Kicker (Jump)

A kicker is a short, steep jump face that sends the rider high rather than far. The term is also used for a rut edge, rock or small bump just before a jump that compresses the rear suspension and then kicks the back of the bike up as it rebounds.

Kickers can be built deliberately on freestyle and enduro tracks, but most are unwanted, forming as track faces wear and braking bumps grow. A rear wheel kick can pitch the bike nose-down in the air.

To handle a kicker, stay standing with your weight centred, keep a steady throttle up the face rather than chopping it, and avoid hitting the jump with the rear suspension fully compressed. Slower rebound damping can help.