Lip (Jump Lip)

The lip is the very top edge of a jump face, the last point the wheels touch before the bike becomes airborne. Its shape strongly affects how the bike leaves the jump: a steep, sharp lip kicks the bike up, while a rounded or flat lip gives a smoother, longer trajectory.

On dirt tracks, lips change through the day as bikes dig ruts and build up loose soil, sometimes forming a kicker. Track crews regularly reshape them.

Before hitting a jump, look at the lip: check for ruts, holes or a sharp kick, and choose a line where it is smooth. Keep a steady throttle all the way to the lip; chopping it on the face pitches the bike nose-down.