Tay-buhl-tahps
Noun
A jump with a flat top, usually ridden with two wheels on the ground
Example usage: He was able to do several consecutive tabletop jumps on his bike.
Most used in: Mountain biking and BMX courses.
Most used by: Experienced mountain bikers and BMX riders.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 5/10
Also see: Hip jump, Roller, Step-up, Launch Ramp,
What are Tabletops in Cycling?
Tabletops are a type of jump commonly found in mountain biking. They consist of a flat takeoff jump followed by a flat landing. Tabletops are typically large jumps, ranging from 12 to 24 feet in length, and can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are also commonly found in Downhill and BMX racing.
Tabletops are a great way for mountain bikers to increase their airtime and gain more speed. They also give riders the opportunity to practice their aerial skills and gain confidence. By landing on the flat top of the jump, the rider can control the landing and keep the bike in a stable position.
According to a survey conducted by the National Bicycle Dealers Association, mountain biking is the most popular form of cycling with over 35 million participants in the United States alone. Tabletops are a popular feature in mountain biking trails and are becoming increasingly common in downhill and BMX racing as well.
Tabletops are a great way for mountain bikers to challenge themselves and take their riding to the next level. With practice, riders can become skilled at navigating these jumps and gain confidence in their aerial skills.
The Origins of 'Tabletops' in Cycling
The term 'tabletop' is used to describe a type of jump in which the rider's bike is lifted up so that the top of the obstacle is level with, or slightly higher than, the rider's body. Tabletops were first seen in the late 1980s and early 1990s in the UK and North America.
The term 'tabletop' was first used by BMX riders in the UK in the early 1990s to describe a particular type of jump that involved a flat top, in contrast to the more traditional 'doubles' or 'triples' which had a curved or sloping top.
Tabletops were popularised by BMX riders in the UK and were later adopted by mountain bikers in the late 1990s. They were seen as a safer option than traditional jumps, as they allowed riders to control their speed and trajectory more accurately.
Tabletops are now a popular feature of most cycling disciplines, from downhill racing to dirt jumping. They are also a popular feature of many mountain bike parks and trails, providing riders with an exciting and challenging obstacle to tackle.
