How to log hop on an enduro bike
Log hopping—lifting both wheels over a rounded trunk or similar obstacle—is a fundamental enduro skill that keeps momentum, protects your bike, and helps you choose smoother lines on technical trails. You use log hops when a log, root runout, or low barrier blocks the line and a roll-over is slow, unstable, or impossible; it’s also valuable to avoid washing out on wet wood and to maintain speed into the next feature. A confident hop reduces time spent balancing and repositioning and lowers the risk of getting stuck or puncturing a tire. Mastery comes from coordinated body position, a crisp preload and pop, and a controlled landing—practiced progressively on small features before moving to larger obstacles.
Step by Step
1. Adopt a ready stance
Stand slightly off the saddle with knees and elbows soft, hips centered over the pedals and pedals level. Keep your head up and eyes focused on the takeoff point a bike-length ahead.
2. Load the bike
Shift weight slightly rearward and bend knees and arms to compress suspension and tires, storing energy for the pop. Maintain a relaxed grip and balanced posture over the wheelbase.
3. Pop the front wheel
Extend your arms and use a coordinated hip drive to lift the handlebars and bring the front wheel up, timing the motion as you unweight the front. Aim for a smooth, quick lift rather than a violent yank.
4. Hop the rear wheel
Continue the upward drive by extending your legs and scooping the rear with a rearward weight shift to lift the back wheel over the obstacle. Level your feet midair to prepare for a controlled landing.
5. Land and roll away
Absorb impact with bent knees and elbows, landing rear wheel first if possible and then allowing the front to settle while maintaining momentum. Immediately return to a neutral stance and continue pedaling or set up the next line.
Common Mistakes & Fixes
- Throwing arms to yank the front wheel. — Use coordinated hip extension and a light arm lift for a controlled pop.
- Stiff body and locked joints. — Relax elbows and knees so they can compress and then extend to generate and absorb energy.
- Relying on foot force only to lift the rear. — Extend legs and shift hips rearward to scoop the rear wheel up.
- Looking down at the obstacle. — Keep eyes on the takeoff and landing line a bike-length ahead to maintain balance and timing.
Pro Tip
Practice the preload-to-pop timing on progressively larger logs, focusing on smooth coordination rather than maximum height.