A Gift for the Rider Who Keeps Saying They'll Learn to Jump

Your partner rides, and for years they've promised that this is the year they learn to jump. You have a budget of around 300 and a garage that already holds gear they stopped using. The hard part is practice, because jumping is learned in short sessions repeated often and the nearest bike park is a drive away. The right gift has to work at home after work and feel safe from the first session.

Rider jumping from an MTB Hopper ramp onto a landing in a park

HOW TO CHOOSE A GIFT THAT GETS USED

  • It works at home on a weeknight. A gift that needs a drive to a bike park waits for a free weekend. One that sets up in the driveway or the backyard gets ridden after work.
  • It starts low and slow. A first session that feels safe leads to a second one. Look for adjustable height, so the first jumps stay small.
  • It fits the bike they already ride. Check that it's made for full-size mountain bikes, hardtails included, and that the weight limit covers an adult rider plus the bike.
  • It folds away small between sessions. Gear that fills half the garage gets pushed to the back of it. Something that folds flat or carries like a backpack stays within reach.

OTHER GIFTS THAT GET A RIDER JUMPING

  • A learn-to-jump coaching session. A coach at a local bike park teaches the technique and corrects mistakes on the spot.
  • A lesson paired with practice at home. The lesson shows how, and a ramp at home gives the repetitions every evening after work.

WHAT MTB HOPPER RECOMMENDS

LITE

LITE (€263, regularly €299 / US$263, regularly US$299) is made for Beginners and Amateurs on full-size mountain bikes, BMX and kids' MTB bikes, and it's hardtail friendly. It adjusts from 365 to 475 mm (14.4 to 18.7 in), from drops to airy jumps. A beginner sets it to the lowest height, rides in at a fairly slow speed and raises it by one level once that feels confident. It weighs 5.7 kg (12.6 lbs), turns into a backpack in 15 seconds and carries up to 130 kg (286 lbs) of rider and bike. Its adjustable legs with rubber feet stand on any surface.

Rider carrying an MTB Hopper LITE ramp as a backpack

"Learning to jump at 50+! Great ramp, super easy to set up and carry to your favourite jump site! Looks like it should last me way into my 60s!" Al, on LITE

MINI PAD

The MINI PAD landing (€479 / US$529) is the piece to add later, with shock absorbers for soft landings. Where there's a natural slope, put the ramp in front of it and jump onto the slope. With no slope, MINI PAD does that job. It lets a beginner practice gaps step by step without landing on flat ground. Its height adjusts from 450 to 575 mm (17.7 to 22.6 in) and its angle adjusts too. It works with INTRO, LITE, STREET and COACH.

MTB Hopper ramp and landing set up on a park path

COACH

For a budget closer to 500, COACH (€499 / US$545) covers every level from Beginners to Professionals. Its five positions include LONG JUMP, AIRY JUMP, DROP and LAND, so one ramp is also a drop bridge and a landing. It weighs 15.2 kg (33.5 lbs), rolls on its own wheels and carries up to 130 kg (286 lbs) of rider and bike.

"Great for both 11 year old son and 48 year old dad to progress jump skills!" Dominic Willsher, on COACH

BALANCE + CORE

The BALANCE + CORE set (€245.51, regularly €278.99 / US$271.91, regularly US$308.99) is the indoor option for the off season. The BALANCE Manual Machine trains manuals and rear-wheel balance at home and suits gravel, XC, trail, enduro, DH and fat bikes with tires from 1.5 to 4.0 in. It folds completely flat, and its rubber feet protect the floor. The CORE Balance Board trains core, legs and grip with MTB-specific hand positions and two difficulty levels.

Rider holding a manual on the MTB Hopper BALANCE Manual Machine

"We've had ours for nearly two years now. It gets used most days and still looks brand new." A rider from Leeds, on BALANCE

Every MTB Hopper product comes with a 2-year warranty.

Prices are in EUR and USD. Checkout shows the amount in your currency.

FAQ

What gift gets a rider to finally learn to jump?

A portable jump ramp they can ride at home after work. MTB Hopper recommends LITE, which starts at 365 mm (14.4 in) and turns into a backpack in 15 seconds, with a MINI PAD landing to add later.

What training gear do mountain bikers want for around 300?

LITE (€263, regularly €299 / US$263, regularly US$299) is a portable jump ramp for Beginners and Amateurs. For indoor training, the BALANCE + CORE set (€245.51, regularly €278.99 / US$271.91, regularly US$308.99) trains manuals, rear-wheel balance, core, legs and grip.

Can an adult beginner learn to jump on a portable ramp?

Yes. LITE is made for Beginners and Amateurs and carries up to 130 kg (286 lbs) of rider and bike. Start at the lowest height and a fairly slow speed, then raise it by one level once that feels confident.

When should I order for Christmas?

Order by December 12 for delivery before the holidays. Delivery times and gift tips are in the MTB Hopper gift guide.