@@JoyOfBike Thanks For this Alex and Lee!! I'm 50 and will be getting my 1st Mountain Bike soon. I want to do flow trails and jump trails mainly due to back injury. Just cant take the continual jarring of the rock tech stuff. But a suspension bike should be able to soak up the landings if I do them right.
Alex + Lee = the BEST mtb duo on TH-cam. I first heard about Lee on The MTB Podcast with Jonathan Lee and Steven Lewis. Lee's advice on the Triangle of Awesome and the hinge transformed my riding and I've been scouring the web for Lee's content ever since! I'm blown away by Alex's good vibes, humility and skill...having Lee as a regular feature on these vids surely makes this channel the gold standard for MTB progression!
Guys. I'm 54 and like many others, just got into mtb'ing. I've watched the same videos you mentioned and although I learned from them, I got the most from yours. Simple and something I can take to the trail without having to pull out my phone to review all the steps again before I attempt it. This is the 3rd of your videos that I watched and I'm loving them. Thank you.
Thank you Nelson!! This got me thinking. I met a couple yesterday at a skate park and they were brand new to MTB. They were asking how to manual and some other stuff and I was offering some tips. Finally I asked if they could bunnyhop and they couldn't. I'm not a coach. Lee is. But we worked on that and I could see that that move has everything you need to learn in one place. As I worked with them I realized they couldn't get it if their body placement was wrong. So we had to get them centered in a good low hinge. Then the hop itself is a row and anti row. Wow. 10 minute later they were doing small flat (english) hops and beaming!!!! And I think it was because it was the first time that they had really integrated with the bike and got that feeling.
Thanks fellas. I am 46 and haven't been mountain biking for nearly a decade so considering that I now live in Alberta and will be visiting Whistler Bike Park this summer, this is a good refresher. I used to manual off jumps all the time--in fact that is how I always did it. Never really crashed much but at my age I need to rely more of technique instead of just using brute force to throw my bike around. Cheers.
I am 56 and I am just now learning to research these things. Thank you SO very much for your methods of descriptions, presentation, generosity of thoughtfulness and effort.
An older chap here says thanks - I watched Rich Drew's video and Kyle & April's, and this pulls them together as well as explaining the missing bits. I don't want to do anything massive, avoiding injury while having fun is my main aim, so I'll try to follow your advice and practice - with video camera to review how I get on.
This is a great one. “Make the angle” is the key missing ingredient on other vids. It’s not robotic technique, it require some pilot adjustments. I’ve watched all of the videos you cited and they work, but this highlights a few great points. Always balanced, not back, get low, make the angle. The Kyle video gets you here but without that last bit. I just rode the drop festival that is the whole enchilada in Moab, and once I found my zen I was basically riding exactly how you are instructing here. I like the three steps because when I am in technical terrain I actually talk to myself through the fundamentals to ensure I’m on point technique wise. Simple, easy to remember simplification is what it’s all about. Same when approaching a jump. Great stuff!
Oh man, I know the feeling on Whole Enchilada. You get in that drop groove state of zen and namastoke and you start going so fast. It's beautiful. Glad you liked the video! I sometimes make up songs about riding when I'm in that state. Seems to allow the subconscious to do the processing. Goofy but so fun!
I have an Enduro XL. If I don't lift the front wheel a bit or do a manual then I always land front tire heavy... I'm new to mountain biking and I'm just tackling 2- 3 foot drops at the max.. The one good attempt I did have on the 3 ft was when I did manual a little bit right before the drop and it was the smoothest landing.. also when we're in tight conditions and we don't have a lot of speed if the trail is winding you have to manual because it's just not enough forward momentum to ride over the drop and use these techniques....
Some odd years in the past I had no brain and I was getting up on cheap Chinese bikes not fit for the purpose (or for anything for that matter). I (stupidly) had no fear and was doing all kinds of jumps, drops and fast descends. I even used a full steel, no suspension, no front brake and a dodgy rear V-brake on dancing wheels to go down a rather difficult trail. I just based everything on instinct, but MAN I was wrong. I think I was just lucky because I never got injured. Fast forward to today, I just got a proper mountain bike and gotten back on 2 wheels, however my age obviously stopped me from doing trails even half as difficult as the ones I had no problem with before. Every peak made my heart race as I was looking down on it and I bailed on most of them. Gotten into looking on mtb channels and I've started to build my confidence back up, but nothing, AND I MEAN NOTHING, compares to you guys. The level of information you provide and the way you provide it is flawless. Every person starting to mountainbike should definitely start watching you even before buying that wrong bike. That's the only thing I regret, not finding you before I bought my bike, it's just a tad too big for me. I'm a strong dude however so I'll manage until I get a more suitable one. Either way, THANKS! your channel is everything and I hope it keeps going. Wasn't too late for me ! I'm off to practicing now, see ya!
I find Alex and Lee's videos hilarious and they offer the best, most logical, simplest techniques of any videos I've watched. So, here it is: I'm 71 started mountain biking 3-4 years ago and go off small platforms and enjoy single track rocky trails and berms. I learned it from these two guys and enjoyed ever minute of their videos. Kudos to you guys. Great stuff.
Over 50, started mtb'ing in August last year. Just know you guys are keeping me alive at the moment (although I am sat here with bruised ribs at the moment :D)
Guys I love your straight forward common sense approach in all the videos you’ve posted. Lee’s technical knowledge and teaching ability along with Alex’s soft calm delivery make for some of the best MTB videos on TH-cam. I regularly come back and rewatch your videos over and over but we need more, come on guys get the camera out and get posting again; we miss you 🤙
As Tina turner sang - simply the best !! you guys changed my riding completely , in a way that no one did - online or real life lessons . the very idea that you are both over 40 - I'm guessing with a business to run and a family to take care of - and not some 25 year old kid who lives in a van and jumps cliffs in Utah and Oregon on a daily basis , makes you much more reliable for me . I downsized my bikes , changed my body position to hip hinge, and of course treated myself to some luxury low posture :-) the change was overwhelming ! I've finally learned how to jump off ledges safely and I ride so much smoother that I can even take my gravel bike to local single tracks and not get hammered !!!! since my 46th birthday is on the 28th, you have to do one on climbing obstacles properly ...... ;-). I can't thank you enough , keep on going . Samuel taiber Israel
I watched this video before going out to ride today. Rode a trail for the first time and it had a lot of (mostly) little root ledges (a few were bigger) ...which is a feature I always enjoy. I've been mostly doing little manuals (with occasional pops), and executing them fine, but tried this technique today and really liked it. It seemed to make the landings even smoother, which my 63yo neck and back always appreciates. I don't really have a place to practice bigger drops, but am looking for one, and look forward to using this technique there.
