Alex and Lee: Your collaboration is absolutely topnotch! Great chemistry together, complementary explanations, applied physics, superb editing. Hoping you both keep it up ... and maybe team up on some LLB Valmont Bike Park live instruction?
JD Dallager Wow. Really appreciate your kind words. Let us know if there’s a topic to cover. Working on a list of ideas. Lee has tried to suck me into some assistant coaching occasionally. Maybe we can make something special happen. That could be fun.
Easy to follow your explanations as they make sense. I am looking forward to trying the pop and drop when our weather allows. Thank you for taking the time to show the science at work.
interesting to think about but totally inaccurate in this example. the '10mps2' only if nobody on the bike as a riders mass through the pedals will influence this rate possibly even increase the rate due to the leverage (pivoting around the rear axle). though in reality hands gripping will counter this rotation & therefore the riders body mass creating a triangle between tyre contact points, and the theres then the inertia of the total mass rotating - this rotation is initiated by the front wheel dropping off the lip. good technique for riding drops is as much about countering and controlling this forward rotation than anything else. the timing between your wheels passing the drop point. longer duration = more rotation lesser duration = less rotation hence why at high speeds there is literally no rotation off a drop when maintaining a firm riding posture
@@8iamretarded8 10 mps 2 is the acceleration due to gravity. It's not related to the mass of the object being accelerated, and it's a constant. Well, 9.8mps I think. But anyway, rider doesn't change that.
Best Channel for the old dudes learning how to ride! I am 44 in a couple of month and just started riding bikes. Your videos are super helpful! Thanks for that! 💪🏼
the danger here is, that if you "pop" less than necessary, your back wheel can hit the edge of the ramp and that will turn your whole bike and your face into ground.. try more like lighten the front wheel and in the last moment pop from the back wheel. Thats easy and much safer
I agree, this tutorial is actaully pretty bad for beginers. I bet some people get hurt hopping from drops if they dont have absolutely perfect timing or enoough speed. Definetly much safer and controled way is to more like bunny hop into landing.
This is how I mostly always do it due to having learned jumping BMX bikes at young age.. Only really do a full "pop" launch at higher speeds on rather even surfaces; need to know that back tire will clear. Otherwise I unload the front(maybe just hand back, maybe give the bars a bit of a tug) and get weight on the back wheel and give a little jump just before the crest. An oddly time bunny hop but no hopping might be involved; just momentum redirection.
I prefer not doing a pop drop technique (except for really slow drops) because if you do the pop to early your rear wheel will catch the back of the drop and it will slingshot you 180 degrees in 0.2 sec 😂
If you pop too early, then your rear wheel catches, and you get catapulted over the bars. If you pop too late, then you're pushing your front wheel down off the drop... and you get catapulted over the bars.
I love that you bring in some science. I've watched dozens of drop videos, but this is the first that made something click and got me feeling like, "okay, I know how I can build up my confidence now." Thank you!
I am SO glad I stumbled on this channel! It's nice to see a couple of guys in my age bracket teaching me things I can work on. I am very new to mountain biking, been a long-time roadie, and looking forward to new skills. THANK YOU!
Great advice guys. I use this all the time in situations like this. I have had a few mishaps where I began my pop too late, and you already know what happened after that: a catastrophic nose dive over the bars and over the drop into the ravine. But like he said practice this a millions times on small drops till the timing for the pop at any speed feels natural.
I really love this channel - I'm a 63 year old mtb rider and I am loving shredding the trails - but I'm quite a cautious rider - I wanna be braver and jump more and learn to manual etc etc ... this channel has taught me loads - thanks !! Keep em coming. Lee is a superb tutor...you're an excellent double act
That comment about "hitting the flow zone" is so true. I find that when I'm being more playful and moving around on the bike, I feel so much more comfortable getting in the air and just kind of letting the bike work with me.
It's nice to see a proper explanation into what is actually happening with the bike, instead of the typical put your weight back and figure out the speed to roll in. Amazing channel!
"Progress at a rate that gives you maximum joy” - Wow!! Words of wisdom! I'm 44 yo who just rediscovered the joy of bicycle recently; trying to do stuff I didn't get to try when I was 14, lol.. Thank you very much for the super clear, super helpful and super awesome instructions!!! But most of all, thank you for the wisdom and contagious positivity!!
Guys your channel is brilliant, I have no words 👍👍👍 Too bad UA-cam didn't recommend it earlier. I am subscribed to many MTB channels, I have seen countless videos on how to do drops, I have been practicing to manual for weeks a few minutes every weekend. Still I am unable to reliably do a "clean" drop. I saw this video with no previous knowledge on how to pop my bike; went out to try it, the first 3-4 times only my front wheel popped, but I was conscious on my bike position and what the video explained, so after a few more tries I managed to reliably pop both wheels. It was time go to my "drop test area", a clean dirt road with a side drop leading to a clean flat area; the drop is between 30 cm in the lowest part to 60 cm in the highest. I started slowly so went to the 30 cm drop section, and I did it first try with perfect control! 😤 Or as perfect as I could hope for. I repeated a few more times with the same results. So of course I went for the higher 60 cm section. I landed nicely on the two wheels and absorbed the hit with my legs and arms easily. I repeated this a few more times and every time I could reliably do it. I am so glad 😊 . I have to keep practicing it before I can apply that on a trail with little run area and a more difficult landing, but this is the first step. So thumbs up 👍. I'm in my late 40s, been riding XC for all my life, only for last year I started doing some more technical stuff, gnarlier trails, steep downhills, garden rocks... Of course my lightweight XC was not suited so after saving for some time sold the XC and got myself a nice trail bike. Not on the high end, but I love my Canyon Neuron :) . Additionally I checked your bike fitting video and I'm all good here as well 😃 .
