I've been riding since before you were born. I've seen tons of videos, and read plenty of how-to's and I have to say, this is some of the best, most easy to understand tutorials. The most important skill in riding is being able to lift the front wheel. Whether it's to get up and over something or to ride off a drop. They way you explain it, with visuals is spot on. Hopefully you will help a lot of new riders learn this most 8mportant skill.
Funny that I pretty much jumped the gun in the last video and started talking about drops and here we are! You covered this really well (as usual). One addition that I think makes sense before deploying this "in the wild" is to practice what to do if you mistime the pedal strokes a bit. Make sure you can still handle it off a curb if you start early or late. Early is often more of a problem since your front may be falling as it gets to the drop. Being able to re-ratchet and do a second little pedal punch to prevent OTB can be a life saver!
It's the next step in our skill tree, right? This is a super good point - that extra kick can be a total lifesaver (or stretching out the bike - like how we do when we extend our distance on the wheelbase drill). Definitely a big plus to have both options when Plan A comes up short!
Not everything that works in lab conditions works in the wild. Wheels can get caught on stuff sometimes. It's good to have alternative tools. An extra ratchet has saved me a few times, and there is nothing wrong with the brute force crank and throw, even if it doesn't look especially elegant.
Been working on this exact move lately. Was struggling to get a full wheelbase length on one pedal stroke. I was having to push a gear that felt a touch too strong. Switching to favored foot down so that’s it’s available later in the movement makes sense.
Ah perfect! The gearing makes a difference when you are first learning this skill. Eventually you'll get a feel for how hard you need to push each gear to get this (especially since you wouldn't typically have time to shift down before a drop), but like always - best to get the basics nailed and then build from there. Practice makes progress! :)
This is the first skill i learn way back in 2003, when i transfer from bmx to mtb.😊 We call it back then "wheelie drop" but ive never tried it in that height, it scares me... Hahaha. 😅 Nice videos! Keep it up. 👍🤙
Thanks Eric your videos are always super helpful. You've being an inspiration and a great coach for me at my 6 months trials journey so far. Keep up the good work.
I definitely have the kerbs in my neighbourhood. Must practice wheel base exercises. Definitely glad it was you on the big drop, last drop off the log I did, I had my hand slip off the grip, rolled my ankle and look a little out of sorts on the video. Fully recovered now though so need to practice more.
I hate drops where you have little speed going into them. This looks like a most effective technique. Just have session it now. I like that you Keep the videos short also.
Dude you gotta explain gear ratios for all of us on MTB single speed and trials bikes. what do you ride, and whats the best for jibbing on both MTB and trials, and still be able to ride at a decent speed on your commute or just keeping up in traffic. Nobody has done this yet!
Interesting video, it seems that this is a different version of doing drops (again).. But way better than many of the others, especially when i have seen some riding stiff . And hopeing that their bike suspension will do all the work for them.. To me? Thats just bad tuition, as i omly have a humble hardtail, i have learnt to ride soft. Especially when small jumps kinda creep up on me when riding some trails. And as i am learning this skill myself, sometimes i get it right - but mostly i dont. Stiil the mostly i do's - are slowly starting to improve
So glad to hear that you're seeing improvement! I spent a ton of time riding off (and back onto) curbs when I was first learning. That helped me a ton with my technique as well as my confidence.
Thanks for the cool video! I like to use this technique for urban riding, to drop off of loading docks and other concrete and brick structures. However, I have only managed to use it for small drops on the trail so far. There are a lot of drops on my local trails that consist of granite ledges. The surface is a little bumpy, and the edge of the drop is often rounded, which makes it harder for me to keep the front wheel up until the rear wheel clears the drop. Any tips for this scenario?
I definitely know what you mean - it sort of depends on the situation, but a lot of times, I'll get even further back off the bike so my rear wheel doesn't get hung up - then I quickly adjust my body position forward in the air.
I was practicing this technique last fall and didn't pay attention to my gearing at the time. I was in too easy a gear and looped out into my tail bone. An ouch that kept on giving for a few weeks.
Great wor Aaron ! Back in the day I was watchin match videozine and evolve/revolution… Now I’m watchin your youtube and carthy videos! Times change I guess but not really ahahhahaha 🎉
Wondering about when to use a pure pulling/unweighting manual drop and when to use a wheelie drop. Obvi, at fast trail speed, a slight manual drop is best, but at a standstill, only a wheelie drop makes sense. What about slow speed? I've been practicing and sometimes I feel like wheelie drops are inconsistent with how long I end up lofting the wheel, so larger drops are risky at slow speeds. Pure manual drops are harder to loft the wheel for long enough when speed is low, but at least the length of lofting is predictable. Same question for step ups/punches onto ledges: non-pedalling manuals have less power but seem more predictable? Do you recommend pedaling/wheelies in most of these situations?