Been a bit quiet but I see recent replies so great to see you haven't gone MIA. There's a million over skilled riders doing over skilled videos... Always a pleasure to watch your (over skilled self) making videos for us average riders. I'm somewhere above medium mediocre and try and pop in videos of slow runs of local tracks for just the same reason... There's plenty of riders out there better than me.. hopefully I can help some go and ride that track that otherwise looked like you had to be world champ to attempt.
I think your 3 cues are great ! Get low , balanced and make the angle . I am starting on drops and wanted to get a little higher. I did a 16 inch or so and wanted to do a 2 ft ish one . I watched the April video and now this one . Same mechanics but the get low in the ready position really makes sense so you have room to push the bars out . I like the Luxury low ! Then make the angle by hinging with your butt and back. I am going to try these mechanics on curbs in a park before I take it back to the 16 inch then the 2 ft! Thanks🙏
I’ve got a playlist full of drop videos, but this is the one I had my son sit down and watch. However in trying to apply the technique, I realized that most naturally occurring drops have a downward angle. This requires some adjustment of your neutral position. As the bike slopes down, neutral position will need to move back. If you maintain the level ground neutral position that you would use on man-made features such as shown in this video on a downward sloping natural drop, you’ll actually wind up with your weight forward and the bike rolling the drop.
Good points and video. By saying hinge/angle and get low you are basically saying position the majority of your mass at or behind the seat, which slows down forward rotation. I think one of your other videos actually taught me that. Your arms may not be pulling the bar, but will naturally hold some tension. In the air you then do push forward a bit or stand up in the air to match the landing, which is what is really screwing me up at this point. If you remain crouched you have no where to let the bike move, and no way to absorb the jump with your body. You need to end up neutral and match the landing, but that can be really hard to learn. Too far forward and your weight is thrown forward; too far back and you have no control of your front tire, and can wash it out.
I'm pretty new to riding drops. I recently rode a drop, probably 18 inches or so, but it was so smooth I spent the rest of the day with a grin on my face. I left the lip and the landing felt like I never left the trail and went airborne. The smooth factor was amazing. If only I could reproduce that every time! Videos like this will help make that happen. Great vid, guys! Thanks much. 👍👍👍
Excellent Video 😎 I Started Mt.Biking 50yrs Into Riding Bikes . I was going over 100mph on DirtBikes in the 80s lol . With my CF Warden My FIRST Awesome MtBike . I Find When Riding Its Best To Stay Closest To Center Point Of The Bike .... If You Operate In That Zone ALL SMILES 😎
Today was my third time out riding and trying to learn how to drop using the tips in this video. I got very comfortable doing 2’ and 4’ drops. So much better than I was just a couple of weeks ago. I’m no longer hesitant about them and I’m feeling much more confidence and consistency. I still haven’t hit the big 6 footer yet but I can see my skill level building up to it. Thanks guys
Alex and Lee - wow - your videos are so easy to understand , and zen - I think you've distilled MB to its essence! I'm from long Island and wish I found your channel before I visited Park City last july. I had a blast ( great cross country and some downhill at deer valley - woo hooo ! ) but I think I would have had fewer white knuckle moments if I had seen your videos before hand ! Keep them coming ! ( BTW 64 years old , achy but loving it!)
Mmmmore luxury low! Love it 😁 It's the same as if you were not on your bike, you don't jump up or with a straight body and legs to jump down a drop, you squat and step off to reduce the impact and height. Nice work fellas 👍
In defense of Rich Drew, he did a second video to describe more in depth that you don't shove the bike down on longer drops and actually he does bigger drops the same way you all are doing here. That said, your videos have been awesome and I'm super happy I came across them. Lee has such a great way of describing situations.
I have watched Rich Drew drop videos numerous times, and you are correct. Not a dimes worth of difference between Rich Drew technique and these guys techniques. The guy from the PNW--Simon Lawton-- does exactly the same the thing.IMO.
@@deanransom2350 Yeah I think if you watch only the first video Rich Drew put out I kind of understand why people didn't like his style, which is why he had to do a second video explaining in more detail for bigger drops. To me though seeing Lee Rides Bikes do the same thing actually validates Rich Drew's video on it too, and also doubles down on the idea that I should give this style a shot. It's so weird to me though to push the bike down on drops that are bigger than maybe a foot, it feels so unnatural.
Idk I’ve watched all 3 videos and it seems like when you actually watch the videos they are all doing the same thing, even if they talk about it differently. The good riders just automatically adjust to the situation and the body mechanics end up looking the same. Anyway really good content on a nice variety of cool stuff! :)
Kamusta!? Hello from 🇵🇭 After few years of busyness, came back to biking and I really love the trails. Came across to one of your videos and found "how to bunny hop". Started to learn it. Practical and simple.
Just sent my first ever gap like drop! Man this tutorial is very easy to understand! Ive watched many tutorials on youtube but this clicked to me! I hope you’ll make how to’s on drops that have semi flat landings 🤟🏽
Superb. The true missing link! Since I was a tike (30ish years back), I've been bucked, thrown, face planted, etc trying 2ft+ drops ... and I watched vids and more vids and then a few more vids and could not see what I was doing wrong. First few minutes of this vid and I think I have the answer ... finally! Only thing left is to bring up the courage to try it. Thanks much guys! peace!
Icantfindtheanykey Thanks brother!! If you have a vid camera in your phone try to get some vid of yourself on the small drops. If you see you’re executing perfectly that can generate confidence. Check out or vid on Psychic barriers. That might help too. Keep shredding!!!