Another good video. Time to go practice. It is interesting to hear Lee say that just by adding the pop he hit the rock drop more comfortably and joyfully than the other hundred times he has done it. There is always something to learn and get better at riding trails. Thank you!
This is really good I need to practice n practice n practice this. Just hit a 5 foot drop and crashed, I wish like hell I had a video so I could see what I did wrong . This is going to really help me. I hope !!!! I took Lees class many years ago at Demo I loved it.
I wanted to say something cool, but JD, pinned above, already said it best: "Alex and Lee: Your collaboration is absolutely topnotch! Great chemistry together, complementary explanations, applied physics, superb editing. Hoping you both keep it up" This channel has become, by far, my favorite MTB skills channel. I LOVE it that you guys are deliberately aiming your content at over 40 athletes who didn't grow up on bike parks!
Thanks Kerry. Lee and I have a couple more in the works already. We plan to take on the physical, mental and emotional journey of the over 40 rider. A new vid drops on Thursday where Lee take on his own mental obstacle (we all have them) and uses the techniques he uses on students on himself to try to smash through it.
I really like this technique for riding smaller drops on a steep trail that I am unfamiliar with. I'm riding slower, as I learn the trail and features, and just popping everything, since I can spot the farther landing. This is a consistent technique to make this situation more forgiving, even if it is the 9% technique, instead of the 90% technique.
Agree with JD, the chemistry is really great. Nice to see some older guys still sending it. At my age I'm looking to get better.....at my own rate, and with fun......not get hurt!
This is really good. I worked this it for myself eventually but the difference of approach in all the various “how to” videos kept me unsure of the right way to do it for years.
Thank you Denzil! One of my rules, and I think Alex is on the same page, is to *show* what we're talking about, rather than making the viewer create his/her own mental picture. We'll keep getting better at this. Thanks for watching!!
@@lee_likes_bikes yesterday I cleared a 4m tabletop for the first time after studying and watching a How To Jump video you did with a female Cyclocross and XC rider. Your whiteboard descriptions really helped this 50yr old understand the dynamics of getting off the ground. Thanks Dude🤟🏼
I love the measured and scientific approach of this. It was not about "feel", it was focusing on "this is the speed you need, this is how high to jump".
After popping over a painted line or sidewalk expansion joint (@4:00) a few times, try this for your next progression: Do the same exercise on a trail that has exposed roots, water bars, or embedded rocks that stand proud of the track. Those features will give you instant and non-ambiguous feedback regarding your execution of the pop. No need to video yourself. You could put a stick on the sidewalk, but if you hit it with your front wheel, it will move and you won't know how your back wheel did. There is a bonus: you'll be landing on a trail, so you'll start developing aim and landing skills on surfaces that are not as smooth (AKA: artificial) as you'll find at a skills park.
It works! The timing got to be right! Practice off the trail helped me lots. I am now subconsciously popping everything! And of course the turbo is much forgiving for the last minute speed gain. Thanks 🙏
Las time this bunny hop 'pop' technique save me from a most probable bad crash. I was going downhill at speed on my road bike on this new stretch of very smooth tarmac, on a road I was not too familiar with. Then I suddenly saw a dug up trench across the whole width of the road some 50 feet ahead, and at the speed I was going there was no way I was gonna stop or slow down enough. My emergency mode kicked in and a split second mind decision to pop over the trench which was around 12 inches wide and 4 inches deep with hard sharp edges. I made it and I was so relieved that I had saved myself and my bike too. It's good to practice this technique regularly so that when you need it, it will come naturally. Nice video well done!
Just letting you know I'm really enjoying this channel. The simplicity approach has helped. I look forward to trying these different drop techniques out again once the trails dry out. I like the push pull and hip hinge stuff. The only one I'm having trouble with is the bunny hop. Seems like both this and the other technique work. It seems to hurt my bum shoulder trying this way but I probably need more practice. BTW, I'm 52, just started 4 years ago with my son and I fall more in love with it every time I'm out. It literally has changed my life, it's all I think about. Last February, I bought a Yeti and it's been it's been insanely awesome and better than I could have imagined. I just love how at this age, I can improve and continue to learn. It's great for the brain and for the body and the mind. It really is the best thing ever!
You got it. Good for brain and body!! Watch the 101 drop vid too. Might be more helpful if your shoulder gives you trouble. Lee bunny hops from the middle because of his shoulders but it is a problem. The day we did the vid his shoulder was hurting too much to do a lot of hops. Enjoy that Yeti!!!
I appreciate how devoted the rider was at 2:10 to fully demonstrate what happens when you attempt a drop at insufficient speed. Your committment will be rewarded, hope you didn't get any injuries, friend.
Great video on drops! easy to follow and great instruction by adding the pop in the learning process! Helped a bunch! Plus, added humor keeps me laughing.
Topnotch content indeed! It's the best video I've watched so far about drops. You did a scientific approach that clearly explains the physics behind a drop. I've been looking for content like these. I'm happy to have found it! More power to you both!
Best drop video I've watched. The presentation of rotation as compared to speed is exactly what I needed to understand what's going on. Thanks for putting in the extra work to get that across.
This "pop technique" just looks like an easy way to clip the back on the edge of the drop. Plus, I wouldn't want to drop higher than what I have to by essentially prehopping off the drop. I do see where it can be useful in advanced maneuvers but I just can't see this as a practical way for beginners to do it.
Great points. We suggest that everyone start with this approach, which works for most drops: ua-cam.com/video/7i2GK1NDStM/v-deo.html The Pop-A-Drop approach is for edge cases ... and for experts.
