WHY YOU NEED TO STOP BUNNY HOPPING | How to Punch

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The punch is one of the most useful moves you can use on your mountain bike. Bunnyhops are great but aren't always the best way to get up and over obstacles. In this video Max and I will break down why the punch is so effective and tips on how to do the Punch.

[@gunshipanropace2gunshipand119]

I can't even do a bunnyhop yet and now this video gets suggested to me, how brutal this sport is 🥺

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

magic!

[@johnstoddart9026]

There's always someone better than you with this sport. So long as your having fun who cares

[@Shred_Tube]

in my opinion, this move is easier to learn than a bunnyhop. I learned it on a street curb

[@RealMTBAddict]

Learning is not brutal

[@bchearne]

This move is probably easier and more intuitive than bunny hopping. I can do the punch alright, but never mastered the bunny hop

[@Shred_Tube]

Im a firm believer in this move. I bought my first MTB in march of this year and this maneuver has really helped me improve my riding. Even on group rides with people who have been riding far longer than me, i find my self going for more technical "step-up" type obstacles than others because i've gotten the "punch" down.

[@JimBenzJimBenz]

I've found the punch super useful on the trail. Bunny hops too, but for different things. Yay to the West coast clinics!

[@mtn0freek]

this is a beautiful demonstration from you guys. I have struggled with bunny hopping for years but the punch feels much more "natural". thanks for sharing!

[@winnguyen443]

So right bro, more natural and more useful!

[@johnnydoe66]

I never knew what this move was called. I have been doing this for nearly 30 yrs because it has saved me from bashing my rear wheel like a botched bunny-hop can. The Punch works great on climbs with multiple step ups, where you don't have speed. I use this on one of our local trails that has a very loose/rocky climb with two steps that are about 18" tall and the initial approach is 4" of powder.

[@ZephaniahDavis]

Same! But, I did learn from this video to preload instead of manual as the set-up (I set up with a manual, then rock my body in), so I'm looking forward to practicing and using that.

[@PaulKentSkates]

Yeah this wasn't called a punch back in the day. I think we just called it an up, or and up to front. hate the punch name though! It's kooky.

[@fixedgear37]

@@PaulKentSkates I feel like punch is a recently "made up" name. been doing this since the 80s and never heard the name

[@dundundata7603]

This is good to hear since my bunnyhop sucks anyway, will be practicing.

[@patriciacarvalho9728]

I can relate

[@gnartoriousmtb7084]

Great video!

[@cyclingskills]

nicely done. Never knew this move had a name. The punch. Coolio.

[@ooklamoc4411]

A rider did this in front of me and I was like “wtf did you just do!?” I used to hate big logs but now I look for them to practice. Great move.

[@elijahlaferney6414]

I was riding today and saw a rock that I thought would be so cool to try to jump on, and now with this video, my efforts will be of better use!

[@luckythirteen77]

Love that you are keeping trials skills relevant to the current set of mountain-bikers without it having to be purist TGS technique.

[@PhilosoFox]

Awesome coaching! With me struggling to hop the back of my 30 pounds XL-sized eMTB, I got fresh hope now to get more challenging hurdles done with that old (or rather wise) man‘s bunny hop ☺️. TY

[@clockout5265]

Great video as always. We call this an "old man's bunny hop" down here in the Carolinas. Great results with less effort.

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

lol, that must be why I love it so much

[@marcsee4072]

Great, never started bunny hopping so Punchy is the way

[@lx93bill]

Awesome video Jeff! Great job breaking it down

[@mpirretti]

Nice video as always. Max will be a good addition!

[@evancaivano7004]

Thanks for the video Jeff and Max. Great stuff.

[@Allsystemsaredown]

Great video. It's really helpful. You guys make it look super smooth!

[@dadventuretv2538]

Thanks guys. Super helpful. It’s a technique I’ve been doing for years after kinda figuring it out myself, but getting some coaching on it from you guys and seeing what is actually happening really helps. Gonna go practice it with your tips. 🤙

[@kmunson007]

Great video - thanks.

[@johnnyscriven8986]

Nice work guys. Love incorporating trials techniques into mountain biking 👌

[@UPMTB]

Great explanation. Especially the manual vs popping to have the bend in your elbows. That explanation really clicked with me. Thanks for the tips !

[@Simplifier123]

Your riding is like magic, so flawless it’s mesmerizing! I will need to practice this a lot till I get it 😅

[@acornhehe]

This is a fantastic video. Looking forward to practicing these moves. Thank you!