Nice, Valmont! Such a great bike park for any skill level! I think I saw Lee yesterday at the Cherry Creek Rez filming the new features they put in. If so, cool! I can't wait to see what you guys are gonna do with it.
Ahh...you guys did it again. Made it simple, consistent and understandable - and it works! Kudos to you and Lee. Best MTB learning channel on TH-cam hands down!
Excellent tuition. Been Cross Country biking for over 30 years and had TOO MANY accidents. Fortunately I am made of hard rubber so nothing TOO serious. Just subscribed. Stoozer from Scotland.
love this video, i always have riders (especialy less experenced ones that watch videos) going "oh you have to compress the suspension and pop a little" or go "you have to manual of the drop" apselutely not! i mean look at racers, sometimes they will use the same method (sometimes even scrubing to get even lower), it keeps you lower, you get less impact, you can hit the feature with more speed, and you keep your speed better! i use the same teqnique on the smallest of drops, and +2 meter drops, fast and slow, its the safest and fastest way to ride a feature.
I'm 45 and started riding 3 years ago. Your instructional style and content is so understandable, I'd swear you make these videos for me only, thank you!
Great video - thanks guys! I'm just learning and was so confused from different videos I'd watched. It makes much more sense now. I'm off to build myself a ramp at home to practise small drops over and over until I'm sure I've got it.
the slight up angle drop and the knuckle drop just go to show how much terrain can play a factor in technique and the need to adjust it. i like lots of the 'how to drop' vids mentioned and most use the board walk style drop, but natural terrain features sure require all kinds of tweaks. great video.
You’re so right. The natural terrain adds so much nuance. And your body is making constant adjustments with row and anti-row. Harder to show in video but we’re gonna do more of it as soon as the dang snow clears.
Guys, I love this channel. As someone who's started at a relatively late age (not unfit just unskilled!) this is great. I really like how you break things down into very explainable bits, and using basic physics and "hacks" to prove those points. Like the arm against the ground to see if your reach will make the drop is genius! Very confidence inspiring. Please keep it up for us that are 30+ 😂
Very helpful explanation. I was very confused with all videos on the matter i have watched. Your shoots here clarify hell of things and fit well considering mechanics
thank you Lee and Alex. I have met Lee at Trail head cyclery in San Jose. But I was too much of a novice to garner much from his vast knowledge. Thanks for sharing this. I need a lot of work on the fundamentals.
Alex (and Lee) thank you so, so much! This was just what I needed to make sense of the so many videos (and it made the photos in Lee's book come to life). You probably saved a bunch of people some hospital bills and a lot of frustration with this!
Robin Walker So stoked you dig it. Feels like making a video for one person in mind is the perfect way to make a video that a lot of people can relate to. And those orthopedic doctors will just have to make their money off somebody else!!!
Watched all the tutorials that you talk about in this one, thinking ' but...but...surely you need to..what!' Then you guys come along and confirm what I've thought and experienced. You're killin' it again guys, cheers.
There are many techniques and many types of riders. I think this is a super safe technique!!! I love that AND finding what works for you is key!!! You might even that later in your progression you'll begin to integrate other methods. Keep shredding!!!
I'm about your age, Alex (57 but female), so I really appreciate your approach to skills improvement and fun! I actually only started watching (lots of) TH-cam since the pandemic and a few months ago learned how to huck off drops thanks to you and Lee (luxury low!) and April & Kyle. I hope you'll come up to Victoria/Vancouver/Whistler one day to ride and film on our technical trails!
Third or fourth video in and I gotta say, you guys kinda got it figured out. I feel like I'm really good at biking but absolutely suck at describing what my body and bike are doing. You guys are nailing it. I will be reccomending your videos to everyone who asks me how to do stuff. You guys have scienced it. My only critique is on "I don't know how to measure a drop" and the answer is, just don't. Hehe
Thanks. Trying to take a fresh approach. Agree on the drops. I did one in Whistler on dirt merchant that had to be 10 or 12 feet. If i would have known that i wouldn’t have done it. : )
I have made some mistakes of mis-interpreting step down jumps with a minor incline as an opportunity to use Lee's drop technique with not great results though. I'm glad you mentioned this at the end of your video.
Lee McCormack bought his book after 2 years of riding. After that I’ve progressed a lot. Most of my friends been riding longer than I have. Now I can pass them with confidence downhill with easy. Best investment I’ve made.
I watched this 4 or 5 times trying to get my head around the technique, I’m so amazed that Mtb bikes are so much different than Moto bikes, thanks guys
You guys are great! I'm just shy of 50 and getting back into MTB after a nearly 20 year hiatus. Your videos help me believe that I can get my skill higher than ever. Now I just need the snow out here in the Northeast to melt so I can start practicing what you're preaching. Thanks!
I’ve watched every single drop video, including Lenosky, Kyle, GMBN, ALL of them. There was just something missing. THIS made sense, explained and linked missing pieces for me. No weight on hands, too far back get flung, too far forward get thrown. Makes sense. Guys I ride with always say “get back, get back” that didn’t work for me. Great video, Thank you!
Glad it was helpful Amy. Different styles and options out there and I probably do them all depending on the situation. But when you're starting it's important to find that confidence. Stoked this helped!
Great Video, The Rich Drew explanation Is very similar, as someone who has taken his classes and can now hit drops. It’s been misinterpreted. His approach is not to get over the front of the bike. It’s to get low, hips over bottom bracket, the exact same thing you show in first drop. Put the front wheel where you want to go. To say that he is telling people to shove their front wheel into a hole or rock is just plain False. I’m glad to see this video. Just confirms to me that The Drew brothers way Is sound. Respect to you both for putting this out there. I avoided drops for years, because I can’t manual....yet. 😀
Thanks Jay. Rich Drew is on point for sure. Glad to hear you've had a chance to do an actual class. Nothing like that hands on training!!! Keep progressing brother! May the manual happen this year!
Wow, this is really an eye-opener for me! Is it really that simple! Use your hands as a guidance for weight distribution. Fantastic! I've seen lots of video's about basic skills, but I've never seen somebody telling about this really simple but genious tip. It is quite logical when you think of it, but someone has to tell you one time. Thank you!
