Basics of Technical MTB Climbs w/ The Drewbros: Featuring the 2021 Specialized Levo SL

#richdrew #drewbros #specializedlevosl
How not to "smash your bike off rocks" is what I should've called this one The terrain here on South Mountain is no joke and Rob is the master of technical lifts. It was fun going back to school and having him walk me through all that "nuance" of properly getting the bike over obstacles like this. I don't think it's any coincidence that I was able to finally get up the Waterfall right after we did this video.
How much harder is it on the Levo SL? Funny you should ask that because I don't think it is. That's part of why I DIG this bike so damn much! That little extra boost of power, combined with the fact that it's only slightly heavier than a normal trail bike, makes it that much easier to get up situations like this. I was certainly VERY curious to see how Rob would take to the SL, especially in these harsh conditions. Well, as you can see, he's really getting comfy on it.
THE KEYS TO TECHNICAL LIFTS:
1) Try to come in seated if possible. Being seated allows you to rock your torso against the seat and help create the leverage for the lift.
2) BE DYNAMIC! Don't come in hunched over in that "loaded up" position. Stay tall and upright, then rock that torso and be sure it's rocking back when you reach the obstacle.
3) BE IN THE PROPER GEAR! Not too hard, but sure as heck not TOO EASY!! Try a few and see what works.
4) DO SOMETHING! Don't just roll up and smash into the obstacle and hope to get lucky. You have to move! At the very least, if your arms (elbows actually) are relaxed, you can let the bike come into you and absorb the obstacle. If you think about rocking your torso back, your arms are connected to the bars and that will induce the bike moving up.
5) Shift your hips. Your hips are SUPER powerful getting a better understanding of how they can help you on the bike is critical. Find a spot where you are somewhat comfortable getting over a small lift and try shifting your hips a bit more dynamically and see what happens.
6) Pedal out of it! Obviously be careful about pedal strikes, but realizing you can slowly, and effectively, apply torque to the surface is critical. This is where gear choice is crucial!
In my opinion, and experience, technical lifts are about technique application. When you can stack power on top of technique, you become a dangerous person!
Have fun and let me know what you think in the comments.
BIKES: 2021 Specialized Levo SL Expert www.specialize...

[@rducut]

No silly music no fancy edits. Know the technique and execute. Riding lesson at its pure form. We need more of this from these brothers.

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Haha, I LOVE to hear this! I agree that the content is most important and we’re certainly looking forward to bringing you more of this.

[@willbros1499]

@@richdrewtherideseries ...Tell me you wouldn't look forward to seeing the smoke billowing out of his years and the red face if he failed a climb. "THAT is why flats are the bane of the mountain biking world, and clipless is far superior! That's perfect evidence right there!" LOLOL

[@robdrew596]

I had a great time doing this with you Rich. Im really looking forward to sharing more with your viewers. I'm excited about how much more we have to cover!

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Right back at cha dude! It was a blast and I’m looking forward to more, ESPECIALLY since it seems like the audience wants some more 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@gregwebster8784]

I hope there's more because, that's my favorite type of riding.

[@davidwhite9817]

I love the dynamic between Rich and his Big Bro Rob!

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Thanks Davo! We need to get Andy to post some of the "behind the scenes" we captured on this shoot ;)

[@joachimgrammig9590]

very influential for me. did that on some obstacles on a schoolyard. kid came and said: I have an ebike too. I was on an analog bike:) thanks for making lifts so much fun for me 😀 greets from Germany 🇩🇪

[@erikk.2435]

Rob is like the grumpy old man that everyone wants to be friends with! Love him, and he’s so smooth on that bike.

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Best description I’ve ever heard!

[@jeffjacksonmtb]

"Your biggest asset is your mass." Well, then... I have a huge advantage in this area! 😅 Great video!

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Haha! Me too!

[@humblehardtail229]

Nice! Very helpful 👌I'm learning every video you are producing.. can't wait for more. Thanks mate

[@richdrewtherideseries]

I love to hear this!! More on the way soon!

[@01nmuskier]

These guys hit all of the key concepts. Come in with momentum and maintain the momentum. A dropper post isn't all up or all down. A 1" drop is really useful. I have coached people who end up 4 gears bigger than the granny gear they initially tried to use spinning up a technical feature.

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Thank you!