Great question! It definitely depends on a lot of factors, but I'd likely use the wheelie drop and pedal up (punch technique) in both situations because I feel like I have a bit more control when the pedals are moving. With the manual version, you're adding an additional element of difficulty (keeping the back wheel off the air) - and when you're pedaling, you can add in a little extra push when necessary. You also have the option to ratchet back the pedals and give it an extra kick in certain scenarios.
Absolutely - and there's a new video on the channel about drops, which I used a 29" full suspension bike. Here's a link! th-cam.com/video/0bG_u1IlXCo/w-d-xo.html
I’ve seen a vidéo with Lee mc cormack....and they start with their good foot up and made a full pedal stroke to land with this foot in the front....what are your thoughts about this thechnic?
Starting with your strong foot first will give you a little extra momentum, but the real technique doesn't begin until your weak foot gets to the top of the pedal stroke. Never hurts to have a little extra speed, surely - but my style of teaching is to remove everything and just focus on the core elements first.
I think actually…starting with your strong foot doesn’t really help, because in a “normal” situation you’d have all kinds of pedal strokes. So it’s best to just learn the part of the skill that makes the difference, then apply it directly. By starting with your strong foot, you’re just simulating the momentum you’d have coming into the drop. It’s not actually part of the move. For example, pushing down on your weak foot raises your front wheel off the ground. The pedal stroke right before that doesn’t do anything other than give you extra speed. So I’d rather concentrate my efforts to learning/teaching the technique itself. My $0.02..
What about when doing it on a full sus bike? Also I'm a little scared of my feet bouncing off the pedals after impact. Any tips that can make me feel more about the landing?
If your suspension is set up right, this should be easier on a full suspension. Should be no worry of feet bouncing off. I'd recommend working on your bunny hop, because that will help dial in landing with control.
@@alimantado373 weight over the back axle is a great way to get catapulted. Really ought to be as centered on the bike as you can be; but really depends on the grade of the landing.
I can't put my finger on exactly why, maybe it's your speaking style, but your videos are just the best out there for instruction. Keep it up man.
Wow, thank you so much! That means a lot to hear.
I've been riding since before you were born. I've seen tons of videos, and read plenty of how-to's and I have to say, this is some of the best, most easy to understand tutorials.
The most important skill in riding is being able to lift the front wheel. Whether it's to get up and over something or to ride off a drop.
They way you explain it, with visuals is spot on.
Hopefully you will help a lot of new riders learn this most 8mportant skill.
Thanks so much - that means a lot!
You make it look so easy!
I panic if my front wheel comes off the ground, but I'm gonna try!
Here's a great video to start with - this will give you a ton of control over that front wheel: th-cam.com/video/FkIaEgtBnpM/w-d-xo.html
panic!!?
you are missing out all of the fun,
it´s like cooking using no salt at all.
Funny that I pretty much jumped the gun in the last video and started talking about drops and here we are! You covered this really well (as usual). One addition that I think makes sense before deploying this "in the wild" is to practice what to do if you mistime the pedal strokes a bit. Make sure you can still handle it off a curb if you start early or late. Early is often more of a problem since your front may be falling as it gets to the drop. Being able to re-ratchet and do a second little pedal punch to prevent OTB can be a life saver!
It's the next step in our skill tree, right? This is a super good point - that extra kick can be a total lifesaver (or stretching out the bike - like how we do when we extend our distance on the wheelbase drill). Definitely a big plus to have both options when Plan A comes up short!
Not everything that works in lab conditions works in the wild. Wheels can get caught on stuff sometimes. It's good to have alternative tools. An extra ratchet has saved me a few times, and there is nothing wrong with the brute force crank and throw, even if it doesn't look especially elegant.
As someone who's trying to learn, your videos are some of the best content I have come across. This is so helpful and makes so much sense. Thank you.
Wow, thank you so much. That’s exactly what I was hoping for, glad these videos are helpful!
Saw a notification that the new Super Rider video had dropped, came to watch it immediately!
Great instructions, this is a must have skill!
Thanks @Teracis! Stoked that you liked it!
Dude love your videos. Gives me tons of things to work and improve on with my riding
Ah, thanks so much for saying that. Glad to hear that these videos are helpful!
Been working on this exact move lately. Was struggling to get a full wheelbase length on one pedal stroke. I was having to push a gear that felt a touch too strong. Switching to favored foot down so that’s it’s available later in the movement makes sense.