Nice video! I was also confused by all the different approaches. You and Lee make a good team! I’m 61 and not as fearless as I used to be. The hinge low and center yourself in the bike makes a lot of sense and feels right. Thanks! Just subscribed.
Thanks Guys, been riding now a little over a year, to advance on some of the trails I want to ride , I need to get this down, this was very helpful thank you.
a quick way to check if you're centerd during a hinge is to try and let go of the handlebar for a split sec. i mean when practicing on flat. don't go "mum look, NO HANDS" before a drop. i ride motorcycles and all instructors say "if you'd be scared to lift one hand off the bars mid turn, you're hanging on to the bars and you're cornering wrong". it should apply here
I just watched the video, went out to try the technique, and it seems to work! I started with the look and push technique but found the nose dropping too quickly. I then tried the manual technique, but had trouble getting the timing, speed and amount of lift right. This technique seems very simple but effective:)
Thanks for the video. It helped a lot. After watching it multiple times, I just realized the point at 2:12 was at my local bike park. Im pretty sure I witnessed that crash.
Really wish i found this video before today! I'm brand new to MTB, and went out yesterday to go off my first(very small) drops, (uploading a video of it shortly!) i spent time pulling the bars and shifting my weight back! next time i'm defo gonna try this technique ! thanks guys, new sub here!!!
Just did a drop class a month ago. We were told to press down on our pedals about 2/3 boards from the end and slide back. Haven't been successful cuz I know I can just roll down it. I'm going to try to your way and see if I can do it without rolling. Thanks.
Hey Alex, thanks for the video. I have found the same with the other videos as per your comments and as a novice still struggling with drops. The tips are great but it would be good to have a video that steps through it a bit more slowly, in a step by step way. For someone learning, that detail is important. i.e. At this point do this, then do this, etc. Even you guys are doing certain things inherently that aren't being stepped through and it's often those things that make the difference. And also 'making the angle'. You touched on it at the end.
Professional, funny, and very enjoyable video,the way you explain, the way how you ride on a bike, makes me think it's easy to do the same. You're motivation😀 Respect!
Hello from Australia! Keep up the great videos, I find you guys have the best videos for explaining how to ride with an easy to follow technique backed up with technical knowledge, my 10 year old son also loves watching!
Thank you for these videos. I'm just learning how to get off the pavement and even though I have ridden a lot of miles on a bicycle , I haven't done any real mountain bike stuff and I see how easy it is to overestimate my abilities. Your vids are very helpful for me and inspire me to enjoy the challenges and have insight into the right way to get down the hill in one piece.
51 year old here. I discover this series only after I move 1000 miles away from Boulder! What an idiot I am. 🤦♂️ Ironically when I lived in Colorado I didn't feel the need to learn these techniques but now I am in the midwest, anything technical is man-made drops and jumps, so I need to learn how to bike again! Good series.
I've been reading Brain Lopes and Lee's book on Mastering Mountain Bike Skills 3rd Edition and that along with your videos are very interesting and helpful because you guys challenge theories and put them to the test. As a result of that you guys are some of the best MTB teachers I've seen, thank you!
I've been waiting on this video for 30 years!!
I hope it's better late than never. : )
98
28 years for me.
It's tough when everyone on TH-cam seems to be saying something different. But this looks right, so I'm giving it a go.
Cheers
Thanks for this, helps alot. Making it simple and easy for a newbie like me 👌🔥🚴♀️
@@JoyOfBike Thanks For this Alex and Lee!! I'm 50 and will be getting my 1st Mountain Bike soon. I want to do flow trails and jump trails mainly due to back injury. Just cant take the continual jarring of the rock tech stuff. But a suspension bike should be able to soak up the landings if I do them right.
Alex + Lee = the BEST mtb duo on TH-cam. I first heard about Lee on The MTB Podcast with Jonathan Lee and Steven Lewis. Lee's advice on the Triangle of Awesome and the hinge transformed my riding and I've been scouring the web for Lee's content ever since! I'm blown away by Alex's good vibes, humility and skill...having Lee as a regular feature on these vids surely makes this channel the gold standard for MTB progression!
This is so great to wake up to. Thank you! Very motivating!!
Absolutely!
Lee coauthored a book with Brian Lopes outlining all of these techniques. Mastering Mountain Bike Skills. I would highly recommend it.
True!
Guys. I'm 54 and like many others, just got into mtb'ing. I've watched the same videos you mentioned and although I learned from them, I got the most from yours. Simple and something I can take to the trail without having to pull out my phone to review all the steps again before I attempt it. This is the 3rd of your videos that I watched and I'm loving them. Thank you.
Thank you Nelson!! This got me thinking. I met a couple yesterday at a skate park and they were brand new to MTB. They were asking how to manual and some other stuff and I was offering some tips. Finally I asked if they could bunnyhop and they couldn't. I'm not a coach. Lee is. But we worked on that and I could see that that move has everything you need to learn in one place. As I worked with them I realized they couldn't get it if their body placement was wrong. So we had to get them centered in a good low hinge. Then the hop itself is a row and anti row. Wow. 10 minute later they were doing small flat (english) hops and beaming!!!! And I think it was because it was the first time that they had really integrated with the bike and got that feeling.
Turning 54 this year also, I mtb a waaaaay long time ago in my 30s, stopped due to work, just getting back again.
Thanks fellas. I am 46 and haven't been mountain biking for nearly a decade so considering that I now live in Alberta and will be visiting Whistler Bike Park this summer, this is a good refresher. I used to manual off jumps all the time--in fact that is how I always did it. Never really crashed much but at my age I need to rely more of technique instead of just using brute force to throw my bike around. Cheers.
So true about other videos being confusing. This is the best drop video out there...period.
I am 56 and I am just now learning to research these things. Thank you SO very much for your methods of descriptions, presentation, generosity of thoughtfulness and effort.
You are welcome!
An older chap here says thanks - I watched Rich Drew's video and Kyle & April's, and this pulls them together as well as explaining the missing bits. I don't want to do anything massive, avoiding injury while having fun is my main aim, so I'll try to follow your advice and practice - with video camera to review how I get on.
