How To Whip A Mountain Bike

Whipping a Mountain Bike is one of the most stylish ways you can ride the trials, and whilst a ‘starter whip’ can be quite a simple trick, perfecting this move takes a lot of work. As well as looking really cool, a correctly executed whip on a MTB also adds stability in the air, making each jump look and feel better, especially large jumps where remaining stiff and upright can make the rider feel very much like a passenger on the bike.

In this post, we look at what a mountain bike whip is, in further detail - as well as looking at some of the ways you can get whipping, as well as improve whipping technique.

Find The Jump

One of the best ways to start whipping on a mountain bike, is to get used to moving the bike in the air. Find a suitable jump, which provides enough airtime to do so - and start by moving your handlebars once in the air. Once you are comfortable with this - try and move your bike to one side. Once you can do these two movements separately, you can start to bring these movements together - turning your bars, tilting your bike over and in doing so, bringing your rear wheel around you on the opposite side to where your wheel and handlebars are pointing.

Carve Off The Jump

Although the basic ingredients of a whip have been discussed above, if you are to whip correctly - you will need to start the whipping motion before you dive off into the air. You need to whip when leaving the jump, prior to being airborne. This starts the whip and allows your back wheel to swing around. This carve comes from your hips - keep your eyes and shoulders pointed ahead, down the trail.

Once in the air, continue the carving movement with your hip - once your whip has reached its maximum point - swing your hips back to their original position, ready for your landing.

Down To Earth

Straightening the whip is pretty simple - but again, it’s something that takes some practice. The natural position of the bike is the end point of the whip, as long as your head and shoulders are pointing down the trail. The best way to practice finishing a MTB whip is to simply practice.

Protect Yourself

It goes without saying that you should be wearing a MTB helmet out on the trails. It’s also a good idea during practice sessions especially to invest in some MTB body armour. All of which are available to buy online from Westbrook Cycles.