MTB Preload for jumps explained… correctly

[@TonyCavill-w7l]

Finally! A clear description of the nuances of how to handle the take off - i’ve struggled to get this timing right for years.

[@Theshredacademy]

Thanks man, we got lots more coming. Check out the website more is available there for free as well

[@wbd3159]

I like the instructions and explanations better on this channel compared to other jump videos I've seen.

[@jonathanjones8895]

Killed it brother. I hate hearing an instructor talking about holding the compression for 20 ft. Highly underrated information people.

[@bcnpoutdoors]

Thank you! Great coaching! Thats the first time a pre loading video made sense to me.

[@joeshawcroft7121]

I've made a lot of progress this year jumping as a 44 year old. Once I learned about preload I made huge strides, but I'm still struggling in a lot o areas with height and technique and I am realizing it is because I'm jumping up the lip as you showed. I'm preloading my body and bike at the same time. This video is so helpful and is coming at just the right time in my progression for me to make tweaks and continue past the plateau I've hit. Thanks for explaining it so well and for showing examples.

[@ashnose]

This is one of the best explanations on KZbin tbh.

[@gilesanderson123]

All of your videos have really solid, and thoughtful advice, but for me this is the best one. 30+ years after building BMX jumps in the woods, I re-learned to jump in my late 40s on a dirt jumper on steep face jumps. I learned to pump the lips, manipulate my arc, do modest whips and tabletops, and land frontwheel first high on the landing. I learned by watching other riders in person, which is easy to do in a small jump park. But whenever I took my full suspension bike to the bikepark, I could not figure out what to do on my own or by watching other riders. Bad KZbin advice made things worse. I basically thought I had to compress my fork and shock and then bunny hop off the last bike length of the lip. Both of those led to a feeling of no-control and nose heavy landings, luckily no crashes. And, it felt different every single time. Sometimes my jumps were OK, but I had no idea why. This video explained what I was doing wrong: trying to compress my suspension when I dipped down into the bike rather than through the act of extending from that dip. Basically I had it backwards. Now I just guide the front wheel up by gently shifting my body back to suit the jump or the arc I want, and then gently pushing through with my legs, raising my hips. The "ride up the jump, let the front wheel rise" drill was super helpful. And, it feels much more like jumping my DJ, just slower. And a little like those hucks to flat on my Schwinn Phantom Scrambler back in 1983!

[@sicklygazelle]

honestly everyone that wants to learn the mechanics of pumping rollers and jumping needs a bmx or DJ bike and to spend as much time at a pump track as possible. all the techniques are the same on a hardtail vs full suspension. all the magic comes from the back wheel, the front of the bike is only there for steering and stability. as long as you are pushing thru the jump until your back wheel has left the lip. Great video with no fluff

[@christeschke9844]

omg i was wondering about his "suspension preload" someone tried to "ask" about when noticing i was hitting every drop on the trail. I was like "i just move my body back at the lip" . great video. keep making it simple for people. Can save many collarbones.

[@tacticianomen3077]

Thanks - really nice tutorial. There are loads of MTB skills videos on KZbin, but surprisingly few that do what you've done here, i.e. tackle misconceptions which are giving people difficulties whilst learning. Unfortunately, channels like yours don't get the number of subscribers they deserve, whereas the big channels like GMBN get huge numbers of views for churning out the same old stuff time and again, but they haven't bothered to ask what people are having difficulties with or thinking about how to better explain it. So I've done my bit - subscribed...

[@Baguioboy-torogikid]

Awesome! I watched a few videos and I got confused when they say "hold the preload" but you explained it quite well. Thanks!

[@LaVale-]

man, it´s always the low budget and low-quality videos that give the top-quality instructions :))

[@invisibleaznDJ]

Great explanation Dusty. Most everyone else I have seen doesn't address or explain preload very well.

[@richarddecredico6098]

old here (60+) learning to do jumps and drops in my quest to find the magic solution to jump without dying, this is the best explanation I have seen ... now please do one on how to survive the landings and I'm set to go :-)

[@winnguyen443]

Your crazy learning to jump at your age! LOL, me too, I’m 65.