[@jannismcb2803]

Superb lesson👌

[@japanunfound]

Great vid. I'm back to MTBing at 40 something. These new bikes are so heavy compared to 1990s! This is a really nice tip.

[@ianfleischhacker6154]

Great camera angles on the demonstrations!

[@mtbboy1993]

I finally know what this is called, I've been doing it for ages.

[@tjchad1]

I really enjoy your videos of just riding around hoping on stuff, up stuff, balancing, etc. That's pretty much what I do EVERY single time I ride anyway. There is ALWAYS something that you think "Hmmm, can I get up that thing?"

[@williambreeze2659]

Thanks for the tips guys.

[@tourwithmark]

Great tutorial. I'm motivated to try this technique now.

[@byronabueno]

Awesome video! You made it easy for me. Thank you!

[@tomheater6149]

Thanks you guys! I will be practicing this.

[@MakeXRC]

Ah, so what I do all the time has a name! Nice. Although I bunny hop at home, this is what I usually default to on the trail.

[@TimoHaapasaari]

I have to get out on my bike now - thanks!

[@charliehicks2554]

Excellent how to video.

[@grishman5000]

The new bike looks awesome, Jeff!!

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Thanks!

[@mrball752]

Love a good rocky trail punch. Didn't know it was called that 🤔

[@shreddinwithhornet9974]

This is awesome, thanks for sharing!

[@IMikePlays]

After watching this I've learned how to "punch" over a 10-storey high building

[@Psikeadelic]

Both techniques are useful depending on the terrain presented to you, but the punch is definitely an easier move for the majority of situations.

[@javierRC82857]

in slow speed situation this is the right move

[@Marionetax]

Good video mates! As always, it looks easier when you do it than real life but, it’s justa a matter of practice 💪🏻👏🏻🤘🏻

[@brucemilmont6455]

It gives me hope to see fellow tall people doing stuff like this. l really like tutorials on maneuvers that help to improve the trail riding experience. Thanks for your efforts!

[@0xsergy]

wouldn't the limb length help? you're able to move the bike so much further by comparison to a short fk like me. and weight ofcourse, the bikes all weigh 25lbs or so for a full suspension, +1lbs for large frame but you weigh a good % more than I do.

[@avlehtine]

@@0xsergy Yeah, I'm 193 cm, 93 kg and with a 210mm dropper post there's so much room for activities and a 15 kg bike is nothing.

[@drkrd]

Wow!! Thank you so much! This helped me a lot!

[@jamesherd9132]

I have never heard of a punch but you are both clearly brilliant at it so thanks guys

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Thanks!

[@tacticianomen3077]

Great video - loved the presentation and I'm actually feeling enthusiastic about trying to learn this. That's unusual for a lazy git like me.

[@dennisdose5697]

Hmmm, getting back into the sport after a couple of decades plus. I suspect this is basically what I used to do all the time. Just have to relearn it. Was pretty comfortable with 20 inch steps then with a rigid fork. Better suspension now but a stffer body🤠. Decent tutorial. Thanks.

[@keken_25_pr48]

Thanks! Got this one on the bag let improve it!

[@PepperandCaseysRV]

We add sprocket bash guards and go over trees up here in PNW. Rocks as well. Good times. Fun skill to have when you realize you can just romp right over a downed tree or boulder. Lift tire on top. Unweight body and push forward on bars. Bike follows.

[@mk3driftmotion]

I will never stop! :) This is a great skill to learn, nice video!

[@abstraddic0442]

Good stuff !!! Thank you.

[@winnguyen443]

This one definitely gonna get some views Jeff. If the weather ever improves up here in Ontario I’ll be on this like a fly on shit!

[@gregstevens2917]

100% Great video...funny you went back to that rock. I remember that video!

[@rogertom4962]

Excellent instructions. With my heavy eMTB I use “the punch technique” on smaller obstacles.

[@chadtellevik5479]

Excellent share

[@simonsanchez5382]

i drive since over 10 years bmx, and i go back now to the MTB (too old for 20inch). My bunnyhop is over a meter, but i never tried the punch, with higher obsticales because of the short and small wheels. Hopefully next week i get my new bike, than i will try it. Thanks for the explanations, i am a big fan especially of your older MTB vids. Because of Jeff i wanted to max. my bunnyhop, i remember the unbelievable jump in chain reaction 3...

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

THank you so much! I still like to bunnyhop but this is a little more consistent on rough trails.