I used to try to manual drop a while ago, but at some point, I started popping my drops naturally, and I can say popping the drop is such a safe way to ride. I do occasionally clip my back wheel, but that's never that big of a deal. Your back only hangs up for milliseconds, and you drop fine. I've done pop drops at super slow speeds and it works great! I would say I pop drops more than I roll drops. Even when I roll drops, I tend to unweight the bike anyway. I may not pop off the ground, but I have unweighted the bike. Here's an example of me hitting a drop of a narrow rock at super slow speeds in Moab: ua-cam.com/video/DcRDXNCSF6w/v-deo.html The pop was definitely critical. You could try to manual off, but it would be super difficult while trying to stay on the narrow path.
Also prehopping anything large with a short steep landing is a good way to nail yourself. It is so much better just to learn how to lift the front wheel properly or manage the weight distribution of the wheels going off a drop. I would probably only use prehops as an advanced technique for racing or changing your trajectory off a small jump or drop.
I’ve used a similar technique in races, it only really works if you are going too slow and won’t make the drop otherwise, for example I started to slide in a corner before a drop, lost a lot of speed and had too use a few cranks but that was not enough so had to use my version of this. I basically do a more verticale version of a manual-bunnyhop if that makes sense, It’s essentially the same technique as they used but instead of going straight up you go a little backwards too, this way the front wheel gets lifted first and there is a little delay before your back wheel lifts. Creates a bit of height that you can use in case you don’t have the speed. It’s probably not the best way to learn for beginners as you can end up pulling too hard or too little, which will send you either doing a frontline or backflip, and relying on this is just bad, kinda like you said, you start to make unnecessary night and get rougher landings, so in the end you can hit them at higher speeds.
Best mtb channel I have seen in a long time, no non sense content! Also love how Lee shows things exactly how he put in the book. Keep up the good work boys!
Your "Luxary Low" really made the difference in the last few Weeks Riding. I have to smile sometimes because it is so simple and it pops up in Mind all the time now when i get into this Situation or even a other unexpected sketchy situation. Your Channel rules! Thank you very much for all the amazing Content! Seeeend it!
This is a great video, it really helped me learn how to do drops. My local bike park put in a drop that is 3.5 ft high with a flat landing. Or at least a big gap which was difficult to clear unless you had a ton of speed which was difficult to do because of where it is located on the trail. I have been injured twice on it and am trying to encourage them to take out the gap by fixing the landing. This video helped me understand what the problem with it is. Not really intermediate friendly.
Best video for drop technique. This is very similar to Kyle/April "Pop Jump" technique which has given me a ton of confidence on jumps. Everything about this method makes sense to me especially the practice and getting the rear tire over the line. It seems much safer of a technique b/c the rider is in more control over the landing angle. Thank you for the video and well thought out instructions!
I love the length and packed content of your videos ... just long enough to have time to explain everything with a couple repetitions so we can grok it. Great job here!
fantastic video, my first Joy of Bike vid and already checking out your website. Excellent instruction style and graphics, probably the most informative tutorial I've seen here. Thank you.
Have been riding for a couple of years but have been terrified by drops in general because I couldn't understand how to land safely. Watched so many videos on drops but yours has finally given me the understanding on speed and gravity effects .. thanks so much for making such a valuable video.
Love your channel.... thanks for doing these over 40 videos. I've always been active, surfing, snowboarding, motorcycling... and always wanted to MTB. I'm just getting into it at the ripe old age of 54... these old bones (don't heal as easy as they used to) REALLY appreciate your wisdom and skill. Your vids are helping me a ton. Thanks guys.
Hi John! Thanks for the kind words. We offer live clinics all summer in Boulder, plus camps in Moab, plus we travel around the US (after Covid). We also offer virtual coaching and an online MTB school. You can learn more at www.leelikesbikes.com. Feel free to email me for more info ... leelikesbikes at gmail dot com.
This technique is very good, than any other shown on UA-cam tutorials on drops, mostly pro athletes used it specially on slopestyle competitions. I use this all the time.
Hmmm, interesting.... been riding quite awhile now and, quite frankly, have done drops wrong the whole time, lol! This makes sense. New sub, gonna go check out some of your other vids now...
Thanks and welcome to the crew. There’s more than one way to do a drop. As long as it’s comfortable and predictable and it makes you happy it’s right!!
I think this is why I feel that younger riders should start with something like bmx. as a BMX and downhill rider I already understood this stuff the second I picked up a downhill bike and I feel it's helped me be way way faster than most people that have been on a downhill bike as short as I have. I'm 17 now and my Commencal meta AM29 came 2 weeks ago. I've rented at bike parts like snow summit and mammoth mountain for years but I remember vividly passing many people on yetis and bikes with the crazy expensive fox factory suspension on a rental fuel ex 7 at mammoth mountain 3 years ago. I think BMX and dirt jumping has helped me A TON! I fell in love with this sport because I already understood it and picked up the bike and started shredding quickly! I think that's all thanks to BMX because I never had to think about stuff like this it all just naturally came to me!
Thanks for this tip! I started out on sidewalks then progressed to rollable drops and drops requiring a pop. Instead of just pulling my body to the rear, it looks cooler.
Glad I stumbled across your channel, I’m 36 and only recently got into mtb so taking in all your advice, definitely making me want to ride more. Great channel 👍🏽💪🏽
As a trials rider I’ve been doing drops by hopping on my back wheel to the edge and then dropping onto the back wheel & folding up to absorb the shock. Started MTB riding and wasn’t too sure of how to do this rolling forwards. Your two videos sorted me out. Slowly getting higher, little & often 😉. Still do the trials thing to get my mates shouting at me to get a move on😂
Love it. That trials move takes greater skill and more practice bu I guess it’s not the fastest. Your skills and willingness to put in the reps will help you progress quickly I’m certain.
