StratoPL]

I think he will learn front wheelie before learning how to jump :)

[@pierrebroccoli.9396]

I don't know, he rode the front wheel out well from those nose dives. 😁 We've all been there at some stage - Pump Track a great way to go.

[@leyte-samartrails7904]

Neil - How I think I look doing jumps. Nathan - How I really look.

[@freyatheuncontrollablesaus3202]

Why is this so relatable 😭🤣

[@blockin9556]

Yes lmao`

[@thomasbenito274]

the fact that he was able to somehow walk away from those almost otb's is pretty amazing lmao

[@dkumagai30]

I thought this was a troll comment until I watched the video. Yeesh.

[@sam61480]

He was inches from death and the guy goes “just try it a bit faster, eh?” Lmao

[@asiluawksadvnase8238]

More of this please! The gap between your hosts and a lot of your viewers is huge. It would be very helpful to take Nathan or someone similar through a series involving steeps, switchbacks, roots, technical climbing, cornering etc.

[@MTB4RNR]

I 100% agree with you

[@nathanpalmen7187]

Switch backs.... Crawling speed or Walking it is...

[@Tefloncoated]

GMBN - xc bike not ideal for jumps. Sam Pilgrim - Lets send this $180 walmart bike around Whister bike park!

[@redbomberr4594]

🤣🤣🤣

[@BoyKhongklai]

Yes Pilgs will send anything everywhere. If it has wheels, he'll take it out shredding 😂

[@francisfabian242]

He was such a pro on 'em sends and jumps, he even used freaking road bikes with 700x23c wheels

[@alstuart8801]

At last a bloke like 99% of us. Fantstic video even for us old buggers that raced XC in the 90's and are still crap at jumps! Well done GMBN!

[@Skippy-id9yt]

Similar story here , I Just started doing jumps at 40 , progressed too high too fast (after 3 weeks and before I was truly comfortable with the medium sorta jumps ) and now I've got cracked ribs and can handle not ride the bike ke paths ....., think I'll stick to the small medium jumps in m the trails in future

[@TheTothtamas]

The first time GMBN uses a bike whith a geometry like most of us have.

[@tomasstraka5244]

how do you know what "most of us" have?

[@TheTothtamas]

At least in my county.

[@jbee4892]

@@TheTothtamaswhere do you live?

[@TheTothtamas]

Hungary. And yes there are some good bikes but from 30 about 27 is a xc bike.

[@siemens198195]

@@TheTothtamas Same here in the Netherlands!

[@supertramp6510]

Should have been titled how to nose manual 😜 that dude has that shit dialled 😂

[@The_Dude_420]

Fr just saw that one slow-mo. Actually those are legit good nose manuals hahaha

[@redbomberr4594]

🤣 Damn right you are

[@musicandsoccer]

Nathan got skillz!!!

[@adampalma3765]

LOL!

[@pamo7261]

Now send him to Doddy to sort out those cables.

[@yengsabio5315]

😂😂😂

[@redbomberr4594]

Man, that's what I was focusing on after I got over the nose manuals

[@mihaurs2]

These cables are so heavy hi is going manual all the time 🤪

[@dankmacloud6313]

Still needs to put his seat down more or get a dropper.

[@bigg1779]

Neil should be on an xc bike too or at least give the xc dude a shot of the full sus bike🤷‍♂️

[@s14tat]

The bike really has nothing to do with what is happening to Nate. It's actually the saddle being so high still and the fact that Nate didn't put any power into his legs driving the bike into the jump that's the problem. Nate being on a hardtail is actually easier and better to learn on vs a full suspension where you need to worry about the timing and to preload the rear suspension before the jump

[@Joeymga6]

S14tat, true

[@shemshem9998]

@@s14tat yea its not realy the bike, of course a full sus might help to a degree with better geo, but (sorry nate) if you have 0 skill it does not matter, 0 times anything is still 0. eventhough he had some improvement with actyaly somwhat loading the bike before the jump, he just did not have the skill to jump any kind of bike off that.

[@alfordmick]

Much as I enjoy Neil etal making the “ impossible” look easy, it’s really relate able to see a “normal” person doing exactly the same 👍🏻👍🏻 more please.

[@paulthompson6357]

Coming from XC to now a Trail bike I feel the same as in this video. In the XC world you absorb obstacles rather than play with them. It is a weird learning curve to jump, hop, and flow.

[@williamkeys5701]

Kudos to Nathan for keeping trying after so many nose heavy landings.

[@SwayinUSC]

What i like about this vid as opposed to just watching the guys rip it is that Nathan gives a nice counterpoint to how many of us are doing it, and in correcting him and helping him, we get the idea of how we might fix our own issues.