This is a great one. “Make the angle” is the key missing ingredient on other vids. It’s not robotic technique, it require some pilot adjustments. I’ve watched all of the videos you cited and they work, but this highlights a few great points. Always balanced, not back, get low, make the angle. The Kyle video gets you here but without that last bit. I just rode the drop festival that is the whole enchilada in Moab, and once I found my zen I was basically riding exactly how you are instructing here. I like the three steps because when I am in technical terrain I actually talk to myself through the fundamentals to ensure I’m on point technique wise. Simple, easy to remember simplification is what it’s all about. Same when approaching a jump. Great stuff!
Oh man, I know the feeling on Whole Enchilada. You get in that drop groove state of zen and namastoke and you start going so fast. It's beautiful. Glad you liked the video! I sometimes make up songs about riding when I'm in that state. Seems to allow the subconscious to do the processing. Goofy but so fun!
I have an Enduro XL. If I don't lift the front wheel a bit or do a manual then I always land front tire heavy... I'm new to mountain biking and I'm just tackling 2- 3 foot drops at the max.. The one good attempt I did have on the 3 ft was when I did manual a little bit right before the drop and it was the smoothest landing.. also when we're in tight conditions and we don't have a lot of speed if the trail is winding you have to manual because it's just not enough forward momentum to ride over the drop and use these techniques....
Some odd years in the past I had no brain and I was getting up on cheap Chinese bikes not fit for the purpose (or for anything for that matter). I (stupidly) had no fear and was doing all kinds of jumps, drops and fast descends. I even used a full steel, no suspension, no front brake and a dodgy rear V-brake on dancing wheels to go down a rather difficult trail. I just based everything on instinct, but MAN I was wrong. I think I was just lucky because I never got injured.
Fast forward to today, I just got a proper mountain bike and gotten back on 2 wheels, however my age obviously stopped me from doing trails even half as difficult as the ones I had no problem with before. Every peak made my heart race as I was looking down on it and I bailed on most of them. Gotten into looking on mtb channels and I've started to build my confidence back up, but nothing, AND I MEAN NOTHING, compares to you guys. The level of information you provide and the way you provide it is flawless. Every person starting to mountainbike should definitely start watching you even before buying that wrong bike. That's the only thing I regret, not finding you before I bought my bike, it's just a tad too big for me. I'm a strong dude however so I'll manage until I get a more suitable one.
Either way, THANKS! your channel is everything and I hope it keeps going. Wasn't too late for me ! I'm off to practicing now, see ya!
I find Alex and Lee's videos hilarious and they offer the best, most logical, simplest techniques of any videos I've watched. So, here it is: I'm 71 started mountain biking 3-4 years ago and go off small platforms and enjoy single track rocky trails and berms. I learned it from these two guys and enjoyed ever minute of their videos. Kudos to you guys. Great stuff.
This warms my heart. Feeling honored and blessed to be a part of your journey.
Your videos have taught me to always check the weight on my hands and always hinge at my hips. It's made me a much better rider! Thanks!
Instructive AND fun? - in a word: educational!
Over 50, started mtb'ing in August last year. Just know you guys are keeping me alive at the moment (although I am sat here with bruised ribs at the moment :D)
I’ve learned a lot today in what I’m doing wrong on drops
Guys I love your straight forward common sense approach in all the videos you’ve posted. Lee’s technical knowledge and teaching ability along with Alex’s soft calm delivery make for some of the best MTB videos on TH-cam. I regularly come back and rewatch your videos over and over but we need more, come on guys get the camera out and get posting again; we miss you 🤙
As Tina turner sang - simply the best !! you guys changed my riding completely , in a way that no one did - online or real life lessons . the very idea that you are both over 40 - I'm guessing with a business to run and a family to take care of - and not some 25 year old kid who lives in a van and jumps cliffs in Utah and Oregon on a daily basis , makes you much more reliable for me . I downsized my bikes , changed my body position to hip hinge, and of course treated myself to some luxury low posture :-) the change was overwhelming ! I've finally learned how to jump off ledges safely and I ride so much smoother that I can even take my gravel bike to local single tracks and not get hammered !!!! since my 46th birthday is on the 28th, you have to do one on climbing obstacles properly ...... ;-). I can't thank you enough , keep on going .
Samuel taiber
Israel
All our subscribers seem to be psychic. We shot a vid today on technical climbs. : )
I love how you are not overthinking things, and break it down to simple steps
I watched this video before going out to ride today. Rode a trail for the first time and it had a lot of (mostly) little root ledges (a few were bigger) ...which is a feature I always enjoy. I've been mostly doing little manuals (with occasional pops), and executing them fine, but tried this technique today and really liked it. It seemed to make the landings even smoother, which my 63yo neck and back always appreciates. I don't really have a place to practice bigger drops, but am looking for one, and look forward to using this technique there.
Been a bit quiet but I see recent replies so great to see you haven't gone MIA.
There's a million over skilled riders doing over skilled videos... Always a pleasure to watch your (over skilled self) making videos for us average riders.
I'm somewhere above medium mediocre and try and pop in videos of slow runs of local tracks for just the same reason...
There's plenty of riders out there better than me.. hopefully I can help some go and ride that track that otherwise looked like you had to be world champ to attempt.
Let me try that this weekend and see ! Been trying to teach my 11yo daughter how to do drops so this will help us both !
I think your 3 cues are great ! Get low , balanced and make the angle . I am starting on drops and wanted to get a little higher. I did a 16 inch or so and wanted to do a 2 ft ish one . I watched the April video and now this one . Same mechanics but the get low in the ready position really makes sense so you have room to push the bars out . I like the Luxury low ! Then make the angle by hinging with your butt and back. I am going to try these mechanics on curbs in a park before I take it back to the 16 inch then the 2 ft! Thanks🙏
I’ve got a playlist full of drop videos, but this is the one I had my son sit down and watch. However in trying to apply the technique, I realized that most naturally occurring drops have a downward angle. This requires some adjustment of your neutral position. As the bike slopes down, neutral position will need to move back. If you maintain the level ground neutral position that you would use on man-made features such as shown in this video on a downward sloping natural drop, you’ll actually wind up with your weight forward and the bike rolling the drop.