[@richarddecredico6098]

@@winnguyen443 definitely is a young person's quest it's not the jumping that is the issue, it's the hits from landing, even good ones, that are hard to take

[@Lukieb_na_kole]

This awesome tutorial, Now I will practice more as I was always curious and couldn't understand how to preload on long ramp on short, small jumps I got this but longer ramp, bigger jump I had difficulties. You have nailed the explanation, thanks a lot 🔥

[@hannahjm93]

Just subbed. Started trying to learn how to jump recently and feel like I've watched every video out there but this explains it like no other. I'm glad I saw this early on so I can learn it the right way since so far I've been doing that short sharp compression and it doesn't feel like a controlled movement, its sort of like yanking on the bars, its too easy to do it slightly off and go wonky.

[@aarynj]

Should probably add the bit about dialing down the rear shock rebound and possibly body position relating to keeping a largely straight back perpendicular to the ground, not leaning forward or backwards

[@BikeXCountryMTB]

these are things, fine nuances, that nobody cared to understand and explain before.

[@cartheym]

Nice explanation about the difference between pre-loading the body & rear shock - makes perfect sense. However I'm confused about the notion to "pull up on the bars" isn't that a shortcut to dead sailor town?

[@WildWheelsMTB]

I am working on my jumping skills and this definitely helped. Not that I am a bad jumped but hearing the explanation helps with some of my confusion for bigger ones Thanks!

[@traeshelton]

This was an AWESOME explanation. Cheers!

[@DK-wd8ju]

Love to see you in Bentonville! I just moved from there back to St. George, UT. If you make it out this way would love to see you run a clinic! Thanks for the awesome video

[@dieuexiste]

Bro, just came back from riding. Put your tips into practice and I swear I had never jumped with such confidence before. Just focusing on popping the rear wheel made all the difference for me. Thanks!!!!!

[@Theshredacademy]

@@dieuexiste heck to the yeah man. Super pumped for you.

[@magnusgreger]

Amazing explanation. Finally, a video that makes perfect sense for me. Now, getting ready to recover from a fractured collarbone to try this out on my home trails.

[@topspot4834]

Nice tutorial. Seen so many, but eventually it just clicks and you realize how effortless it is0 ... I don't think a lot of beginners pre-load too early or push down too hard. What I see more than anything is they get too far back so they get bucked. I like how you first showed it off the bike when jumping. I do the same, but I run and go off one foot instead of two bags fr. It shows how subtle that preload is. Really good job explaining. So many of these miss the mark and over explain.

[@weizenobstmusli8232]

Mate, you just gave me the missing part of the equation and you solved jumping for me!

[@Theshredacademy]

Heck yeah man. Send it !!!

[@LEVOLIFE14]

What a great video, best jump tutorial I’ve seen so far!

[@neilburns7381]

great explanation thanks!

[@LoamReaper]

Great explanation--even without an outro!

[@donbosco3263]

Thank you for a great explanation and video. You nalied it man.

[@Coolcmsc]

Thanks. Super good clarity 🎉

[@bill3483]

Really nice explanation and the great height you're getting off the jump.

[@GhettoWrench]

Happy to see you doing well Dusty. Great video. Keep em coming. ❤

[@Theshredacademy]

Thank you! Will do!

[@burrgren]

Wow. This was great. Really need to try this next time I'm out on my bike.

[@GnarlyBearMTB]

Good video! I like that it’s broken down into a few simple steps instead of being crazy complex. Is the “wrong” technique basically scrubbing the jump? I’d love a scrubbing tutorial from you!

[@Theshredacademy]

Yeah man I can do that stay tuned

[@megatryn]

Also something to add here: The wrong way shown here is called spuashing the jump, which is good for racing when you want to minimize airtime and maximize speed. It's good to be able to do both and to use them as needed.

[@nultianeks]

Interesting! I knew there ought to be an explanation. I'm a racer!

[@ZhengHU-h6q]

great, all the keys you need to know

[@PhuNguyen-jy8wq]

awesome! simple, but outstanding, thanks so much.

[@Theshredacademy]

You're welcome!