[@JohnBS75]

Oh, that coach hopper looks amazing. [Clicks link] £341! Whit! I'm going to have to keep dreaming

[@Mububban23]

Pause the video at 4:07 and appreciate how awesome this guy's balance and composure is!!!!! He was millimetres from going OTB.

[@Pro_Chef.]

4:39

[@Windband1]

Tell him to stop soaking up the front end of the bike with his arms! He needs to let the front end come up with him in the air. That's why he keeps diving... 2. He needs to learn to "stomp" before the take off to preload his susp.

[@adammikesaliasfreshprince4124]

I don't know man,...those xc riders with clips, who can't do even what a six year olds on the trails can are really turning me red...👺

[@sapinva]

Also needs to loosen up. That stiff posture is going to bounce him right off the bike when landing bigger jumps. Easy way to reprogram that is to remove the chain and the seat post.

Neil, giving the advice to just give more speed... it was a dangerous one.

[@b-vk8441]

Beautiful, perfect video on how not to teach the jumps! But he survived.

[@Lukieb_na_kole]

Exactly

[@mannequinplayer]

I hear you. He needed more speed, eh? :P

[@wasiukas]

Neil could show how it's done on that guys xc bike with high seat..

[@adammikesaliasfreshprince4124]

Easily...believe me...E...A...S...I...L...Y

[@wasiukas]

@@adammikesaliasfreshprince4124 i didn't doubt that. Just thought I would be nice to show to the kid with his bike.😉👍

[@chrisridesbicycles]

Super helpful video! Nathan looks a lot like me jumping (apart from I would have died from fear landing so noseheavy that often). I wish I had Neil to teach me. And PLEASE send Nathan over to Doddy to shorten the floppy brake hoses. I can‘t watch that.

[@thomasreeves2851]

Fair play to Nathan. I actually saw you guys filming this segment whilst I was grinding back up the hill. The section he was on is much steeper than the video makes it look and it was incredibly hot that day. He must of been hanging by the end of it.

[@domid1483]

I think you should start learning drops, before jumps. Even just small ones and try to land with both tires at the same time or even landing with the rear first.

[@ProfeTa6]

Best advice I ever got is to open the hips. Basically visualize standing up as you take off, your hips will go back and your arms will extend and keep the bike level. What was happening to Nathan is what happened to me that I was subconsciously trying to soak up the ramp as an obstacle instead of a feature.

[@andywright1634]

Easiest thing to try: ride off a kerb until you can do it so your front and back wheels land at the same time.

[@ProfeTa6]

@@andywright1634 A drop is different from a jump.

[@andywright1634]

@@ProfeTa6 Same basic method getting your weight back.

[@ProfeTa6]

@@andywright1634 Nope, the bike behaves differently. On a drop you just shift the weight back and let the bike roll off, on a jump the lip sends your wheels up so you need to cope with that lift and that is what sends most people OTB. I could do any drop at almost any height without trouble but couldn't for the life of me hit a jump properly. They are different things.

[@andywright1634]

@@ProfeTa6 Umm, okay. You obviously have a bit of trouble there. Shifting your weight is still the most important thing [including aligning you bike for landing]. Pumping//compressing and popping off a jump is extra. But the basic remains, to stop going otb, move your weight back, specially like the guy in this video on a small jump at low speed. I've ridden ramps/jumps since my bmx days [nearly 40 years] so what do I know. Over and out. ;)

[@feromiro]

This is the type of video I would like to see more. Absolutely awesome 👏

[@ddsgardening7437]

G'day Neil u are such a great coach ,I've been mtbing for almost 40ys, and still picking up tips Cheers Mate 🙏

[@osvaldovegacasanova3559]

great to see more xc oriented content. Kudos!

[@crist0000s]

Tnx guys, it fits like a glove as cross country mtb rider.

[@futureMLB94]

more of these! Love these coaching videos. keep them coming 🤘

[@nashbaya2809]

more XC related videos please

[@I.Ivanov.]

Gmbn should do more videos with people who are learning how to ride proper! How about Gmbn academy? 👍🙄😇

[@jakejake909]

Nathan still needs to lower his seat more since he is still learning. Another thing i would say is he is just too stiff, if he would loosen up a little bit he could learn the steps quicker.

[@Th3Gr33k]

Fear will make people tighten up. It's a real dilemma, fear makes jumping harder, which in turn makes jumping scarier.

[@nickwatkins5227]

Always anything GMBN does is useful educational and entertaining keep it up 👍

[@samschweizer2855]

This was so helpful to see a non-pro try these out with Neil. Kudos to student for keeping at it.