Great video, this is the best video I have seen explaining the physics behind drops. I could never figure out why wheels didn't land flat and now I understand why.
I really love your videos too. Started mountain biking at 40 and now at 44, I have discovered a love for going fast and for getting air on my bikes, even my fully rigid fatty in the winter. Sometimes I think I might be crazy and wonder if I'm too old to be pushing myself like this and learning more advanced techniques, but then I decide that I just don't give a shit. It's way too much fun! And besides, I feel like a kid again when I'm on my bikes anyway! Looking forward to more and more videos.
Thanks for this. As you say, the technique that works with a perfect roll-in and sloped landing, like those at skills areas and parks, is not ideal on natural trails. The pop technique here is much safer as it allows you to keep the front wheel up when your speed is low or your landing is flat. A lot of other tutorials don't cover this but it's essential if you don't want to endo.
Amazingly, I watched a very recent video from a different YT channel about drops. In one section, the person describes using the manual/pulling weight over back wheel approach to drops. The person demonstrates an extreme backward weight shift on pavement. However, when trying to show what that looks like off a drop, the person is actually just doing exactly what you are demonstrating here. Keeping weight centered over the bike, popping straight up, and pulling handlebars back slightly in a row. It's interesting how people can think they're doing one thing mechanically, but they're actually doing something completely different.
You guys explain things so well and make it look easy and fun. I can't wait to get out there and try it. One question, is there any difference to the pop technique with a hardtail bike? I still haven't "sprung" for full suspension.
This is such a helpful video--and thanks for allowing me (us) to start small until comfortable. You're not rushing me, which I love. I also appreciate understanding the angles at which the front tire drops, depending on speed. This is really something I feel as though I can practice and get the hang of. Brilliant.
Alex and Lee: Your collaboration is absolutely topnotch! Great chemistry together, complementary explanations, applied physics, superb editing. Hoping you both keep it up ... and maybe team up on some LLB Valmont Bike Park live instruction?
JD Dallager Wow. Really appreciate your kind words. Let us know if there’s a topic to cover. Working on a list of ideas. Lee has tried to suck me into some assistant coaching occasionally. Maybe we can make something special happen. That could be fun.
@@JoyOfBike That would be SUPER fun!
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+1 on this comment. Power couple.
Easy to follow your explanations as they make sense. I am looking forward to trying the pop and drop when our weather allows. Thank you for taking the time to show the science at work.
Love this: “Don’t rush it, don’t let people push you; progress at a rate that gives you maximum joy”. So well said!
Thanks! If it stops being fun something is wrong!!
Indeed!
As a middle-aged beginner, I now need to learn how to pop with my hardtail MTB. I want to experience the joy out of poppin' an MTB!
Quote for the ages!
H! Can I do with hardtail? I'm 85kg fat?
love the physics in the explanation not just repetitive shots of the drops.
this is what you get when a mature rider does a tutorial.
PJ Sinohin Thanks PJ. This one took a lot of time with calculators and equations but I absolutely love adding the physics.
interesting to think about but totally inaccurate in this example. the '10mps2' only if nobody on the bike as a riders mass through the pedals will influence this rate possibly even increase the rate due to the leverage (pivoting around the rear axle). though in reality hands gripping will counter this rotation & therefore the riders body mass creating a triangle between tyre contact points, and the theres then the inertia of the total mass rotating - this rotation is initiated by the front wheel dropping off the lip.
good technique for riding drops is as much about countering and controlling this forward rotation than anything else. the timing between your wheels passing the drop point. longer duration = more rotation lesser duration = less rotation hence why at high speeds there is literally no rotation off a drop when maintaining a firm riding posture
Overkill
@@8iamretarded8 10 mps 2 is the acceleration due to gravity. It's not related to the mass of the object being accelerated, and it's a constant. Well, 9.8mps I think. But anyway, rider doesn't change that.
I just learned more than I did my entire junior year of high school.
😂
Ha, thank you!
You had a really bad high-school
That's what I tell my mum every time she tells me I watch to much UA-cam videos :D
Pretty sure it's because we only watch things on youtube that we're actually interested in!
Best Channel for the old dudes learning how to ride! I am 44 in a couple of month and just started riding bikes. Your videos are super helpful! Thanks for that! 💪🏼
Great to hear!
Clicked on this thinking it was going to be a video with more than 40 mtb tips
And old dudettes
the danger here is, that if you "pop" less than necessary, your back wheel can hit the edge of the ramp and that will turn your whole bike and your face into ground..
try more like lighten the front wheel and in the last moment pop from the back wheel. Thats easy and much safer
Yeah instead of a traditional bunny hop similar to this vid, you can do more of an American bunny hop style of pop
Or you could just fly
just scrub it
I agree, this tutorial is actaully pretty bad for beginers. I bet some people get hurt hopping from drops if they dont have absolutely perfect timing or enoough speed. Definetly much safer and controled way is to more like bunny hop into landing.
This is how I mostly always do it due to having learned jumping BMX bikes at young age.. Only really do a full "pop" launch at higher speeds on rather even surfaces; need to know that back tire will clear.
Otherwise I unload the front(maybe just hand back, maybe give the bars a bit of a tug) and get weight on the back wheel and give a little jump just before the crest. An oddly time bunny hop but no hopping might be involved; just momentum redirection.
