Useful moves, ranked by how forgiving they are
On a mountain bike, the most useful tricks are the ones that get you over trail obstacles smoothly. They are not about spectacle. The list below is ordered roughly from the gentlest to the more demanding, so you can work down it as your confidence and balance improve.
A word of caution before you start. Every item here carries some risk of falling, and the later ones carry more. Wear a helmet that fits, gloves and, if you wish, knee protection, and practise on flat, open, quiet ground away from traffic, not on a trail with consequences. Move to the next step only when the current one feels calm and repeatable. No list can promise you will land anything or avoid a fall, and bigger moves like flips or spins are for trained riders at skills parks with qualified instruction, not for learning from an article.
1. Rolling over small obstacles with a light front end
What it is: staying relaxed and loose so the bike rolls over roots and small rocks without bouncing you off line. Risk: low, but front-wheel slides can still happen on wet roots. Progression: start with a piece of wood or a low curb on smooth ground, roll over it slowly in an upright ready stance, and gradually try slightly bigger or angled objects. Cross roots at a right angle where you can, since shallow angles are more likely to slip.
2. The front-wheel lift
What it is: a small, controlled lightening of the front wheel to pass a root, a rut or a step. It is not a full wheelie. Risk: low to moderate; leaning back too far or pulling too hard can tip the bike backwards. Progression: practise on flat ground by rolling slowly, shifting your weight back slightly and giving a gentle push through the arms and hips, so the front tyre rises only a little. Add a small object once the motion is smooth. Keep a finger over the rear brake so you can bring the front down quickly.
3. The small log rollover
What it is: riding straight over a low log or similar obstacle by unweighting the front wheel and rolling the rear wheel up and over. Risk: moderate; logs can be slick, rotten or unstable, and a missed rear wheel can stall you. Progression: begin with a low, firm, dry log you can see all of. Stand in your ready position, approach at a steady pace, lift the front as it meets the log, then let your weight drift forward as the rear wheel arrives. Look past the log, not at it. If the log is wet, loose or high, walk it. The same careful steps apply to a first small jump, which should be learned separately and slowly.
4. The bunny hop basics
What it is: lifting both wheels off the ground to clear a gap or object. It is a core skill, but it takes time. Risk: moderate; the rear wheel can clip the object, and pedals can slip. Progression: practise bunny hop basics on a flat open space, with no obstacle at first. Learn the front lift, then add the rear lift, and only then try clearing a line or a thin piece of wood. Flat pedals with good grip are commonly recommended for learning, and shoes should feel secure.
5. The nose-up drop
What it is: rolling off a small step with the front wheel slightly lifted, so the rear wheel lands close behind the front, rather than letting the bike nose-dive. Risk: moderate; a mistimed landing can throw you over the bars. Progression: begin with a step so low it is almost a curb, in a place where you can see the landing. Roll off slowly with weight centred and arms relaxed. When that feels dull, move to a slightly higher step. Never attempt a drop you cannot see the landing of, and walk it if unsure. Drop landing forces grow quickly with height, so go up in tiny increments.
6. Manual-style balance on a slope
What it is: a brief, shallow lift of the front wheel while coasting down a gentle slope, held in balance. Risk: moderate; falling backwards is possible. Progression: use a very gentle, smooth slope with a flat run-out. Practise the front lift repeatedly with fingers covering the rear brake before you try to hold it. This is a long-term skill, and a skills lesson can speed it up safely.
Habits that apply to all of them
- Check your bike first: tyres, brakes and bolts.
- Warm up and stop when tired.
- Keep your head up and your eyes on where you want to go.
- Practise with a friend who can watch and call for help if needed.
- Step off and walk anything that feels beyond you.
Choosing what to learn first
If you only learn two things, make them the loose, relaxed rolling stance and the small front lift. They help on almost every trail, and they underpin the rest of the list. The rest can wait until you are comfortable, and there is no deadline.