5 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Riding Drop Offs | MTB Skills

[@gmbn]

If you've got any advice for riding drops, share it in the comments below 👇

[@gardie6]

GO FAST!!!

[@pat9861]

Global Mountain Bike Network I don’t really have any advice but can you give me some advice with bunny hops?

[@Andrew_3888]

Can you tell me how to buy bike like you.

[@norfolkmtb1367]

Hold speed and perfect your timing. For me, if you know what to do, timing is the key. Also, a good way to practice is to start going off a curb. Less risk and when you can pull up the front enough to get your back wheel off the curb without dropping your front, you are on the right track. Hope this helps 🤘🏻

[@Andrew_3888]

@@norfolkmtb1367 reply me

[@willlange9978]

Almost 60 now and just beginning to send some drops. This was a good checklist, so thanks Neil!

[@TheLoamRanger]

Good tips Neil. Cheers!

[@tylerkohtz5779]

I find drop offs way easier than jumps

[@antoanangelov5672]

Because they are. 😀 RIGHT ???

[@dukeofmtb]

Same. Getting drop technique down is way easier than jump technique. You'll do 10 foot drops long before you can clear a small tabletop.

[@suurkonn]

@@dukeofmtb Do not agree...

[@dukeofmtb]

@@suurkonn Look at it this way. Drops are a matter of courage. Jumps are a matter of technique. You can learn drop technique in minutes and do a 5 foot drop by the end of the day as long as you have the courage. It takes months and sometimes years to clear jumps with confidence. At the end of the day, that's just my opinion. I don't mean to impose. 😅

[@suurkonn]

@@dukeofmtb Aight, if thats how it went for you...

[@catherine1699]

I totally love your video's. At nearly 50, MTB has become my passion and I am learning so much from you guys. Thank you! (PS nearly 50 year old housewife lol)

[@norfolkmtb1367]

Catherine Bialostocki age is just a number. It’s amazing to hear you have developed a passion for MTB, good luck with your progression. Doing KZbin and watching GMBN has really pushed my riding. ✌🏻

[@qubla2]

As a 49er i had to totally agree

[@jackadler5941]

As someone who started MTB at 60, I know the Stoke! 🤟🏽🚵‍♂️

[@yordyiam]

Well done you, Catherine! :). I'm of a similar age and find that they are many benefits to mountain bike riding at any level of skill or expense. The best thing i've done in a good while for the mind and soul!!

[@jddallager1699]

Good on ya! I'm 72 and started 5 years ago after a lot of years road cycling. Love MTB'ing so much more. Now helping coach a high school MTB team. Ride on! Thanks GMBN for all your great vids too!!

[@hyperjoel]

I used to be terrified of drops but I love them now. Such an awesome buzz when you conquer the fear and nail the landing 🤘

[@HUSHHUSH-]

Dave . Glad he recovered

[@StigguLePetit]

Did he had an accident?

[@HUSHHUSH-]

Stiggu LePetit yes but he is recovered now . It was more than a year ago

[@projecttitanium-slowishdriver]

That accident look bad. I can feel it because in a similar situation I fractured my left wrist badly. I needed an operation and a titanium support to my wrist

[@jonm7272]

I always have a rear mudguard about 50 or 60mm above the rear tyre. Lets you know when your arse is getting close to the back wheel and prevents contact stopping the wheel and firing you over the bars as we see so often on fails and bails.

[@andrewince8824]

Practice on a kerb and then a bus stop where the kerb is higher. It's a nice easy an readily available way to Practice getting that drop right without risking injury. Beginner riders will really benefit.

[@herculesmclovin]

Another mistake is staight manual-like arms. Having your arms straight (because you're trying to get your weight back) means your hands are pulled forward as the front end starts the drop. Equals less control in the air and traction for the land. You need to keep some bend in your arms, meaning you keep better control of the front (useful if you've messed up the take off) better suspension in your upper body, and better ballance on the bike.

[@lnlyby_yt]

Joe Callister this is a great point and now that I think about it, one of the main issues I have with drop offs!

[@CasualMTB]

I'm steadily building up to bigger drops now - recently successfully landed one and then completely forgot about the run out and went straight over a berm - once I've got it dialled I'll work my way up to these GBU drops at FOD!