[@sanabibimtb]

Great video as always thank you all the wonderful entertainment and information ❤️❤️👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@tomfoster907]

This is one of the best videos you've made! Yes of wasn,t full of professional riders going massive. BUT, it showed a true beginner learning a skill that people can actually relate to! You showed, lots of footage of progression and explained how to improve with step by step instructions, rather then the classic "just send it" Having a Guinea Pig in these instructional videos is the way forward! Good work GMBN👏👏👏

[@tjmcbryan]

So glad I’m not the only one looking so stiff and terrified lol, some of these guys make it all look so easy, but finally, proof I’m not alone!!!

[@kpopcrack9746]

Same 😄

[@chrisridesbicycles]

You‘re not alone. When I try to REALLY shift the weight in the next attempt and look on the video, it looks as stiff as ever.

[@tjmcbryan]

@@chrisridesbicycles goes to show how good neil and the lads really are! “Just pop a manual” they say! Lol

[@chrisridesbicycles]

@@tjmcbryan Neil knows his teaching. I got a private coach to learn jumping last year and didn‘t learn it on that day but 2 months later trying what he taught me, it clicked. Can‘t recommend it enough.

[@Jydmd]

Do more videos with XC/trail hardtails instead of Enduro machines, it's a bit more relatable!

[@alstuart8801]

Exactly

[@qazwsxedc4132]

I like this video because it shows a guy who is progressing on the learning curve and as such very relatable to most of us. It’s actually refreshing to be quite honest. More videos of you guys tutoring might be a good direction for this channel as well… just a suggestion.

[@pinnedcomment8614]

Fun fact: the word "long" is shorter than the word, "short"

[@kennysanti6557]

🤣🤣🤣 so true !!!

[@prodbyconscious]

Good job we use words by their meaning and not by their length 😂🤷‍♂️

[@kndvds1492]

Love that Orbea Occam. I just got the H10.

[@irishpotatogamer1850]

Someone shorten his brake line for him, please.

[@thomaskositzki9424]

+1

[@Craweats]

Knowing what you need to do but unable to execute. I can relate. No trip to the ER=W.

[@buenviajerobertson5095]

Thats a rewarding experience.

[@allenpangs1837]

More of this pls, nice vid bro

[@danlakermtb]

Great info and breakdown of jumping! I'm beginning to see improvement in my jumping, since using a newly built skate park local to me, been hitting the same jump/quarter pipe a lot recently 😁

[@gmbn]

Glad we could help!

[@dorothyb.]

Really good for someone trying to learn is using those video slomos, then I can see what’s really going on with those body positions. But this guy nailed it…. With perseverance

[@iankennethbicar9830]

nice to see these kinds of support from the presenters :D

[@Huntingslife1]

after i have learned to jump, all of these directions make perfect sense. Before I knew how, they where another language.

[@hamsterfangz]

Appalling coaching. You can learn the 'pop' technique from the smallest ramp, without putting the novice at risk from a larger/riskier jump. Once they have the pop dialled you can go bigger.

[@nextpeakproductions]

The unintentional nose manual is amazing to be honest. Perseverance is key in this sport. Love it

[@orijit]

Nathan is a champ!! I want to be like Nathan!!

[@5123rick]

more like an endo demo! fair play to him he didn't give up. defo good to see the average rider being taught

[@mgreenberg250]

I think a key piece that was missing that he needs to COMPRESS right before take off. There was no compression, thus why his front wheel dove every time. This is what the Ninja MTB Clinics teach in the U.S. and was helpful for me in learning

[@aw13]

much more usefull with the learning rider in the video 👍👍👍

[@charliemerrill8687]

Thank you! Great video! Being loose on your bike and confidence helps dramatically! I like to think of myself as General. J.E.B Stuart on a calvary charge!! It works for me! Well.. sometimes.. Im riding a hardtail at the moment and I have to say, I need shin guards.. keep practicing

[@clarkgriswold4902]

Neil, you have the patience of a saint!! I'd love to see the outtakes of you loosing it with the poor lad. 😂

[@kartoffelbauer]

Everytime he jumped I was so nervous beacause I thought he was going over the bars

[@quovadis5172]

One of the best uploads in a very long time. 👍🏻👏🏻 How would the techniques change for a hardtail?

[@iorathbennett6625]

You don't change ;)

[@Romans--pe4yh]

Can you guys make one of these where you teach a beginner? Every time I watch a jumping for beginners video it’s always “this is my friend he’s a beginner” but then they bring up how they’ve been in 4 enduro races and been riding for 5 years

[@cheekclapper3512]

this guy practically is a beginner when it comes to hitting jumps completely. the most essential part of a jump is the weight transfer that you leaarn when you bunny hop or are on a pump track. pushing through your legs

[@0ntoowheels]

Race XC on weekends, lasso cattle every other day with his cables!