Good points and video. By saying hinge/angle and get low you are basically saying position the majority of your mass at or behind the seat, which slows down forward rotation. I think one of your other videos actually taught me that. Your arms may not be pulling the bar, but will naturally hold some tension. In the air you then do push forward a bit or stand up in the air to match the landing, which is what is really screwing me up at this point. If you remain crouched you have no where to let the bike move, and no way to absorb the jump with your body. You need to end up neutral and match the landing, but that can be really hard to learn. Too far forward and your weight is thrown forward; too far back and you have no control of your front tire, and can wash it out.
I'm pretty new to riding drops. I recently rode a drop, probably 18 inches or so, but it was so smooth I spent the rest of the day with a grin on my face. I left the lip and the landing felt like I never left the trail and went airborne. The smooth factor was amazing. If only I could reproduce that every time! Videos like this will help make that happen. Great vid, guys! Thanks much. 👍👍👍
When you get the technique right, drops are so smooth and easy.
@@meep6188 until they're not...
@@colincoulthard3021 cope
Excellent Video 😎 I Started Mt.Biking 50yrs Into Riding Bikes . I was going over 100mph on DirtBikes in the 80s lol . With my CF Warden My FIRST Awesome MtBike . I Find When Riding Its Best To Stay Closest To Center Point Of The Bike .... If You Operate In That Zone ALL SMILES 😎
Today was my third time out riding and trying to learn how to drop using the tips in this video. I got very comfortable doing 2’ and 4’ drops. So much better than I was just a couple of weeks ago. I’m no longer hesitant about them and I’m feeling much more confidence and consistency. I still haven’t hit the big 6 footer yet but I can see my skill level building up to it. Thanks guys
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Alex and Lee - wow - your videos are so easy to understand , and zen - I think you've distilled MB to its essence! I'm from long Island and wish I found your channel before I visited Park City last july. I had a blast ( great cross country and some downhill at deer valley - woo hooo ! ) but I think I would have had fewer white knuckle moments if I had seen your videos before hand ! Keep them coming ! ( BTW 64 years old , achy but loving it!)
Mmmmore luxury low! Love it 😁 It's the same as if you were not on your bike, you don't jump up or with a straight body and legs to jump down a drop, you squat and step off to reduce the impact and height. Nice work fellas 👍
In defense of Rich Drew, he did a second video to describe more in depth that you don't shove the bike down on longer drops and actually he does bigger drops the same way you all are doing here. That said, your videos have been awesome and I'm super happy I came across them. Lee has such a great way of describing situations.
I have watched Rich Drew drop videos numerous times, and you are correct. Not a dimes worth of difference between Rich Drew technique and these guys techniques. The guy from the PNW--Simon Lawton-- does exactly the same the thing.IMO.
@@deanransom2350 Yeah I think if you watch only the first video Rich Drew put out I kind of understand why people didn't like his style, which is why he had to do a second video explaining in more detail for bigger drops. To me though seeing Lee Rides Bikes do the same thing actually validates Rich Drew's video on it too, and also doubles down on the idea that I should give this style a shot. It's so weird to me though to push the bike down on drops that are bigger than maybe a foot, it feels so unnatural.
Idk I’ve watched all 3 videos and it seems like when you actually watch the videos they are all doing the same thing, even if they talk about it differently. The good riders just automatically adjust to the situation and the body mechanics end up looking the same.
Anyway really good content on a nice variety of cool stuff! :)
One of the best teaching i have seen in years
Kamusta!? Hello from 🇵🇭
After few years of busyness, came back to biking and I really love the trails. Came across to one of your videos and found "how to bunny hop". Started to learn it.
Practical and simple.
Just sent my first ever gap like drop! Man this tutorial is very easy to understand! Ive watched many tutorials on youtube but this clicked to me! I hope you’ll make how to’s on drops that have semi flat landings 🤟🏽
The "Go To Guys" of mountain biking. Thanks guys for unselfishly sharing your knowledge to all of us over 50 who started at this sport very late.
Right on!
Superb. The true missing link! Since I was a tike (30ish years back), I've been bucked, thrown, face planted, etc trying 2ft+ drops ... and I watched vids and more vids and then a few more vids and could not see what I was doing wrong. First few minutes of this vid and I think I have the answer ... finally! Only thing left is to bring up the courage to try it. Thanks much guys! peace!
Icantfindtheanykey Thanks brother!! If you have a vid camera in your phone try to get some vid of yourself on the small drops. If you see you’re executing perfectly that can generate confidence. Check out or vid on Psychic barriers. That might help too. Keep shredding!!!
Nice, Valmont! Such a great bike park for any skill level! I think I saw Lee yesterday at the Cherry Creek Rez filming the new features they put in. If so, cool! I can't wait to see what you guys are gonna do with it.
Ahh...you guys did it again. Made it simple, consistent and understandable - and it works! Kudos to you and Lee. Best MTB learning channel on TH-cam hands down!
You are too kind!!! So excited for your progression!!! Keep smiling.
Fun video with some great tips! It was nice meeting you at Valmont today, Lee (I was riding the Pivot with the blue/pink suspension)!
The best. I have just watched many channels as I have just bought first mtb and this channel gives so natural and simple explanation.
Excellent tuition. Been Cross Country biking for over 30 years and had TOO MANY accidents. Fortunately I am made of hard rubber so nothing TOO serious. Just subscribed. Stoozer from Scotland.
My dad used to say he was made of twisted steel and concrete. I wish I was made of rubber. : )
@@JoyOfBike Concrete & steel sounds like too much of a hard landing. I'd rather bounce. 😎
Agreed!@@bigstoozeradventures
The best guys, I'm not getting any work done today...just watching these videos
Work. What’s work? : )
love this video, i always have riders (especialy less experenced ones that watch videos) going "oh you have to compress the suspension and pop a little" or go "you have to manual of the drop" apselutely not! i mean look at racers, sometimes they will use the same method (sometimes even scrubing to get even lower), it keeps you lower, you get less impact, you can hit the feature with more speed, and you keep your speed better! i use the same teqnique on the smallest of drops, and +2 meter drops, fast and slow, its the safest and fastest way to ride a feature.