I prefer not doing a pop drop technique (except for really slow drops) because if you do the pop to early your rear wheel will catch the back of the drop and it will slingshot you 180 degrees in 0.2 sec 😂
that is why speed is important
you mean like his example at 2:55 where this is exactly what happens? This technique is not only bad, but also very dangerous.
If you pop too early, then your rear wheel catches, and you get catapulted over the bars. If you pop too late, then you're pushing your front wheel down off the drop... and you get catapulted over the bars.
Agree, don't think this is a safe technique to use. Late pop, rear wheel catches the lip of the drop and that'll be some quick nose diving.
I love that you bring in some science. I've watched dozens of drop videos, but this is the first that made something click and got me feeling like, "okay, I know how I can build up my confidence now." Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
I am SO glad I stumbled on this channel! It's nice to see a couple of guys in my age bracket teaching me things I can work on. I am very new to mountain biking, been a long-time roadie, and looking forward to new skills. THANK YOU!
Thanks gents. I’m a 65yo accident on wheels, but your explanations (particularly this one) are so helpful. I’m still trying!
Great advice guys. I use this all the time in situations like this. I have had a few mishaps where I began my pop too late, and you already know what happened after that: a catastrophic nose dive over the bars and over the drop into the ravine. But like he said practice this a millions times on small drops till the timing for the pop at any speed feels natural.
I really love this channel - I'm a 63 year old mtb rider and I am loving shredding the trails - but I'm quite a cautious rider - I wanna be braver and jump more and learn to manual etc etc ... this channel has taught me loads - thanks !! Keep em coming. Lee is a superb tutor...you're an excellent double act
Keep shreddy!
This channel is the single greatest mtb training channel on UA-cam. Well done gents.
Glad you enjoy it!
That comment about "hitting the flow zone" is so true. I find that when I'm being more playful and moving around on the bike, I feel so much more comfortable getting in the air and just kind of letting the bike work with me.
It's nice to see a proper explanation into what is actually happening with the bike, instead of the typical put your weight back and figure out the speed to roll in. Amazing channel!
Thanks! 👍
"Progress at a rate that gives you maximum joy” - Wow!! Words of wisdom! I'm 44 yo who just rediscovered the joy of bicycle recently; trying to do stuff I didn't get to try when I was 14, lol..
Thank you very much for the super clear, super helpful and super awesome instructions!!! But most of all, thank you for the wisdom and contagious positivity!!
Thank you for your inputs,..still practicing it at 33 with my hardtail bike.
Guys your channel is brilliant, I have no words 👍👍👍 Too bad UA-cam didn't recommend it earlier.
I am subscribed to many MTB channels, I have seen countless videos on how to do drops, I have been practicing to manual for weeks a few minutes every weekend. Still I am unable to reliably do a "clean" drop. I saw this video with no previous knowledge on how to pop my bike; went out to try it, the first 3-4 times only my front wheel popped, but I was conscious on my bike position and what the video explained, so after a few more tries I managed to reliably pop both wheels. It was time go to my "drop test area", a clean dirt road with a side drop leading to a clean flat area; the drop is between 30 cm in the lowest part to 60 cm in the highest. I started slowly so went to the 30 cm drop section, and I did it first try with perfect control! 😤 Or as perfect as I could hope for. I repeated a few more times with the same results. So of course I went for the higher 60 cm section. I landed nicely on the two wheels and absorbed the hit with my legs and arms easily. I repeated this a few more times and every time I could reliably do it. I am so glad 😊 . I have to keep practicing it before I can apply that on a trail with little run area and a more difficult landing, but this is the first step.
So thumbs up 👍. I'm in my late 40s, been riding XC for all my life, only for last year I started doing some more technical stuff, gnarlier trails, steep downhills, garden rocks... Of course my lightweight XC was not suited so after saving for some time sold the XC and got myself a nice trail bike. Not on the high end, but I love my Canyon Neuron :) . Additionally I checked your bike fitting video and I'm all good here as well 😃 .
Welcome to the channel and congrats on the progression. Appreciate the words of encouragement.
Another good video. Time to go practice. It is interesting to hear Lee say that just by adding the pop he hit the rock drop more comfortably and joyfully than the other hundred times he has done it. There is always something to learn and get better at riding trails. Thank you!
Paul S YES!!! Always something new to learn. I’ve been working on 360s and I’ve got Lee working on his 180s.
This is really good I need to practice n practice n practice this. Just hit a 5 foot drop and crashed, I wish like hell I had a video so I could see what I did wrong . This is going to really help me. I hope !!!! I took Lees class many years ago at Demo I loved it.
I wanted to say something cool, but JD, pinned above, already said it best: "Alex and Lee: Your collaboration is absolutely topnotch! Great chemistry together, complementary explanations, applied physics, superb editing. Hoping you both keep it up"
This channel has become, by far, my favorite MTB skills channel. I LOVE it that you guys are deliberately aiming your content at over 40 athletes who didn't grow up on bike parks!
Thanks Kerry. Lee and I have a couple more in the works already. We plan to take on the physical, mental and emotional journey of the over 40 rider. A new vid drops on Thursday where Lee take on his own mental obstacle (we all have them) and uses the techniques he uses on students on himself to try to smash through it.
Thank you Kerry!
Very informative, I have wondered this for years. Thank you
Wow!!! Great coaching. I just subscribed!!
Watched a few dozens of videos and this is the clearest explanation I have seen so far!👏
Great video! And great explanation of the technique!
Thank you! Cheers!
These two videos were perfect. The previous video for Whistler Bike Park, and this video for my local trails on the North Shore in Vancouver.
been doing this in riding for years, still learned a few things from this vid. awesome!