[@dvxShoeN]

respect he practice with clipless shoes and pedals. what a brave guy

[@MountainBikeMusings]

I bought this rig with the extension. Looking forward to sessioning this in the neighborhood.

[@eonelast]

Go Ethan go.. Donny are very good teacher,

[@es5133]

I’ve watched tens of these videos. This is the best one I’ve seen and the first that makes sense. Really fantastic simplification for those who don’t naturally love jumping.

[@marcdemichele2689]

I nearly had 4 heart attacks watching Nathan!! Krikey!

[@slim_garrison]

He’s got his nose manuals down for sure!

[@r.c.r.rproductions8462]

The way I learned to hit jumps was to pull up on the bars right before the front wheel gets air. Like pulling a wheelie or manual right as you go off the jump

[@palindromeAU]

Give that man a dropper post!

[@Zohar-Modifier]

Next lesson conducted by Mr Blake :)

[@iankrigla247]

Am I the only one feeling for poor Nathan. This video should be -How to pee your pants 😂

[@citizenmattify]

I recently got the Orbea Occam H30 😁

[@s14tat]

I was praying for Nate the whole video. A lot of close calls.

[@master2222]

Angle of the back & the movement of the elbows /arms are the key here.

[@shredthetrack6858]

Great how to

[@silviapabon1282]

Awesome

[@olivermartin3772]

Did some pretty sick stoppies though

[@atomsolomon]

The comment section did not disappoint (and was not mean, which I was happy to see).

[@dylanhescott5973]

I’ve got the identical Occam, and it literally whispers in your ear to jump everything in sight. I’m sure Neil could rip on that hardtail, but that Occam is far easier to jump

[@JessAlicaya]

More XC related videos pls!

[@alstuart8801]

At the end of the day most people ride XC ..even if theyre on a mullet trail bike

[@angryginger791]

It's so hard to get a beginner to believe it, but "speed is your friend" is the best advice I ever got in regard to jumps and drops.

[@hydrosafari]

“Roll in nice and sensual” 😂😂

[@mjbbell]

It’s easier to visualise where you could be going wrong than on previous videos

[@guidodezwaan]

Neil does say weight back, lean back etc. so all these near death by otb arent necesarry. But man, props for your courage on so many near OTB.

[@bongocat5223]

At my local bike park as well

[@xxjefferyrosefire9491]

sick

[@ibanez2010]

What I tell people about jumps - be either 100% committed to hitting them, or 100% committed to riding around them. Thinking you can just ride over them willy-nilly with no rider input will almost always get you bucked (especially on steep lips). Just be safe and ride around if your skills aren't there yet.

[@jamesconnell323]

It took me months and a few crashes to learn how to keep that front end up and my feet attached to my flat pedals until it’s time to land. I actually like landing on my back wheel and get a pump at the end.

[@bauke-LV426]

Good progress Nathan! I must say, you're a natural, jump to nose manny on your first go :) only joking. Cool that you're interested in jumping, thumbs up for you and for jumping bikes

[@klimenz]

Big fan of GMBN here but this video falls well below your usually high standards. I agree with other people encouraging more skills sessions with beginners but please make it right this time. Nathan: great job of not going OTB! He really should preload and stand taller at take off - front end will stay high for longer. This was my nemesis for ages. Easier said than done though as we naturally want to stay low and absorb take off leading to those scary nose dives. Nice mellow step up would be more suitable for say first 100 repetitions. ....then continue fighting the urge of popping too early :)

[@core-i7413]

I can do jumps on my cross-country bike but I prefer avoiding them because I'd rather not. If I do encounter a jump which will happen in races or well, encounter something which sort of requires a jump technique, then I'll do a small, jump, low and long so that I clear the jump and don't really need to go high.

[@wilsondevera3186]

Hi GMBN FAM, just a question maybe you can make a content out of it as well. Tips for practicing jumps. Not just how to do a jump, of course any body can do a jump but aside of it we need to consider hand positioning on the handle bars should you hold it with four hands or thereS no problem when the hand position is in 1 finger breaking position? Thank ride safe always. Looking forward for more vides on your channel

[@googlepixel9pro]

Any chance of a review of the Occam? Looks a sweet bike.

[@dawn-moon]

So pushing the bike forward is the same compared to approaching a drop for these kind of jumps ? Just add a pumping move just before the ramp ? Great refence material for comparing my own "selfie video's'" to. Can you do a video on how to approach those big quarter pipe jumps, those are the scary ones I just skip for now because I don't want to ruin my new bike :)

[@bugboy152000]

#GMBN #GMBNTech Holy break hose! New nick name is “hosilox”. Get Doddy on this mans bike!

[@crist0000s]

Btw, can you do a video, when to switch to new tires and new derailleurs?