Great team of trainers, I look forward to working on these skills!
I'm 45 and started riding 3 years ago. Your instructional style and content is so understandable, I'd swear you make these videos for me only, thank you!
You're onto us Blair. We have been making them for you. : )
Great video - thanks guys! I'm just learning and was so confused from different videos I'd watched. It makes much more sense now. I'm off to build myself a ramp at home to practise small drops over and over until I'm sure I've got it.
THANK YOU! I couldn't wrap my head around being so far forward on the bike in Rich Drews video
Rich flat shreds. But in any sport there is more than one right answer and we all have our own styles. Glad this clicked for you.
the slight up angle drop and the knuckle drop just go to show how much terrain can play a factor in technique and the need to adjust it. i like lots of the 'how to drop' vids mentioned and most use the board walk style drop, but natural terrain features sure require all kinds of tweaks. great video.
You’re so right. The natural terrain adds so much nuance. And your body is making constant adjustments with row and anti-row. Harder to show in video but we’re gonna do more of it as soon as the dang snow clears.
This video is so good! Thank you! Best drop video on TH-cam
Great video! It proves what I tell my customers for so many years. Keep it simple. No fancy technique. Just roll over drops the way it's shown here.
Guys, I love this channel. As someone who's started at a relatively late age (not unfit just unskilled!) this is great. I really like how you break things down into very explainable bits, and using basic physics and "hacks" to prove those points. Like the arm against the ground to see if your reach will make the drop is genius!
Very confidence inspiring. Please keep it up for us that are 30+ 😂
Thrilled to hear that the videos help!!
Very helpful explanation. I was very confused with all videos on the matter i have watched. Your shoots here clarify hell of things and fit well considering mechanics
thank you Lee and Alex. I have met Lee at Trail head cyclery in San Jose. But I was too much of a novice to garner much from his vast knowledge. Thanks for sharing this.
I need a lot of work on the fundamentals.
Glad it was helpful. Trail head is a great looking shop!!
This seemed way safer and smoother than the 'pop' video I just watched. This gave me a feeling of idiotproof-ness.
Alex (and Lee) thank you so, so much! This was just what I needed to make sense of the so many videos (and it made the photos in Lee's book come to life). You probably saved a bunch of people some hospital bills and a lot of frustration with this!
Also, asking for this and then getting it wins the internet for me. Thanks again.
Robin Walker So stoked you dig it. Feels like making a video for one person in mind is the perfect way to make a video that a lot of people can relate to. And those orthopedic doctors will just have to make their money off somebody else!!!
Watched all the tutorials that you talk about in this one, thinking ' but...but...surely you need to..what!'
Then you guys come along and confirm what I've thought and experienced.
You're killin' it again guys, cheers.
There are many techniques and many types of riders. I think this is a super safe technique!!! I love that AND finding what works for you is key!!! You might even that later in your progression you'll begin to integrate other methods. Keep shredding!!!
Lee nailed it, I am not the same person when my wheels leave the ground! I become nervous, stiff and scared...
Breath out slowly right before you hit the ramp or drop. It's a game changer.
Still the best freakin' drop video on TH-cam! Watching it again before I hit Mountain Creek, Vernon, NJ
I love Valmont Bike Park. I’m all over these tips; thanks! Now if I could just manual my way through the pump park(s)...
Luxury low and compressing the bike has improved my riding dramatically. You guys are the best keep up the great videos. Wheelies next!!
Our pleasure!
You guys are simple, straight to the point without the extra fluff. EXCELLENT!
Appreciate the kinds words Jimmy!!
I'm about your age, Alex (57 but female), so I really appreciate your approach to skills improvement and fun! I actually only started watching (lots of) TH-cam since the pandemic and a few months ago learned how to huck off drops thanks to you and Lee (luxury low!) and April & Kyle. I hope you'll come up to Victoria/Vancouver/Whistler one day to ride and film on our technical trails!
Thanks. That would be fun. Need to get back to Whistler.
Interesting...enjoyed the banter and the logic was sound. I'm looking forward to trying it out. Thanks and keep up the good work.
Third or fourth video in and I gotta say, you guys kinda got it figured out. I feel like I'm really good at biking but absolutely suck at describing what my body and bike are doing. You guys are nailing it. I will be reccomending your videos to everyone who asks me how to do stuff. You guys have scienced it. My only critique is on "I don't know how to measure a drop" and the answer is, just don't. Hehe
Thanks. Trying to take a fresh approach. Agree on the drops. I did one in Whistler on dirt merchant that had to be 10 or 12 feet. If i would have known that i wouldn’t have done it. : )
great video, makes me much more confident. thanks!
It takes a lot of practice but your videos help a lot. Greetings from sinaloa mexico
I have made some mistakes of mis-interpreting step down jumps with a minor incline as an opportunity to use Lee's drop technique with not great results though. I'm glad you mentioned this at the end of your video.
Lee McCormack bought his book after 2 years of riding. After that I’ve progressed a lot. Most of my friends been riding longer than I have. Now I can pass them with confidence downhill with easy. Best investment I’ve made.
He wrote the book but you put in the work!!! Never stop progressing!
I watched this 4 or 5 times trying to get my head around the technique, I’m so amazed that Mtb bikes are so much different than Moto bikes, thanks guys
Ha. Yeah it's annoying as a person who rode a lot more moto. : )
You guys are great! I'm just shy of 50 and getting back into MTB after a nearly 20 year hiatus. Your videos help me believe that I can get my skill higher than ever. Now I just need the snow out here in the Northeast to melt so I can start practicing what you're preaching. Thanks!
You truly can. Some amazing research coming out on learning and the bottom line is you can do it!!
I’ve watched every single drop video, including Lenosky, Kyle, GMBN, ALL of them. There was just something missing. THIS made sense, explained and linked missing pieces for me. No weight on hands, too far back get flung, too far forward get thrown. Makes sense. Guys I ride with always say “get back, get back” that didn’t work for me. Great video, Thank you!
Glad it was helpful Amy. Different styles and options out there and I probably do them all depending on the situation. But when you're starting it's important to find that confidence. Stoked this helped!