Ah perfect! The gearing makes a difference when you are first learning this skill. Eventually you'll get a feel for how hard you need to push each gear to get this (especially since you wouldn't typically have time to shift down before a drop), but like always - best to get the basics nailed and then build from there. Practice makes progress! :)
Which is to say the "right" gear is the one which gives you one wheelbase of travel for one pedal stroke.
This is the first skill i learn way back in 2003, when i transfer from bmx to mtb.😊 We call it back then "wheelie drop" but ive never tried it in that height, it scares me... Hahaha. 😅 Nice videos! Keep it up. 👍🤙
Yup - I still call it a wheelie drop, it's such a good skill to have! Thanks for watching!
Thanks Eric your videos are always super helpful. You've being an inspiration and a great coach for me at my 6 months trials journey so far. Keep up the good work.
His name is Aaron
Awesome! So stoked to hear it, thanks for watching!
Great video, you always explain things well. Thanks!
Thanks so much - I hope it was helpful!
How am I just seeing this channel?? Gotta be some of the best tutorials I've seen🔥🤙
Thanks so much! Glad you found it, hope it's helpful!
This is a skill i used to have but somehow lost over the years whilst not riding much.
Time to brush up on those wheelies and progress to drop offs.
I'm sure it'll come back quickly! I feel like I'm always working on my pedal timing..
I definitely have the kerbs in my neighbourhood. Must practice wheel base exercises. Definitely glad it was you on the big drop, last drop off the log I did, I had my hand slip off the grip, rolled my ankle and look a little out of sorts on the video. Fully recovered now though so need to practice more.
They're so useful - when I was filming, I actually sessioned that lower box for a while before I took it to that last big drop. Always practicing!
@@SuperRiderTV it shows, you have insanely good skills!
excellent vid, as always! Thanks for sharing Aaron!
Thanks for watching! Glad you liked it!
I hate drops where you have little speed going into them. This looks like a most effective technique. Just have session it now. I like that you Keep the videos short also.
Definitely the most effective - thanks for watching, glad you're finding them helpful!
the best channel 💪
Thank you!! 🙏
Drops are just part of why we ride bikes, ammirite? Been doing em for many years and they cannot get old.
One of my favorite parts of riding, for sure!
@@SuperRiderTV So simple, yet so easy to incorporate into the ride. Dirtin or streetin!
amazing, thank you as always
Thanks for watching, hope it was helpful!
5:11
If you take nothing else away from this instructional, just remember the phrase “not ideal”. Reverse engineer from there!
Haha, spot on!
Dude you gotta explain gear ratios for all of us on MTB single speed and trials bikes. what do you ride, and whats the best for jibbing on both MTB and trials, and still be able to ride at a decent speed on your commute or just keeping up in traffic.
Nobody has done this yet!
That's a great idea!
thanks buddy👍
Have fun!!
Interesting video, it seems that this is a different version of doing drops (again).. But way better than many of the others, especially when i have seen some riding stiff . And hopeing that their bike suspension will do all the work for them.. To me? Thats just bad tuition, as i omly have a humble hardtail, i have learnt to ride soft. Especially when small jumps kinda creep up on me when riding some trails.
And as i am learning this skill myself, sometimes i get it right - but mostly i dont. Stiil the mostly i do's - are slowly starting to improve
So glad to hear that you're seeing improvement! I spent a ton of time riding off (and back onto) curbs when I was first learning. That helped me a ton with my technique as well as my confidence.
Thanks for the cool video! I like to use this technique for urban riding, to drop off of loading docks and other concrete and brick structures. However, I have only managed to use it for small drops on the trail so far. There are a lot of drops on my local trails that consist of granite ledges. The surface is a little bumpy, and the edge of the drop is often rounded, which makes it harder for me to keep the front wheel up until the rear wheel clears the drop. Any tips for this scenario?
I definitely know what you mean - it sort of depends on the situation, but a lot of times, I'll get even further back off the bike so my rear wheel doesn't get hung up - then I quickly adjust my body position forward in the air.
Wow you make that 3.5 drop look easy!! Can you show a drop at mtb trail speeds, i dunno 15mph or so, thanks. Awesome vid
Definitely - I'll add it to the list!
Yes please... rolling drop (not by power pedaling the front up)
I was practicing this technique last fall and didn't pay attention to my gearing at the time. I was in too easy a gear and looped out into my tail bone. An ouch that kept on giving for a few weeks.
Oof, that's rough. Hopefully you are all healed up and ready to continue progressing!