I really like this technique for riding smaller drops on a steep trail that I am unfamiliar with. I'm riding slower, as I learn the trail and features, and just popping everything, since I can spot the farther landing. This is a consistent technique to make this situation more forgiving, even if it is the 9% technique, instead of the 90% technique.
Agree with JD, the chemistry is really great. Nice to see some older guys still sending it. At my age I'm looking to get better.....at my own rate, and with fun......not get hurt!
Perfect goals!
I love that you actually explain whats happening with actual physics, rather than some mushed up paradigm that is vague.
This is really good. I worked this it for myself eventually but the difference of approach in all the various “how to” videos kept me unsure of the right way to do it for years.
Thanks. And keep shredding!!
Brilliant video. The explanations create that Aha moment as opposed to seeing riders flying off or over things without understanding why.
Thank you Denzil! One of my rules, and I think Alex is on the same page, is to *show* what we're talking about, rather than making the viewer create his/her own mental picture. We'll keep getting better at this. Thanks for watching!!
@@lee_likes_bikes yesterday I cleared a 4m tabletop for the first time after studying and watching a How To Jump video you did with a female Cyclocross and XC rider. Your whiteboard descriptions really helped this 50yr old understand the dynamics of getting off the ground. Thanks Dude🤟🏼
@@denzilbart5882 Right on man, right on!
I love the measured and scientific approach of this. It was not about "feel", it was focusing on "this is the speed you need, this is how high to jump".
"This drop wasn't built by Alpine Bike Parks, it was built by Boulder Community Hospital Orthopedic Department" 🤣🤣🤣
MTB conspiracy theories!
Ha!
Having ridden that drop I agree, tail cased it like my 4th or 5th time hitting it and barely managed to save it haha.
I laughed so hard I spit my food everywhere 😄
After popping over a painted line or sidewalk expansion joint (@4:00) a few times, try this for your next progression: Do the same exercise on a trail that has exposed roots, water bars, or embedded rocks that stand proud of the track. Those features will give you instant and non-ambiguous feedback regarding your execution of the pop. No need to video yourself. You could put a stick on the sidewalk, but if you hit it with your front wheel, it will move and you won't know how your back wheel did.
There is a bonus: you'll be landing on a trail, so you'll start developing aim and landing skills on surfaces that are not as smooth (AKA: artificial) as you'll find at a skills park.
gato ryak Great idea. Great build. And there’s nothing more fun than popping roots and rock on trail.
That is a great idea.
The break down of what actually happens to the bike is amazing. I've never understood it as I do now thanks guys!
Thank you!
It works! The timing got to be right! Practice off the trail helped me lots. I am now subconsciously popping everything! And of course the turbo is much forgiving for the last minute speed gain. Thanks 🙏
Great clip! 🏆 Gotta try it
Las time this bunny hop 'pop' technique save me from a most probable bad crash. I was going downhill at speed on my road bike on this new stretch of very smooth tarmac, on a road I was not too familiar with. Then I suddenly saw a dug up trench across the whole width of the road some 50 feet ahead, and at the speed I was going there was no way I was gonna stop or slow down enough. My emergency mode kicked in and a split second mind decision to pop over the trench which was around 12 inches wide and 4 inches deep with hard sharp edges. I made it and I was so relieved that I had saved myself and my bike too. It's good to practice this technique regularly so that when you need it, it will come naturally. Nice video well done!
Very good with the illustrations ! Nice and helpful video.
Thank you! Cheers!
Thanks. Never crossed my mind. I like the way you guys think. Brilliant!
Just letting you know I'm really enjoying this channel. The simplicity approach has helped. I look forward to trying these different drop techniques out again once the trails dry out. I like the push pull and hip hinge stuff. The only one I'm having trouble with is the bunny hop. Seems like both this and the other technique work. It seems to hurt my bum shoulder trying this way but I probably need more practice. BTW, I'm 52, just started 4 years ago with my son and I fall more in love with it every time I'm out. It literally has changed my life, it's all I think about. Last February, I bought a Yeti and it's been it's been insanely awesome and better than I could have imagined. I just love how at this age, I can improve and continue to learn. It's great for the brain and for the body and the mind. It really is the best thing ever!
You got it. Good for brain and body!! Watch the 101 drop vid too. Might be more helpful if your shoulder gives you trouble. Lee bunny hops from the middle because of his shoulders but it is a problem. The day we did the vid his shoulder was hurting too much to do a lot of hops. Enjoy that Yeti!!!
I appreciate how devoted the rider was at 2:10 to fully demonstrate what happens when you attempt a drop at insufficient speed. Your committment will be rewarded, hope you didn't get any injuries, friend.
This is the best description I’ve heard. Educational and clear. I will be practicing!
Great video on drops! easy to follow and great instruction by adding the pop in the learning process! Helped a bunch! Plus, added humor keeps me laughing.
Welcome to our nascent channel Joey. We will try to keep you smiling.
Best how to drop video i've ever seen
Glad you dig it. Welcome to the channel!
Thank you! Welcome!!
Simply awesome you guys are doing great.
Phenomenal content. Been riding for years. This was very helpful and will pass it on.
Glad to hear it was helpful. Keep shredding.
I've learned so much from Lee. I took a clinic from one of his coaches and it REALLY helped.
Love your videos! I hope i can apply all of them.
Topnotch content indeed! It's the best video I've watched so far about drops. You did a scientific approach that clearly explains the physics behind a drop. I've been looking for content like these. I'm happy to have found it! More power to you both!
Thanks 🙏
Best drop video I've watched. The presentation of rotation as compared to speed is exactly what I needed to understand what's going on. Thanks for putting in the extra work to get that across.
Mike Bradley Right on! Stoked that it helped. It’s fun adding that little bit more science.