[@yellaturd]

Interesting tip about shifting weight back rather than hopping up. I'm a beginner trying things too quickly and was out riding in the rain for the first time the other day. A mixture between over shooting a jump, hopping up and not anticipating just how slippery wet plastic peddles are led to my first crash.

[@franticfrancis9710]

I find these “mistake” videos the most useful. I only really started MTB 2 month ago so I’m new to the grand scheme of things and so the videos which tell me things not to do are generally more important because I’ve crashed quite a few times on drop-offs and bigger jumps. I’m not just talking about this video, another one about how you should avoid crashing was also super helpful because you are able to see if you are doing the “common mistakes”. All I can say is, thank you GMBN for teaching me well 🙏🏽👍

[@markyp1965]

The whole of that track, GBU, has just had a complete and long overdue revamp, with work completed by Back On Track and the Dean Trail Volunteers (DTV). In total, the work cost in the region of £20k and the finished track is awesome. However, the guy who has been getting all of these shoutouts went down in the estimations of many people when he saw fit to remove fencing and tape that was there to keep people off of the track because it wasn’t yet ready to ride, just so he could do the drop. It was rightly seen as disrespectful to those that spent hundreds of hours building a track for everyone to enjoy.

[@justinholmes5614]

Big up Dave Jenvey !

[@knowwhey7559]

Jenvey like mountain biking, but mountain biking don't like Jenvey.

[@tanveerzahoor816]

What happened to the dude. Is he still riding.

[@davehoppitt7284]

@@tanveerzahoor816 @ D Ap ml

[@mortonfrankfire5400]

Whilst this is super helpful, I’ve spent the entire time staring at the bike thinking, “damn that’s nice!!” 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@carlosMTB1416]

I really would like to see all these technic tips for people that doesn't want to use a dropper post. Please remake all of them but without the dropper post. Thanks.

[@tmomedrano]

i have seen a lot of mtb tutorials in YT. Neil is by far the best.

[@WorldwideCyclery]

WC has found that just ripping rear brake right off the lip usually does the trick!

[@sfafsashfdh6589]

no

[@shrekshrek5788]

Sounds sketchy

[@leeallman5002]

Great to hear GMBN representing Dave Jenvey. How about using Dave in a tutorial series, showing progression?

[@michellemoore9840]

Love Neil's 'laser precision' breakdown of drop offs. Very helpful!! Thank you so much!! Keep them coming. I could watch Neil do these for every obstacle in the trail.

[@stevepadilla9729]

GMBN, Always great info for the Beginners and advanced riders and helps me at 56-years old to still have fun and be safe. If it doesn't seem possible to try, we can always find a way around until the next time. Thank you for the Videos. I share them with my customers and they now come in and share what they saw with me. Keep up the great work and hope we can support your adventures for years to come.

[@markcosens1]

I was happy with that 1st GBU drop till I saw Jenvey fail. I havent been able to ride it since. Get him on your channel & force him to make more videos!

[@slimbeaux]

Nice to know that I was doing almost the right thing. Mostly I remember just to get the bike forward. Try to keep or bring the wheel up a little bit more. But know, I am still not going over big drops or into jumping.

[@guidodezwaan]

Thanks Neil! I finally found out what i do wrong with trying to manual. I do the wrong technique you described, going up and back with my bodyweight! I hope to fix my technique now.

[@KaneBoggis]

Sick mention for DaveJenvey there, it was a brutal slam and I don't think he's quite recovered since as he seems to have dropped off the radar a bit. Awesome tips on drops.

[@dadventuretv2538]

Thanks Neil. I find your vids so easy to understand and follow. I’m getting better and going bigger, but it never hurts to listen to the theory side and practice the technical aspects of it to make sure I’m doing em because I’m doing em right and not just getting lucky.

[@adrianoconnor9608]

Dave Jenvey what a legend.