[@userbosco]

Great video! You guys have legit skills! But I never knew what I've been doing had a name! Punch! Ride a hard tail so this is a no-brainer move on pretty much any trail. Cheers!

[@hellojrod]

finally... my method is a real option.

[@charliemerrill8687]

The punch looks great.. thank you for the "how to" .. practice, practice. I just have to do this with a body lunge rather than scooping my feet.. this Im going to work on. I just dont want to slam my back tire to many times. Practice. thanks team

[@herrdrizzt9547]

I am a commuter, not trail rider and i learned this thing before the bunny hop and i do find it more useful just because this way you can basically move along with pedestrians over any obstacle. Definitely a skill to be used and not overlooked when navigation is concidered

[@jokermtb]

cool demo - got me thinking about how when I do it (nowhere near as big as 30"!), as I've found that getting the rear wheel up is really aided by using just a touch of ankle motion to press my toes into the pedals, to initiate that upward rebound action (for you guitar players, think of operating a wha wha pedal)....very subtle but the effect is large overall. Fun technique that I use quite a bit as 'side-hits' on any trail are way more fun than the actual trail most times!

[@twowheelsondirt]

Smooth, efficient, and fun... the Punch is the way to go!

[@Stoked_MTB_Family]

@jeff lenosky I think this is what you taught me in Dallas. I was sore the next day because it's a move I wasn't doing at all before. I still work on it some, but this video will be helpful for me to continue to practice. thanks for posting it! and come to Texas with some clinics!

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Thanks for watching it!

[@kenshomi2]

Great video

[@whistlepig]

Not only have I been doing the punch wrong, I've been calling it by the wrong name. Can't wait to get on the trail and start working on it!

[@topchoice1621]

I have the same canyon bike as this guy and I love it

[@smuy3782]

I've sent so many people your original vid on this.. changed my riding like you wouldn't believe... actually, you know exactly how effective it is, that's why you make videos on it.. nevermind.. keep doing your thing legend!

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Thank you for your support!

[@brian_on_a_bike]

Love this! Another great video with the breakdown… now to translate it from visualization to execution! 😂

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Thanks!

[@blameitonben]

Come to Eugene, Oregon!!

[@MAPAHaus5]

Thanks. Great tip...subscribed

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Thank you!

[@Emz_Jhaye]

Nice! I will try this next time and practice it next time, but only on curb height first. Hehehe. 😎

[@Sarando1]

At my age, I think that I’ll just get off of my bike and walk around those. Thanks. I’ll leave that stuff to you young guys.

[@Randy_Johnson]

I’m 65 and just started punching. I can get up on 24” obstacles using this technique. My home trails are full of features that require the punch or you’re walking.

[@m4tzeeh]

Man I love the geometry of the Canyon Torque, I wish I could buy one

[@phillipstocksdale6317]

good stuff

[@jeremytee2919]

I always just thought of these as weenie hops. Saves a Butt load of energy. How could any rider above novice not know how to do this, If you didn’t know this tech you’d pop your tire on little square edges all the time.

[@dannymac2801]

Both methods are useful in different and similar situations. With proper technique a bunny hop can be used in both high and low speed situations as well. Combining the bunny hop and punch will make you unstoppable and will get you over massive obstacles. I feel like one is not better than the other, its two different methods that combine elements of both.

[@brunojeronimoabreu]

thanks

[@yengsabio5315]

It's like bump jump, but much higher. As for me, practice, practice, practice! Lots'a love, cheers, & Mabuhay, from tropical Philippines! #RideOn #KeepBiking

[@techjeeper8800]

This technique has made my riding so much better. I saw it in one of your videos 2-3 years ago and have implemented it so many times now. I still can’t bunny hop but I can definitely punch climb. Probably 24-30” is the tallest thing I’ve climbed but to me that’s huge!

[@grimsbybrazilianjiu-jitsu7423]

Jeff! so cool to find your channel, im 42 and just getting back into riding trials on a 24inch street bike. For motivation I was watching Evolve and Contact, do you ever ride street anymore? IMO you were the best street trials rider of your generation.

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Thanks for finding me!! I have a custom 27.5 trials bike that I play around on!

[@grimsbybrazilianjiu-jitsu7423]

@@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss Amazing and inspiring to see you still love riding, thank you for the reply. Going to ride now!