[@evilc.reations]

feels like this is good advice for the hardtail riders too, except with less shock feedback

[@markmccall9027]

I am guilty of preloading so much that I am effectively counter-pumping up the transition. All the other vids telling us to push hard in to the transition have become a little confusing. Great explanation!

[@martijnraymakers2491]

Very good video, i'm impressed you dont have more subs you gained one extra from me!

[@isaacbrooks5999]

I'd love to see a similar video for hardtailers (I have a Ragley)

[@isaacbrooks5999]

@SomeguysTrailrides Makes sense! Thanks!

[@gininotejado4792]

Wow, Thank you.

[@jimwing.2178]

Update: Now that I understand the two types of preload, I applied that knowledge on a jump trail. Wow! Now I know what it feels like, for the first time!

[@JameRica-t8r]

Thank you for the awesome vid

[@Theshredacademy]

Glad you liked it!

[@insan1ty1337]

Awesome explanation, what about rouge steering input when pulling on the bars? How do I avoid that?

[@Theshredacademy]

Sorry for the late reply. This is going to happen with uneven arm pull. Try to start your row/pull motion with your shoulders then your arms

[@jimwing.2178]

This is the first time that 'preload', in the context of MTB, has ever made sense to me.

[@woody2505]

Hi Dusty, I watched the jump videos on your site and realised I was preloading my shock at the base and also that I wasn’t moving my weight back. I’ve been trying for literally years to get the front wheel of the bike to come up steeper than the angle of the ramp, first time out trying your recommendations I achieved that and jumping felt entirely different! Thank you so much. However, second time out I couldn’t replicate it 😢!! Could you possibly make a video explaining how the transition from preloading your body straight down through the bike to moving your weight to the back of the bike occurs? Eg what does that feel like. Also, how does the technique change on a steeper jump? Are you moving your bum back horizontally or parallel to the face of the jump for example? I think what I did was just to say to myself “stick your bum back” just before the leaning back and exploding stage but now I don’t seem to be able to do that as well, possibly just due to a lack of confidence I’m doing it right.

[@thebrewgeek]

Same for me. II have big probs trying to figure out what to do with my hands/arms. I've heard that the lean back part is a bit like the start of a manual (keep arms straight) but I can't seem to get the timing right. Plus I tend to not transition my weight back to center properly which means sometimes I'll land front wheel light and RIP me if it's loose or slippery.

[@stuff_from_mitch3418]

I have the same problem. I assume, that this is a lack of commitment because i am scared on how high i jumped with the correct timing, felt like jumping to the moon, but i only got it right one time. The next time i almost went otb 😅

[@SoIcyCarter]

Saw you at Kanuga I was on the trek slash I wish I found this video a bit earlier 😂 finally got it dialed though

[@DarkAkiles16]

Great video bro!!!

[@Theshredacademy]

Appreciate it!

[@dag681]

Once you get better at timing suspension preload, try learning “seat bump”…something off road motorcyclists use. Virtually no way to teach this. But it is amazing and super fun.

[@christianpfeuffer1720]

Thanks!

[@Theshredacademy]

No problem!

[@jokermtb]

it'd be cool if Dusty met Sam Pilgrim's 'Dusty'? Beginners - don't pull up on the bar, you'll get crooked instantly. Get used to sinking into the ramp first. Preloading can be very subtle too - I've found that even a subtle bit of foot pressure thru the feet is sometimes all the preloading one needs for casual jumping. good tips!

[@HD-on2eg]

The front shock in the video IS fully compressing. It looks like the rebound of the fork actually helps to push against your arms and get your weight back.

[@andrewrivera4029]

The steeper the lip the lower I like my body to be, and yes my weight shaded back is what causes me to pull on my bars and then I find i have control as I launch if the heals are dropped so I can control any funky lip kick.

[@justsayin3600]

1st time I've heard this distinction. I clear jumps with speed, but I don't have any style, steeze, or height.

[@jungjoonchoi3744]

May I ask a question about jumping technique? I heard some say rider should never apply pressure on the handlebars when hitting the lip. Is this right?

[@Theshredacademy]

@@jungjoonchoi3744 yup. All your weight should be preloaded through the bottom bracket

[@speeddhiman7686]

Thanks bro, I've subbed!

[@JamieR]

Great explaination! I'm curious how this would translate to a hardtail.