[@StrengthCircusDD]

Awesome to see skilled guys like you 2 on these ebikes. There are a lot of E haters out there but these things open up all sorts of new possibilities when it comes to these climbs. Great seeing Rob in the videos dropping some knowledge on us too!

[@richdrewtherideseries]

I agree Taylor. I don’t quite understand why some people don’t appreciate what the e bikes bring. It’s opened up a whole new world of riding for me and I’ll have one in the stable from here on out!

[@hanselsanjuan8003]

Very nice video! Thats whats cool about the Drews is they are confident but they are down to earth and open minded about theyre weakness. Keep going Bro!!!

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Thanks Hansel! I love being there with Rob to work on those weaknesses! The tech climbing piece is a major one for me.

[@rodspov1915]

What an awesome video! this is going to my "MTB how 2s" folder for sure. Thank you!

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Heck yeah man! I’m just glad it’s not in the “old guys how 2s” 😉

[@TCK71]

Amazing riding skills.

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Thank you! It’s always fun riding with Rob and watching him lay down the skill.

[@crt269]

Great tutorial guys. Rob is just so light in his execution it’s just amazing. This was clearly demonstrated at the end.......

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Thanks Chris! Yeah, it’s incredible how well he can execute in situations like this.

[@johnglynn7795]

Hey guys, thanks for sharing the video! Rob, be home at the end of Nov and can’t wait to ride this time of year in PHX. Blue skies man, Jg

[@johnmccool7551]

Ya bro the two Drew’s .good stuff.don’t change anything .

[@lazylearner967]

Loved the format of this! Thank you Gents. More Rob Drew please!

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Thanks for the feedback! You’ll see more Rob soon!

[@garypostell5268]

Awesome more of that please!

[@richdrewtherideseries]

It's coming Gary!

[@lonewolf30531]

I enjoy this channel . Old guys trying to be cool . I fit right in .

[@sapyproducts]

Another How To video delivered! It’s great to see Rob taking part in your videos, and also seeing you guys riding the SLs without making a big deal about it.

[@richdrewtherideseries]

It’s been fun for sure! Got a couple more coming out of this block of shooting and we have another one lined up. We’re pumped to get some more out there. I really look being able to just “converse” with him about the specific technique. He’s full of gems and it’s awesome to capture them!

[@outerislandsurfing8755]

Thanks Rich , I get what your doing . Revolutionary mtb video. Thank I learn more from you than any other. Keep uploading pls

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Thank you so much!! Stay tuned for more good stuff!

[@slademcinerney6461]

Really enjoyable how to, scenery amazing, the advice was even better. Well done gentlemen.

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Thanks Slade!!

[@gregwebster8784]

Stoked to see your brother back! Great video!

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Thanks Greg! I'm excited he's gonna be around more as well.

[@johnfitzgerald7891]

Rich, you must be the true wizard of OZ. Just click your heels together and say there's " No Place Like Home". I vote to keep the shoes. Loud and proud.

[@richdrewtherideseries]

HAHA! I'll keep em, just might need to be careful which videos they appear in.

[@XxCWEB16xX]

Definitely more DrewBros content in the future! Great stuff, guys!

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Thanks Cody! More coming soon and it looks like we might need to get Rob out to BVille to shoot some more 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Stoked_MTB_Family]

More Rob and Rich!

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Don’t you mean “more Rich and Rob” 😉

[@bltbiking7448]

Awesome tutorial guys. Definitely need more Rob in future videos!

[@richdrewtherideseries]

More grumpy old man in future vids, got it 😉

[@TheTennisCompany]

Absolutely a great "how-to" instructional video for us non-mere mortals. My biggest issue is after the lift. I tend to lose momentum by cutting out a pedal stroke, I hesitate, which is a punch climb killer. I watched Rob's last lift and climb and he seamlessly continues the pedal as though all he is doing is simply redirect but with a forward lean to help clear/pull up the back end of the bike, all without stopping his pedal work. Watching Drew approach the rock it seems your lift is so effortless, rather than a "lift" you seem to ride into the lift similar to getting a wheelie started (powerful stroke and lift at the same time). The fear of hitting my bottom bracket or pedal stroke after the lift seems to the driving force behind my momentum stall.