Loving your tutorials. What hubs are you using? Particularly high engagement? Thanks
Thanks so much! Using Industry Nine hubs, excellent engagement - makes a difference, without a doubt.
thanks
Have fun!
Great wor Aaron ! Back in the day I was watchin match videozine and evolve/revolution… Now I’m watchin your youtube and carthy videos! Times change I guess but not really ahahhahaha 🎉
Ha, thanks!! So stoked to hear it...miss those Match Videozine days...this is sort of my way of bringing it back!
First time viewer. Nice setup with the boxes. And thanks for the information. 👍🏼
Thanks so much, hope it was helpful!
@@SuperRiderTV
Oh yeah Dude. I subscribed too.
Wondering about when to use a pure pulling/unweighting manual drop and when to use a wheelie drop. Obvi, at fast trail speed, a slight manual drop is best, but at a standstill, only a wheelie drop makes sense. What about slow speed? I've been practicing and sometimes I feel like wheelie drops are inconsistent with how long I end up lofting the wheel, so larger drops are risky at slow speeds. Pure manual drops are harder to loft the wheel for long enough when speed is low, but at least the length of lofting is predictable. Same question for step ups/punches onto ledges: non-pedalling manuals have less power but seem more predictable? Do you recommend pedaling/wheelies in most of these situations?
Great question! It definitely depends on a lot of factors, but I'd likely use the wheelie drop and pedal up (punch technique) in both situations because I feel like I have a bit more control when the pedals are moving. With the manual version, you're adding an additional element of difficulty (keeping the back wheel off the air) - and when you're pedaling, you can add in a little extra push when necessary. You also have the option to ratchet back the pedals and give it an extra kick in certain scenarios.
Can these techniques for dropping be used on a full suspension mtb?
Absolutely - and there's a new video on the channel about drops, which I used a 29" full suspension bike. Here's a link! th-cam.com/video/0bG_u1IlXCo/w-d-xo.html
Thank you. Now all i need is a decent bike
I’ve seen a vidéo with Lee mc cormack....and they start with their good foot up and made a full pedal stroke to land with this foot in the front....what are your thoughts about this thechnic?
Starting with your strong foot first will give you a little extra momentum, but the real technique doesn't begin until your weak foot gets to the top of the pedal stroke. Never hurts to have a little extra speed, surely - but my style of teaching is to remove everything and just focus on the core elements first.
@@SuperRiderTV Thx for your answer.....the counterpart of starting with your bad foot is that it takes longer to learn the move?
I think actually…starting with your strong foot doesn’t really help, because in a “normal” situation you’d have all kinds of pedal strokes. So it’s best to just learn the part of the skill that makes the difference, then apply it directly. By starting with your strong foot, you’re just simulating the momentum you’d have coming into the drop. It’s not actually part of the move.
For example, pushing down on your weak foot raises your front wheel off the ground. The pedal stroke right before that doesn’t do anything other than give you extra speed. So I’d rather concentrate my efforts to learning/teaching the technique itself. My $0.02..
What about when doing it on a full sus bike? Also I'm a little scared of my feet bouncing off the pedals after impact. Any tips that can make me feel more about the landing?
If your suspension is set up right, this should be easier on a full suspension. Should be no worry of feet bouncing off.
I'd recommend working on your bunny hop, because that will help dial in landing with control.
For landing just put your weight back over the back axle, lower your hips.
What Super Rider calls calls 'the sink'.
@@alimantado373 weight over the back axle is a great way to get catapulted. Really ought to be as centered on the bike as you can be; but really depends on the grade of the landing.
I am really curious to know what’s the weight of your bike ?
I think it's around 25 pounds? I just swapped my wheels, which I think dropped a bit of weight.
@@SuperRiderTV thanks !
nice bike!! is that chameleon?
Thanks! Yeah, Chameleon!
Can this be done with 29 inch wheels ?
Absolutely!
Why cant you live in Pittsburgh, PA :(
East coast trails are the best!! Might need to find a way back out there again - I used to live in State College, PA!
What is your gear in
Usually 4th or 5th in the rear cassette
I dunno men. I can't even lift the front wheel. I have tried many times.
You're in the right place - check out the front wheel lift video on this channel, we go super deep into the technique.
Yea me neither. All this is magic to me
why he didnt do a rick roll
Hi
Hi!
Top tip. Do not brake!
🎯
Those constant headshots edits every couple of second for one or two seconds making me dizzy...
Sorry...just trying my best to provide information. Do you think a full voiceover version would be better? I can give it a shot if so...
Please don't change anything Super Rider. Your videos are so helpful as is.