[@romanbohacek8719]

Great video Neil. As always. Drops are on my list this spring. Only been brave enough for small like the one in the first part of the video. Also noticed your body position on the small one and the big one where you had speed were a little different. On the smaller you were more in the back. On the bigger you pushed the bike in front of you while staying closer to the center and it looked more relaxed, easy and smooth. Guess I will have to get there with practice 😬

[@norfolkmtb1367]

Good video, with good advice. For me timing is the key. Shout out Dave Jenvey, I cant believe he stopped making videos. Would be good to see him back on KZbin. He was the reason I started my channel. 🤘🏻

[@stuwrightson4576]

Poor Dave!! Brutal!

[@norfolkmtb1367]

Stu Wrightson I cant believe Neil is at the same drop. I dm’d Dave to tell him he got a shout out on gmbn and to get back to KZbin haha. 👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻

[@philo0]

I'VE DONE THAT CRAP THEN

[@norfolkmtb1367]

philo0 ???

[@billywhitham5617]

A true warrior of the MTB scene! 👊🏻👊🏻

[@sentry_rider2573]

Poor Dave Jenvey. Crashed a good one on here. Nice video as always

[@philo0]

First thing I thought too

[@rascott1970]

Yep I thought I recognised that drop!

[@LivingWithTheCoopers]

“Welcome to GMBN, my name is Neil, today we learn how to change a tyre, first you’ll need to work on how to manual” ha ha in all seriousness though we need a Neil vs Chris manual competition, they are the kings.

[@charliedeacon8489]

Haha love the shout out to Dave! Hope he gets back to making videos soon!

[@markroberts9298]

One time a few years back when I first started out mtb biking, I stacked on blind drop off on a local trail. I came around the corner and saw two options in the trail, one rutty and rooty section curving around around a drop and what looked like a mellow slop onto a flat peice of trail. Next thing you know I activate full send on the unknown drop off in completely the wrong position, some how staying on the bike by just yanking my hips back. I then panicked as I saw a tree right next to the path and started jamming my brakes and swerved and crashed into another tree, bending my derailleur and ruining my favourite water bottle. Wasn’t the greatest bit of trail with a blind drop off onto a flat section and a tree almost on the middle of the trail but that was my very first experience with a drop off!

[@joshbarry2333]

As a moderate beginner biker this actually helped a massive amount.

[@rochakpaudyal]

That’s exactly what happened to me then, i was stuck between tire and the dropper post. Hurt my belly bad, but it was just muscle thankfully. I’ll keep that in mind. That made by confidence go down. I need to practice the drops.

[@Delko91]

Thank is for the video I'm.kinda new to mountain biking and drop offs is one of the things I worry most about but now I have a better idea what to think about so again thank you!

[@robbchastain3036]

I'd agree that having your weight back and being relaxed is key to doing big drops, and key to being relaxed is being comfortable and confident on your bike--and each bike is different, so you should do all the basics until you and your horse are ready for the big stuff. And then fly, Robin, fly.

[@nescomanojlovic4714]

Nice and Thx..greetings from Serbia Belgrade x

[@martinallisternarainsamy4018]

Thanks Neil. Great video Was actually struggling with this a bit. Seems like it was meant for me 😀

[@markbails9896]

1:55 - That's where Dave Jenvey did his shoulder iirc? (Edit: Yes, nice to see the shout out to Dave there Neil )

[@norfolkmtb1367]

MarkBails that is the spot. Poor Dave, he had a bad crash on that drop. I wish he would return to making vids. He inspired me when I comes to videos. #bringbackdave 🤘🏻

[@Ollie.r1chards]

@@norfolkmtb1367 anyone know where he has gone?

[@norfolkmtb1367]

Ollie Richards he popped up on someone else’s video I watch around a month ago. They were both out riding and he basically said he left KZbin because there was nothing new for him to do (regarding content). For all I care he could redo all the vids he already done and I’d still watch. I have also dm’d him on instagram but no reply 👎🏻

[@Ollie.r1chards]

@@norfolkmtb1367 damn. I just liked watching him progress with his riding. Shame hes gone now, would be good to see him back

[@smayberry87]

@@norfolkmtb1367 what video was it

[@whiplash231]

Brain Freeze.. This is my whole problem! gottat work on it now that you have pointed it out so well.

[@lamnguyen8429]

I love the ads after the main video. Awesome biking skills by the same guy.