You are welcome!! Science --> understanding --> confidence --> fun.
This "pop technique" just looks like an easy way to clip the back on the edge of the drop. Plus, I wouldn't want to drop higher than what I have to by essentially prehopping off the drop. I do see where it can be useful in advanced maneuvers but I just can't see this as a practical way for beginners to do it.
Great points. We suggest that everyone start with this approach, which works for most drops:
ua-cam.com/video/7i2GK1NDStM/v-deo.html
The Pop-A-Drop approach is for edge cases ... and for experts.
I used to try to manual drop a while ago, but at some point, I started popping my drops naturally, and I can say popping the drop is such a safe way to ride. I do occasionally clip my back wheel, but that's never that big of a deal. Your back only hangs up for milliseconds, and you drop fine. I've done pop drops at super slow speeds and it works great! I would say I pop drops more than I roll drops. Even when I roll drops, I tend to unweight the bike anyway. I may not pop off the ground, but I have unweighted the bike. Here's an example of me hitting a drop of a narrow rock at super slow speeds in Moab: ua-cam.com/video/DcRDXNCSF6w/v-deo.html The pop was definitely critical. You could try to manual off, but it would be super difficult while trying to stay on the narrow path.
Also prehopping anything large with a short steep landing is a good way to nail yourself. It is so much better just to learn how to lift the front wheel properly or manage the weight distribution of the wheels going off a drop. I would probably only use prehops as an advanced technique for racing or changing your trajectory off a small jump or drop.
Agree! Casing with the back wheel seems extremly dangerous if it is not a curb.
I’ve used a similar technique in races, it only really works if you are going too slow and won’t make the drop otherwise, for example I started to slide in a corner before a drop, lost a lot of speed and had too use a few cranks but that was not enough so had to use my version of this. I basically do a more verticale version of a manual-bunnyhop if that makes sense, It’s essentially the same technique as they used but instead of going straight up you go a little backwards too, this way the front wheel gets lifted first and there is a little delay before your back wheel lifts. Creates a bit of height that you can use in case you don’t have the speed. It’s probably not the best way to learn for beginners as you can end up pulling too hard or too little, which will send you either doing a frontline or backflip, and relying on this is just bad, kinda like you said, you start to make unnecessary night and get rougher landings, so in the end you can hit them at higher speeds.
Nice Job Guys! Love the slow motion and basic physics explanations
Thank you and welcome!
Best mtb channel I have seen in a long time, no non sense content! Also love how Lee shows things exactly how he put in the book. Keep up the good work boys!
Thanks 🙏
@@JoyOfBike As colorado shredder myself I should stop by Valmont one day and pick your guys' brains 😀😄😄
@@arturlach6830 That would be brilliant. Maybe jump in a private or group session with Lee.
Your "Luxary Low" really made the difference in the last few Weeks Riding. I have to smile sometimes because it is so simple and it pops up in Mind all the time now when i get into this Situation or even a other unexpected sketchy situation. Your Channel rules! Thank you very much for all the amazing Content! Seeeend it!
excellent video-have watched so many drop videos, this is one of the best; so often speed is not an option
This is a great video, it really helped me learn how to do drops. My local bike park put in a drop that is 3.5 ft high with a flat landing. Or at least a big gap which was difficult to clear unless you had a ton of speed which was difficult to do because of where it is located on the trail. I have been injured twice on it and am trying to encourage them to take out the gap by fixing the landing. This video helped me understand what the problem with it is. Not really intermediate friendly.
Best video for drop technique. This is very similar to Kyle/April "Pop Jump" technique which has given me a ton of confidence on jumps. Everything about this method makes sense to me especially the practice and getting the rear tire over the line. It seems much safer of a technique b/c the rider is in more control over the landing angle. Thank you for the video and well thought out instructions!
Glad you dig it!!
Thank you!
These are awesome lessons. Thanks guys. Love the humor interspersed also!
Just saw that you've been making videos for a few months now, binged a few. GREAT STUFF! Let's ride bikes someday
Hi Ryan! Thanks for reaching out!! Let's do!
Thanks man. Been at it for nearly 4 months. For some reason it just started to take off a bit so the algorithm finally showed it to you I suppose.
I love the length and packed content of your videos ... just long enough to have time to explain everything with a couple repetitions so we can grok it. Great job here!
Glad you like them!
huge video...thanks a lot! subbed! ✌👊
Working on my "pop" this weekend!
Absolutely brilliant tips! Thank you guys a lot. The only question - why I found this genius guide right after I crashed from my first drop? 😅
fantastic video, my first Joy of Bike vid and already checking out your website. Excellent instruction style and graphics, probably the most informative tutorial I've seen here. Thank you.
Thank you and welcome!!
Awesome video! I like how your facts are backed out with the speed vs angle chart! It kicked in for me! thanks for sharing!!
Have been riding for a couple of years but have been terrified by drops in general because I couldn't understand how to land safely. Watched so many videos on drops but yours has finally given me the understanding on speed and gravity effects .. thanks so much for making such a valuable video.
Happy to help!
Love your channel.... thanks for doing these over 40 videos. I've always been active, surfing, snowboarding, motorcycling... and always wanted to MTB. I'm just getting into it at the ripe old age of 54... these old bones (don't heal as easy as they used to) REALLY appreciate your wisdom and skill. Your vids are helping me a ton. Thanks guys.
Welcome to the club!!!
This is some of the best MTB content on UA-cam, great job! I want to come to your skills Dev camp, when is that?
Hi John! Thanks for the kind words. We offer live clinics all summer in Boulder, plus camps in Moab, plus we travel around the US (after Covid). We also offer virtual coaching and an online MTB school. You can learn more at www.leelikesbikes.com. Feel free to email me for more info ... leelikesbikes at gmail dot com.