[@BoAndHisBike]

Good video. Is it fair to say one should watch for that shape when leaving the lip? I can't seem to be able to make my legs straight when leaving the lip. Any advice?

[@Theshredacademy]

@@BoAndHisBike hey man. Short answer try working on the tension between your legs and arms. My bunny hop videos do talk about this tension. I’m thinking about making a another video just about this. Wild that help?

[@BoAndHisBike]

@@Theshredacademy yeah man that'd be great. I think I am going forward into my knees as per part 2 of your bunny hopping video. If you can think of a drill or advice to overcome that that'd be awesome. Cheers.

[@Theshredacademy]

@@BoAndHisBike I got you

[@BoAndHisBike]

Awesome 👍

[@Ernesto-ub4ht]

I saw u at markham park fl

[@itfc3]

nice video can you do one on drops

[@Theshredacademy]

@@itfc3 ooooh sir it’s already made and ready for publishing next week stay tuned

[@rudik5496]

Great video!!!

[@ericsproul9420]

Does all this still apply dor a hardtail?

[@Theshredacademy]

Sorry. Yes it does

[@BikeXCountryMTB]

I would also say your video concludes my theoretical understanding of jumping. After watching countless videos, practicing and meditation. However: studying videos I have noticed the front wheel “bumps” off the lid. After reading the The Physics of MTB Skills, I thought that this also creates the opposing force which pushes up the front tire. Also, this assures us that we won’t go over the bars. I have also been coached to have my arms “long” in the moment of leaving the lips - without being told why. So, aren’t good jumpers keeping the front compress till it leaves the front, than it’s time for the shock compression to the same thing? So, opposing the handlebar, then - of course, very quickly, straitening the legs? Is this understanding correct? This is the approach I began using when jumping and my jumps began to come around. 🙏

[@unphasemc]

Thanks for this video, very easy to understand, and it seems like you're significantly more experienced than others making videos on this same subject, which I heavily respect. With that said, I have two questions: Nearly all of the jump "tutorials" I've watched say you want you center of gravity to be over your bottom bracket, but when watching your footage, it looks like you're over your rear axle. Is this not a vital component of jumping as long as your weight is over the rear third of the bike? Secondly, just for my understanding, there really isn't ANY fork preload happening, right? It's all in the body and the rear of the bike (regardless of hardtail or full suspension). Is that correct? Once again, thanks for the video. Will be looking forward to a response!

[@Theshredacademy]

Your weight has to go over the rear third of the bike to actually un weight the front wheel as it leaves the lip of the jump if you’re sending your weight over the bottom bracket you’re actually waiting in the front of the bike. Finally know you do not want to be preloading the fork as you enter the transition of the jump the energy transfer from going down the trail to up the lip of the jump is gonna transfer energy into your fork and compress it on its own.

[@HD-on2eg]

Are you pulling back on the bars with your arms, or is the motion of leaning back with straight arms thats pulling the bars back, driving the front wheel up?

[@Theshredacademy]

It’s just a tension, you can pull back but you need to realize there is a point where leaning back really far and pulling will cause you to loop out

[@jameslock5909]

Great videos, im so glad i found this channel 😁 Ive got a question which i hope is ok? Im ok on the mellow jumps , but still unsure when it comes to shorter , steeper faced jumps so was wondering if the technique is the same for steeper lips? Many thanks 👍

[@Theshredacademy]

@@jameslock5909 the technique is the same, the timing of everything just happens faster. And you don’t have to counter weight as hard but it’s imperative to accept the fast transition with weight placement I hope this helps and thanks for tuning in.

[@TC_Prof]

Love it thank u bro 😊

[@itsmenohandle]

Where are you based out of? And do you offer in person training classes?

[@roxythorphotography]

Great video

[@DOUBLE0SEVUN]

What do you mean by pulling yourself back to the center?

[@Theshredacademy]

Centered over the bike

[@MsTatakai]

Preloading isnt only needed to Hops/Bunny hops and stuff like that ? like jumping a flat surface to another flat surface (no ramps) ?