[@kevfromthedev]

Really helpful, I think these are in the FOD and I didn't send them on the day. I've been working on my technique loads, you made them look easy as pie. Next time for sure!! and if I crash hard ill send in for fails and bails. ha ha

[@buckrodgers3096]

Great video and advice as always 👍 There are so many different techniques and skills people can use and it depends on the nature of the drop-off (obstacle) and its position within the trail leading up to and away from it, not to mention the speed you tackle it. So I guess my main piece of advice is that if it's something you're not familiar with or unsure of then stop and get off the bike and just walk it to check out the lines and potential hazards etc. ... if possible watch some other riders who can clear it confidently ... and as always look down the trail where you want to be heading, don't just stare at the lip until it's underneath you!! 😄

[@warrenhalsall3181]

Great mention for Dave. Thought that drop looked familiar.

[@yordyiam]

This is my first visit to the site and I can say on first look it seems a really informative channel. I've subbed up so I can check more of your content out. thanks for your efforts.

[@HHHHSSSEA111]

Big up the Dave Jenvey Massive! That bloke is a living legend.....somehow!

[@superspecky4eyes]

He's a legend because he's not some ex-pro sending 20ft gaps, he's a normal bloke, riding local trails, taking more than his fair share of bumps.

[@lammruss]

Looks good, thanks for posting!! I needed some advice on how and I always find your channel a very good source! Thank you have a great day!!

[@fullsendmountainbiker5844]

Ah Forest of Dean! I live close to there. Such a great bike park. I’ve actually done that drop he did at the end there it’s pretty good

[@willshih6719]

Thanks Neil, very helpful!

[@slobaks]

Feel some fire ins stomach watchin this and end results, but helpfull stay focused, relaxed, and practice.

[@todduncyclist7974]

@Global Mountain Bike Network did my first drop today, thanks for the tips!

[@finanzsystemhandel]

Thanks for the tips. I think i was lucky in the last summer.

[@kollosie]

Hi guys! As always good video, Neal! I remember Martyn said something about hitting the brakes while being mid-air and how it lifts the front or the back of the bike. I think he mentioned that in one of the fails and bails specials. Can you make a video about that topic? Would be nice to see the effect and know how to use it.

[@DjJDtech]

Do we need any more proof that Dave Jenvey is a living legend? We miss you Dave!

[@pink43560]

Dave Jenvey properly sent it there...Thought I recognised that dropoff.

[@chuckwalters4759]

That bike looks fantastic!

[@sdd1994]

Gonna use these this weekend. Thanksb

[@eliotcrowe7884]

#askgmbn You briefly covered this in the video, but I'd be interested to hear more about skills when a jump or drop-off comes immediately after a tight turn. I get nervous thinking that I won't be straightened up in time to take the jump or drop off, and generally just take it super-slow, which is no fun!

[@mikejoned7148]

One good way is ride and have fun. If your not having fun then what's the point . Lot of people are worried about what other riders will think of them. Not true any bike rider is amped to see other people having a good time on their bike. I am a bmx rider and I personally used to let my head mess me all up before even getting to the trails

[@poormansmtb5204]

Will you please do a video on the mountain penny farthing I would love to learn more about it and i always learn a lot from gmbn

[@davidrichards2234]

Great video guys 😁👌🏻

[@aminrazawan482]

Awesome video as usual! Thanks Neil

[@camshaft1840]

I just can’t get over how beautiful that bike is.

[@johnbouttell5827]

Dear Neil, my NYR is to use a Concept 2 rowing machine in the off season. Please make a video called, 'Rowing for Cyclists.' Thank you.

[@greghenderson1362]

Off season, what's that? I've done 31 fatbike snow rides since mid November. ;-)

[@darcyodea2303]

Thanks for the tips

[@maxtorque2277]

Can i add one trick i used to help me size up drop offs, Stop, get off you bike, and (when no one else is coming!!!) lie down, with your head, forwards, off the drop, looking at the path your tyres actually take! Suddenly, without the extra height of your body (6.2" in my case!) drops look a lot smaller and more manageable, which means more relax, less tense, and a smoother drop!

[@derman3658]

Always sight the line.

[@aleaiactaest8354]

Great video! 👍

[@connorevans4149]

Pretty sure thats my favorite trail up the FOD! GBU, good the bad the ugly, smashed my old giant glory frame off that drop one dark wet evening with no lights, "just 1 more run" we said 😂😂 loving the videos!