Guys
I watched your video this morning before going riding this morning and it helped me so much practicing my drops.
Thank You Guys.
Excellent tutorial that is easy to understand, it will definitely help my riding, after getting back into mtb at 53 following a 20ish year break 🤷♂️
Picked a good time to get back into it. The bikes are stellar!!!
Absolutely the best tutorial on drops. Thanks
Great Video, The Rich Drew explanation Is very similar, as someone who has taken his classes and can now hit drops. It’s been misinterpreted. His approach is not to get over the front of the bike. It’s to get low, hips over bottom bracket, the exact same thing you show in first drop. Put the front wheel where you want to go. To say that he is telling people to shove their front wheel into a hole or rock is just plain False. I’m glad to see this video. Just confirms to me that The Drew brothers way Is sound. Respect to you both for putting this out there. I avoided drops for years, because I can’t manual....yet. 😀
Thanks Jay. Rich Drew is on point for sure. Glad to hear you've had a chance to do an actual class. Nothing like that hands on training!!! Keep progressing brother! May the manual happen this year!
Wow, this is really an eye-opener for me! Is it really that simple! Use your hands as a guidance for weight distribution. Fantastic! I've seen lots of video's about basic skills, but I've never seen somebody telling about this really simple but genious tip. It is quite logical when you think of it, but someone has to tell you one time. Thank you!
Glad to hear it was helpful!!
You two are great teachers! thanks, charlie m. from illinois
Nice video! I was also confused by all the different approaches. You and Lee make a good team! I’m 61 and not as fearless as I used to be. The hinge low and center yourself in the bike makes a lot of sense and feels right. Thanks! Just subscribed.
Thanks Dan and welcome to the community. There are a lot of approaches and we've even done videos on other approaches but this is the go-to for us.
Thanks Guys, been riding now a little over a year, to advance on some of the trails I want to ride , I need to get this down, this was very helpful thank you.
a quick way to check if you're centerd during a hinge is to try and let go of the handlebar for a split sec. i mean when practicing on flat. don't go "mum look, NO HANDS" before a drop.
i ride motorcycles and all instructors say "if you'd be scared to lift one hand off the bars mid turn, you're hanging on to the bars and you're cornering wrong". it should apply here
I just watched the video, went out to try the technique, and it seems to work! I started with the look and push technique but found the nose dropping too quickly. I then tried the manual technique, but had trouble getting the timing, speed and amount of lift right. This technique seems very simple but effective:)
Awesome!!! Also check this out: th-cam.com/video/IKtsSr7CGUY/w-d-xo.html
Simplicity - yes please. My head is so full of technique and advice that I am just over thinking so much and the result is sometimes a bit chaotic !!!
What really helped me on drops technique is to visualize pushing the bike forward, rather than pushing my weight back
Thanks for the video. It helped a lot. After watching it multiple times, I just realized the point at 2:12 was at my local bike park. Im pretty sure I witnessed that crash.
Thanks Raheem. Glad you got something out of this video and welcome to the channel. Congrats on the manuals too!!
Excellent video without being overwhelming. Explained direct with lots of right information but still keeping it simple. Thank you
My new favorite channel. Thanks guys for giving this old man confidence.
Drop with jump mechanics - really would love to see a video on this..
"Luxury Low" - Love the advice👍👍👍
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Really wish i found this video before today! I'm brand new to MTB, and went out yesterday to go off my first(very small) drops, (uploading a video of it shortly!) i spent time pulling the bars and shifting my weight back! next time i'm defo gonna try this technique ! thanks guys, new sub here!!!
Best of luck. Welcome to the sport and keep smiling.
Just did a drop class a month ago. We were told to press down on our pedals about 2/3 boards from the end and slide back. Haven't been successful cuz I know I can just roll down it. I'm going to try to your way and see if I can do it without rolling. Thanks.
Hey Alex, thanks for the video. I have found the same with the other videos as per your comments and as a novice still struggling with drops. The tips are great but it would be good to have a video that steps through it a bit more slowly, in a step by step way. For someone learning, that detail is important. i.e. At this point do this, then do this, etc. Even you guys are doing certain things inherently that aren't being stepped through and it's often those things that make the difference. And also 'making the angle'. You touched on it at the end.
All the details are there. It's not helpful to overcomplicate it. Focus on the fundamental moves and the rest will work out. Start small.
Professional, funny, and very enjoyable video,the way you explain, the way how you ride on a bike, makes me think it's easy to do the same. You're motivation😀 Respect!
Thanks so much!!!
Hello from Australia! Keep up the great videos, I find you guys have the best videos for explaining how to ride with an easy to follow technique backed up with technical knowledge, my 10 year old son also loves watching!
Hello from Colorado! Thanks!!
Thank you for these videos. I'm just learning how to get off the pavement and even though I have ridden a lot of miles on a bicycle , I haven't done any real mountain bike stuff and I see how easy it is to overestimate my abilities. Your vids are very helpful for me and inspire me to enjoy the challenges and have insight into the right way to get down the hill in one piece.
Appreciate the kind words!!!
51 year old here. I discover this series only after I move 1000 miles away from Boulder! What an idiot I am. 🤦♂️ Ironically when I lived in Colorado I didn't feel the need to learn these techniques but now I am in the midwest, anything technical is man-made drops and jumps, so I need to learn how to bike again! Good series.
I've been reading Brain Lopes and Lee's book on Mastering Mountain Bike Skills 3rd Edition and that along with your videos are very interesting and helpful because you guys challenge theories and put them to the test. As a result of that you guys are some of the best MTB teachers I've seen, thank you!
Thank you and welcome!
Your videos are just so great. The advice you give to improve technique just immediately makes so much intuitive sense!
Great job guys, im only 29 but i just picked up mtb last year and these tips are really helpful. I really enjoyed the wheelie vid also!
Welcome to our crew!!
@@JoyOfBike Thanks :), its been a lot of fun hitting up local trails and bike parks last summer. Its a really awesome sport.
Thank you so much! I REALLY appreciate discussing the mental stuff, it’s like you’ve done this video just for me. Cheers and happy riding!
Thanks Clive!!
Awesome video. Ill be using this for my first enduro at the end of this month.
Right on!