[@Theshredacademy]

Your body preload is the same for bunny hops and jumps. Adding more suspension preload can add more “pop” to your jump or bunny hop. The foundations of jumping are in the J-hop. Don’t forget there are 2 types of bunny hops and one of them sets you for epic jumps the other not so much

[@kowioutdoortv]

Isn't it like this preloading only rear shock will cause otb ? Crucial is, I think, combine shock preload with sending our body to the back a bit Good to highlight it I believe, if I am not wrong with combination of both preload and back

[@ciaran041]

Your “bad technique” was some nice pre-jumping

[@Theshredacademy]

Lol

[@letsgoletsgoletsgoletsgoletsgo]

so the wrong way you preload waaaayyy early . and the right way you preload much later almost at the lip and only into the rear wheel

[@n.i.c.k.s.o.n.5]

Hah, amazing. This is the simplest explanation of a jump technique I have ever watched.

[@powskier]

I have a hardtail dirt jumper. Of course I'm not preloading my suspension. I don't have any.

[@Theshredacademy]

So you’re telling me you don’t have knees or elbows that’s built in suspension Bubs

[@1982streety]

the latter is for keeping speed rather then hight🤪

[@wallyedmonds8199]

Preload and standup to the jump 🤷🏻‍♂️ I’m 57 in Aug I’m old lol 😁

[@godspeed821]

I think this is like 100th video I've watched about jumping and it still hasn't helped me at all :/ I don't know If I'm just that bad or something is still missing that people don't discuss in these videos. 3 years on the bike and still the same novice as on the first day :(

[@rrstryker]

Stopped watching at 4:50. What about us hard tail riders without rear suspension.

[@Theshredacademy]

@@rrstryker sorry man, noted. It’s the same concept but lucky for your hard tails you don’t loose any momentum through the lip. So it’s gonna be bit less work for you

[@rrstryker]

⁠@@Theshredacademythanks for clearing that up.

[@mrcookiemonster7805]

And now another video for us hardcore hardtail riders? We never preload our rear suspension.

[@Theshredacademy]

@@mrcookiemonster7805 you don’t but the key motions are the same. Focusing on the jhop is still the best option. And your hard tail has the advantage of transferring its energy through the lip 100% better. Also to this point if you look at even the dual suspension dirt jumpers, the idea is to pump the shock up to very solid and just absorb big landings. If I had a hard tail I’d make you guys a video. But my dj would do actual 29 inch hardtails any justice

[@ianfleischhacker6154]

Nice explanation. Tidy up the spelling (e.g. to long, prload, your self, trys).

[@Theshredacademy]

Yeah man my mom asked me what my college education was for. I’ll try harder!

[@JS-dr7sm]

Hi, thanks for video. Just my 5 cents. In my experience one should be careful and explain all pre-prep and nuances when talking about rear shock preload, because it’s more for advanced riders. For beginners/intermediate riders it’s enough with general/symmetrical suspension + body preload and standup straight on the lip technique. Shock rebound and air presure can’t be ignored and needs to be adjusted for the riders weight and balanced with front fork as well, as a starting point - proper sag and NO or very little rebound in front. (for jumping). Poorly adjusted rear shock with too little rebound can and will kick rear wheel and riders body weight up and can send rider in dangerous and unintended front-flip. Have seen even some more lucky ones who manages to land steep on front wheel, but survival instincts kick in and they push on brakes and goes over the bars.

[@Theshredacademy]

@@JS-dr7sm please don’t teach people stand up to the lip it’s unsafe leads to more crashes than clears. But thanks for the input cheers

[@buddlersen]

Stop saying "right", right?😅

[@Theshredacademy]

@@buddlersen omg I know. It’s a habit I do when I’m nervous. Working on it. 🤣

[@TheNoseman1]

Teaching people how to ride with an ebike. Like a blind art critic.

[@Theshredacademy]

How does me riding an ebike have anything to do with jumping. Correct form is correct form. But thanks for sharing your insecurities with us. Just try one you’ll love it. Lol. Keep shredding

[@loamchasers]

Doesn’t matter how good you are if you have en e-bike I automatically assume you suck lol

[@Theshredacademy]

Lol thanks for letting us know

[@wldtrak]

And yet, this video has over 9,000 views and your video has…………….