Vader
Intermediate
·
1360 riders can do it
A footjam with your foot in front of the fork, rather than on the inside of the wheel.
How do it
Vader is a footjam with your foot in front of the fork, rather than on the inside of the wheel. Many experienced riders even consider the vader easier than the footjam, as there is much less risk of toppling over the handlebars — if worst comes to worst, you can always simply spin the front wheel forward.
1.
The secret to entering a vader is the alley‑oop! This is the only way you can find support on your front wheel. Accelerate as much as you feel comfortable doing.
2.
Work on going slower, while at the same time throwing the vader harder and harder. The harder you throw it, the easier it will be to block the wheel with your leg.
3.
Balancing in the vader seems impossible, but there's a secret to it: as soon as you place your foot on the wheel, push it against the fork and drive the wheel forward. This gives you an additional lever to use for balance.
4.
Now it's time to exit. You will need to get into the same stance you would for a footjam exit. Shoulders turned towards the quarter, weight over the front wheel, body tilted slightly in the direction of the quarter. Push into the bike and jump off your front wheel into the quarter. You can help yourself out by spinning the front wheel forward when you jump.