[@richdrewtherideseries]

You’ve highlighted a VERY common occurrence Will. I dealt with the same issues the first time I rode this terrain with Rob. What worked best for me was visualizing (and rationalizing) what needed to happen and putting myself in a position to work on it in a setting that was pretty “malleable.” The mental side of this is quite fascinating. I can hit the same lift here in Phoenix multiple times and it always looks, and feels, rough the first few attempts. Once the confidence comes back, everything just smooths out.

[@jeffjacksonmtb]

Oh!... and another vote for more Rob! You guys are both excellent riders, but humble and passionate about passing on your knowledge to other riders. Thanks!

[@richdrewtherideseries]

He's certainly racking up the votes!

[@thezonemtb]

2 votes for more videos with Rob.

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Only one vote at a time ;) More to come fella!

[@thezonemtb]

@@richdrewtherideseries The 2nd was a vote from Diane. haha

[@jeffjacksonmtb]

The very last segment (outro) is what makes SoMo SoTiring. Lift after lift after lift. Great full body workout, though. Love it.

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Oh yeah, that was a brutal section! Certainly helped to have that Levo power.

[@Jacob99174]

Drew family rocks!

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Thanks Tim!

[@peterward2845]

Naturally, more Rob Drew is a good thing

[@richdrewtherideseries]

I don’t know if I’d call it a “natural” Peter 😳😁

[@peterward2845]

Rob the Sensei 👏🏻

[@richdrewtherideseries]

I think he’d prefer “Yoda” actually

[@scottvan6064]

Hey Rich big fan keep them coming, only request would be is to do a slow motion after clearing the obstacles. And hey Rob do you like flat pedals. ( one of my favorite videos )

[@jmard24]

I always appreciate the vids. What I also like is how you guys arent running top of the line components. Hopefully some of the other riders understand how good " entry level" suspension works even tho fox doesn't really have entry level suspension. With that said i need to get to arizona. Wont do any of that stuff, but ill definitely ride next to it.

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Hey Thomas! I've never felt I needed top of the line anything. It's get a bit tricky when you ride consistently in situations like this though. In the Bentonville area I can get away with suspension that isn't great per se, but you need some solid performance on trails like these here at South Mtn. You really do have to get out there, it's awesome!

[@coreyalarcon2521]

More Rob Drew!!

[@richdrewtherideseries]

The votes for Rob are stacking up!!

[@kymtaylor5433]

Jeez I'd have to lay out inflatable air bags before I attempted that 😃😃 well done always enjoy and learn from your videos 👍

[@richdrewtherideseries]

I certainly could’ve used an airbag when I was trying to climb the waterfall. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@rctayas]

Good information

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Thanks Rafi!

[@dangitboy1918]

Bring on the Rob!!!

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Oh don’t you worry, we’re gonna do it!

[@rogerd9405]

I'm sorry but Ronald McDonald wants his shoes back. JK but I couldn't stop looking at the shoes. LOL

[@richdrewtherideseries]

I know man, they are loud!! I didn’t realize they would have such an impact. I seriously might have to remove them from the video rotation.

[@rogerd9405]

@@richdrewtherideseriesI'm just giving you a hard time. Love your content.

[@jeffbuchan1180]

Great video. I went out and immediately applied things I'd learned on the trail. I'd love to see more in AZ and the Phoenix area and more on technical climbing skills as well. For instance, the best technique for getting up long steep technical rocky climbs and what about a wheel lift with another obstacle right where you put your front tire? I like that you mention what gear to be in as well. Thanks guys

[@richdrewtherideseries]

More to come!

[@damonbourne]

That @robdrew guy is smooth. Interesting to see the slight contrast in styles between the two of you. The technique is useful for all tech rocky stuff, like on Apple Dumplin and Here's Johnny in Bentonville, don't you think?

[@richdrewtherideseries]

He is Damon and I agree on the style contrast. I tend to rely a bit more on power and he doesn’t have that option. It’s a bit of a “nature VS nurture” scenario as well I think. It certainly is useful on the Black Apple stuff. That’s probably the best are to practice it around here.

[@damonbourne]

@@richdrewtherideseries I´ll be in B'ville again in a month so I´ll look forward to practicing! At the moment in the upper-midwest, the only biking is fatbiking and it´s currently -20 here! ugh. So there is no biking...

[@stewartsummerside8131]

We want more collaboration with Rob 🤟

[@richdrewtherideseries]

The people have spoken! It’s coming!

[@TrailBreaker]

I LOVE Rob’s intensity but he’s not angry enough. Please ask him about flat pedals 😁

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Haha! I need to have a flat pedal in my pocket in every video and pull it out at the most inopportune time.

