This why I shake my head at the vast majority of dirt roadies on 29rs who can't get their carbon front wheel off the ground. If I can get the front wheel of a 46 pound DH sled off the ground without using my hands then it should be easier for them on their xc rig.Even works without suspension. Actually the backwards motion works better than any upwards motions as there is a larger range of motion, basically backing that ass up, then stopping. You don't necessarily need to lift the front end as much as you need to apply a moment to the bike, same effect as a pedal kick.