[@wernereiskalt8176]

The Trails Neil was, were very nice to practice!👌 I'd like to be there!

[@leroygibb9243]

Of lately i've pretty much ditched the manual into drop off technique for a simple flick / push on the bars and remaining in attack position. And as of yet i ain't crashed and my transition into the trail is much more nailed. Am I right on this technique ???

[@Petr388]

In higher speed i guess it is a proper technique. But the slower you go the more you rely on 'that manual technique' :D.

[@rascott1970]

I’ve received some coaching and that was what I was told. Don’t manual, stay centred in attack position and just before the lip you pump down with both arms and legs. This unweights the front end and allows you to ride off the lip level. It’s working for me off small drops

[@Petr388]

@@rascott1970 i gues that really depends on the speed. More speed less effort, more centered. Less speed more pull on the bars (by your back, not arms) and more weight transfer to the back.

[@rascott1970]

Pita38 hi just saw this reply. I was told more speed, less pump required. Less speed the more you have to pump. Makes sense to me. Have just discovered a local riding spot with bigger drops do will put this to the test

[@andreasqueo6547]

Clearly explanation! Nice one Neil!

[@InsaneDynamics]

It's all about working your way up to larger drops. 7ft drop is the largest I've done so far.

[@DeejayRach0]

Wooow thank you so much for this video

[@Max-pt4tx]

Good vid. So important to mention getting too far back. Don’t wanna get carried away and sit on that tyre 😂

[@reybatistafan]

Love your videos guy keep them coming! So glad I found you!

[@garygilbert1127]

first fs was a trance 29er and drops scared the living shit out of me so I built a few different sized drops in the local woods to play around on, I was getting the hang of them on the 29er then bought a jeffsy 27.5 and now barely notice them, I still have some wtf am I doing moments but find the slacker head angle and smaller wheels more forgiving.

[@alphabravo675]

I just did nose dive to sack shred 4 meter skid without using brakes as my parts became trapped between back tire and frame. I had just removed rear mud guard because it was catching on the tire i wish id kept it on now.

[@MTBTexasBikeRider]

Great video 👍😊

[@danguy4019]

This is a super helpful video again guys!! Love it and keep it up also gave an instant like 🔥🤘

[@jammyscoot3646]

I can all ready to do most of these how to videos but I watch them because I find them very entertaining.

[@JayG94]

Cool vid, love the bike! What is it exactly?

[@sydyscz3306]

Hey i want to asi im not watching dirt shed show but the drop offs can be a bit different on a hardtail so if u can do a video on it too i would not mind

[@PACEUK22]

Respect for referencing Dave Jenvey

[@31acruz]

Goo job, great video!

[@gmbn]

Thanks! 👍

[@jeromemorespeeder3503]

Hello Neil, i think that one thing important with drop off is the speed of the bike too, with the Manual technic, if you don’t have speed enought (

[@Petr388]

than maybe a wheelie technique should be proper. Watch Skills with Phil video about drop offs, he describes and shows it pretty well. He is also an amazing downhiller who once chased Aaron Gwin in US champs before he crashed….

[@LumenateBinauralBeats]

Haha Dave jenvey getting a shout out

[@givethedogadrone]

And a mention for the legend Dave Jenvey

[@jamesdunn7526]

Dave got a shoutout ❤️

[@henryfarron7483]

Great video

[@donski8687]

Nice video !! what bike is that ?

[@pineapplemtb6385]

I’m always worried about what happens on a drop and that stops me from having fun so now I recommend telling your self that you know how to ride so you’ll be fine There’s more to it but that’s just to make it simple

[@davemcleen]

Always helps

[@jjxc5853]

Really informative vid man. Hv to get better at those

[@dizzyx3614]

Seths my fav!!

[@mtblover]

Nice vid! I like that front mudguard. Which one is it and where can I get one?

[@onsight2822]

Great vid Neil - what we're those pants ??

[@jessetrue2956]

I think rebound settings are worth mentioning. But I guess that's more about AFTER the drop.

[@rikkis7319]

Can anyone tell me where this was filmed? Looks fun and wanna try and visit if I can