[@jeffstreck]

I'd LOVE to see you guys do a combination of hop and punch. On grass because I imagine it'll hurt the first few times. I think something like this: 1. Manual lift position 2. Bend elbows to bring front tire higher. 3. Punch Motion 4. Level out somehow So like a punch that is maybe higher that starts as a manual lift maneuver - all to max out front end height. I cannot do this myself - the mechanics of it intrigues me and you dudes have the skills to do it if anyone does.

[@nick_john]

This reminds me of how Seth (you know, Seth) punches from the floor up onto his workbench. I think he calls it “huck to flat”

[@markweaver1012]

Cool -- I've always done some version of this on my hard-tails without knowing it had a name (though I don't think I've done any obstacles as high as the ones in the video).

[@Garrison64]

All I can do is punch. Never learned to bunny hop the way everyone does it now. Used to ride with clips and got by with the English hop. Now I’m on flats and at 58 I ride a long wheel base full suspension and trying to learn the bunny hop I’ve injured my elbow and it caused pain in my back so I gave it up. Thankfully I can punch over things just fine so that’ll have to do.

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

awesome! that's a useful skill

[@overseer_grimal]

I thought I managed doing bunny hops on my hardtail bike by focusing on the hands and pushing them forward but now I realize that this is just another technique. However, it works well and the second movement actually rather useful to pass drops

[@allenkvextreme]

I ride better because of your videos Jeff, the first time I started implementing your advice is when I first tuned in to you with the "A Beginners Guide to Riding Roots" video.

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

That’s awesome to hear!

[@brianwright9514]

Ha... Checkmate bunny hop! I've been punching for years since I can't bunny hop (maybe because XC bike with tall seatpost).

[@jeffkent7459]

@jeff looks like you guys have smaller ish bikes so you can really throw them around. Do you size down? Also, what kicks are those? Sick vid. Thanks to you both.

[@givreycham]

Incredible tyre displacement. What rear pressures do you run?

[@thomasthrower2669]

I've been using this move since your first video five years ago but struggle to clear my chainring on anything more than a couple of feet high. Finally got around to videoing myself and comparing against your videos. What I'm realizing is that I'm waiting too long before initiating the move. So when my front tire bounces up the object, I'm still crouched with arms bent. You guys are already extended well upward at that same point, allowing plenty of time for your rear wheel to come up before slamming the object. I think that I just need to initiate the move well ahead of the object instead of waiting until I'm right at it.

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Great call. Video analysis is so helpful

[@MrRandomhero07]

Hey, man! Sent you an email for some feedback on my punch progress. Video might be low quality, because it was an email. Very much appreciated for any advice you can give! Thanks for making me love biking more, by showing me how to do trials type stuff.

[@kamafryer]

"springlock your feet" - William Afton

[@cmd_f5]

Pretty neat how the algorithm recommends mountain biking techniques to a blind viewer who can't actually go mountain biking. Or well...I could, but I'd probably also end up in the hospital with half my face missing or something. Cool stuff. I learned something for my next life

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Thank you for watching!

[@JRHockney]

Yeah this move makes a huge difference and you can practice it in street riding too if you find a good ledge...if your a bit older, make sure your practicing it correctly and not over practicing it or it can lead to a bad case of tennis elbow like mine and it hurts too much with these kinds of moves :( Word of advice, if you ever start experiencing tennis elbow symptoms, get ahead of it fast (massage and heat are best) and don't let it become a bad case or it will limit your activities and be a horrible aggravation for months or even years...

[@japanunfound]

I play tennis, but have golfer's elbow. Not easy to deal with. Can't quit MTBing though.

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

good tip!

[@mikeambrosio520]

Ahhh the rock at mahlon.. I learned on that rock, and the one by the parking lot.

[@aldrinclementina4297]

These guys make it looks easy. I can't do a punch not even on my front doorstep. lol.

[@blakebeyett6471]

I feel like my main fear of going higher than a couple curbs stacked on top of each other is damaging the down tube or chainring. Not really the falling part.

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

fair

[@richardradcliffe6047]

Great stuff, as usual. When you make the initial compression, is it coming strictly through your legs or are you getting a little extra compression in the fork through your arms?

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

the initial compression should feel similar to a push up with a little bend in your knees.

[@themeatpopsicle]

Reason 4: you can't steer if your wheels aren't on the ground Reason 5: you can punch up things that are way taller than what you can bunny hop.

[@RideWithOz]

Where is the link to the full video of the short clip, where you punch on to that boulder on the side of a massive cliff ? The short clip is in this video but I can't find the original and I know I've seen it before. That video was terrifying and amazing at the same time.

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

I had to take it down because some hikers complained