You guys are smashing these videos!! Great job Alex and Lee! Thank you boys!!!
Right on. Thanks 🙏
Another bad ass video from the best teachers out there.
This technique is very good, than any other shown on UA-cam tutorials on drops, mostly pro athletes used it specially on slopestyle competitions. I use this all the time.
Hmmm, interesting.... been riding quite awhile now and, quite frankly, have done drops wrong the whole time, lol! This makes sense. New sub, gonna go check out some of your other vids now...
Thanks and welcome to the crew. There’s more than one way to do a drop. As long as it’s comfortable and predictable and it makes you happy it’s right!!
I have always heard to try and manual off drops. We have a 4-5 footer and I feat looping out if I don't go fast enough. Maybe a small pop is the key.
I think this is why I feel that younger riders should start with something like bmx. as a BMX and downhill rider I already understood this stuff the second I picked up a downhill bike and I feel it's helped me be way way faster than most people that have been on a downhill bike as short as I have. I'm 17 now and my Commencal meta AM29 came 2 weeks ago. I've rented at bike parts like snow summit and mammoth mountain for years but I remember vividly passing many people on yetis and bikes with the crazy expensive fox factory suspension on a rental fuel ex 7 at mammoth mountain 3 years ago. I think BMX and dirt jumping has helped me A TON! I fell in love with this sport because I already understood it and picked up the bike and started shredding quickly! I think that's all thanks to BMX because I never had to think about stuff like this it all just naturally came to me!
Thanks for this tip! I started out on sidewalks then progressed to rollable drops and drops requiring a pop. Instead of just pulling my body to the rear, it looks cooler.
I liked seeing the degree angle difference based on speed. It makes sense, but it helps to see it illustrated like that.
Wow... im at a lost for words! This is awesome!
Bren Bascos Thanks Bren
Very well done 👍🏻 👍🏻
You guys are giving me the confidence and knowledge I needed to try drops and mid sized jumps. Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦
Thank you! Cheers!
Glad I stumbled across your channel, I’m 36 and only recently got into mtb so taking in all your advice, definitely making me want to ride more. Great channel 👍🏽💪🏽
Welcome aboard!
I love the detailed explanation! And this is just the first video I watched from your channel. Already clicked subscribe.
Love these vids - I use them to progress my confidence and ability and recommend them to buddies! More, more , more pls!
More to come!
Thanks for the video!
As a trials rider I’ve been doing drops by hopping on my back wheel to the edge and then dropping onto the back wheel & folding up to absorb the shock. Started MTB riding and wasn’t too sure of how to do this rolling forwards. Your two videos sorted me out. Slowly getting higher, little & often 😉. Still do the trials thing to get my mates shouting at me to get a move on😂
Love it. That trials move takes greater skill and more practice bu I guess it’s not the fastest. Your skills and willingness to put in the reps will help you progress quickly I’m certain.
Lovely and awesome hats off 👏
Demo at the beginning is a brilliant illustration.
Great video, this is the best video I have seen explaining the physics behind drops. I could never figure out why wheels didn't land flat and now I understand why.
Great tips guys, I'm subscribed now thanks and take care👍
Andrew M Welcome to the crew!
Really enjoying these videos! Keep it up
We have lots planned for 2021. Welcome to the channel!!!
the thematic music absolutely sets off the killer mtb advice. love you guys
So friggin well explained!
👍
I really love your videos too. Started mountain biking at 40 and now at 44, I have discovered a love for going fast and for getting air on my bikes, even my fully rigid fatty in the winter. Sometimes I think I might be crazy and wonder if I'm too old to be pushing myself like this and learning more advanced techniques, but then I decide that I just don't give a shit. It's way too much fun! And besides, I feel like a kid again when I'm on my bikes anyway! Looking forward to more and more videos.
Well if you’re crazy at 44 what does that make me at 57? 😂 Rhetorical question.
Thanks for this. As you say, the technique that works with a perfect roll-in and sloped landing, like those at skills areas and parks, is not ideal on natural trails. The pop technique here is much safer as it allows you to keep the front wheel up when your speed is low or your landing is flat. A lot of other tutorials don't cover this but it's essential if you don't want to endo.
Amazingly, I watched a very recent video from a different YT channel about drops. In one section, the person describes using the manual/pulling weight over back wheel approach to drops. The person demonstrates an extreme backward weight shift on pavement. However, when trying to show what that looks like off a drop, the person is actually just doing exactly what you are demonstrating here. Keeping weight centered over the bike, popping straight up, and pulling handlebars back slightly in a row. It's interesting how people can think they're doing one thing mechanically, but they're actually doing something completely different.
very comprehensive tutorial!
how not to pop-a-shoulder when over 40 :D
now on a hardtail please..
PJ Sinohin Funny. And no doubt. It can be a lot more gentle landing with the front wheel a bit higher.
Agree with the hardtail!
Question, would a small bunny hop work better than a simple hop?
You guys explain things so well and make it look easy and fun. I can't wait to get out there and try it. One question, is there any difference to the pop technique with a hardtail bike? I still haven't "sprung" for full suspension.
any updates on this? ^^
Hello, great videos!!! A quick question, will you change technique using a rigid bike?
This is such a helpful video--and thanks for allowing me (us) to start small until comfortable. You're not rushing me, which I love. I also appreciate understanding the angles at which the front tire drops, depending on speed. This is really something I feel as though I can practice and get the hang of. Brilliant.
I really liked it. I wish I could ride with you guys,and learned some tricks from you. You're absolutely masters. Greetings from Kosova.
Always welcome