Hey,
An unexpected side effect of moving my foot forward to protect the ankle on drops/stairs has been an increase in seat-under (as apposed to out-front) hopping hight. On launch, I think this is because my spring is tighter- less like a slinky, springing from the ankles.
I’m not sure why, but the posture seems to help on landing a hop up, as well; I’m able to draw the cycle up a bit further as I fold.
Another happy side effect is that I’m more stable hopping up long flights of stairs, and thus less fatigued or dependant on week/tired ankles.
Or so it seems to me! I’m only able to loft about 14 inches. Does your technique differ much for in sadle hopping? How high are you getting?
-Christopher