[@jdavis417]

Guess what? I got a fever! And the only prescription.. is more cowbell! (or Rob Drew will do as a nice substitution) ;)

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Haha! I'll let him know

[@juniper4009]

very smooth fellas

[@richdrewtherideseries]

👊🏻😉

[@nwamtb]

we need some techy climbs in bentonville!!!

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Word on the street is that we're getting some very soon.

[@nwamtb]

@@richdrewtherideseries awesome cant wait to practice techy climbs!!!!

[@willbros1499]

@@nwamtb ....I think you'll enjoy the new trail at Coler. Especially the section that runs N and S that parallels the greenway. There are two really good technical climbs going N to S on it, with one having a sharp left hand turn, some angled rocks, and then a pretty big lift at the top at the steepest section. There are a couple of other spots where you have to negotiate the rocks and trees. There are a couple of places out at Blowing Springs that are really challenging technical climbs as well. There are some around...you just have to search for them. We definitely don't have "the waterfall," but we've got some challenges to prepare for that sort of bigger challenge.

[@nwamtb]

@@willbros1499 where is the new trail at coler? Maybe I should ride up rock solid sometime for some good practice 🤣

[@willbros1499]

@@nwamtb ....You know, I've only ridden it at night following others. But...starting from the south lot, we took the trail to the right off the greenway and follow that until it drops down and crosses the bridge. Then, where Oscar's loops around, and you used to have to go left or right, you go STRAIGHT through that, and up a punchy rock armored climb. Then you follow that all the way until you hit the first "Copperhead" entrance, and you can climb up there, but the last time I was there the rowdy looking trail that comes almost vertical from the top down to the bottom, was closed. It looked like they were close to having it all armored though, so not sure of the status now. It's a lung burner for sure, sort of like "Here's Johnny," but it's a different sort of technical experience. It's definitely worth a try if you enjoy technical climbs, and I think the rip down will be a blast once opened!

[@wallacesilvafilho548]

Sensacional sua dica💪👏👏

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Thank you!

[@fxtacy]

more therobdrew and more therichdrew w/ therobdrew.

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Ask and ye shall receive!! You're gonna see way more of him Buddy, trust me!

[@StudlyMotoCo]

I’m digging the shoes rich.

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Thanks Aric! 👊🏻 They’ve certainly gotten some attention 😳

[@briannhoy650]

I think I would be a lot more confident on the trails I can climb like that. Great vid!

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Thanks Brian!

[@t.o.f.t.s.]

Great stuff

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Thank you!! More to come soon 👊🏻

[@JBradd-po3xy]

I appreciate the lessons on an ebike, without making it about an ebike.

[@richdrewtherideseries]

These things certainly blur the line between “regular” bike and e bike, that’s one of the main reasons I love mine so much!

[@seattlevkk]

Great video! How do you like the SL rich? I just bought a frame and building it up. I had the regular Levo but didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would because of the weight and and longer chainstay. No SL’s to try out so bought it sight unseen.

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Thank you! I LOVE IT!! Such a rad bike! Drastically different than the Levo, it's way more "normal bike" than e bike in my opinion. What parts are you going with? It might take a bit to get the suspension tune right, I've actually decided to go with a Zeb and a Super Deluxe coil on mine. I'm also adding some Industry Nine GR315 wheels, it should be bullet proof when all that is done! My brother has been riding the wheels of his in Phoenix and loves it as well! Keep me posted on your thoughts on it.

[@seattlevkk]

@@richdrewtherideseries That's good to hear Rich! I may sound like a rad rider building up a bike but the only thing I found in my size (sm) is an S-works frame selling for the earlier price so I went for it ( they've now upped the price by 1500 so I was lucky to find it and in the end it will still be less than the expert). Plus the frame comes with the range extender. I'm an intermediate rider so quite undeserving of the moniker haha. I did want carbon wheels but to keep the cost reasonable for now I've gone with some stan MK3's and the fox 36 grip2 2021( which is standard on the s-works now ), SRAM Code RSC's and eagle GX. Your rims look cool and I'm going to keep an eye for those.

[@YogaWithRoya]

Great breakdown and progression on different types of lifts! For the 3rd, y'all didn't actually state how to manage the 2nd bump on the rock as you're trying to lift the rear wheel... Seems like you'd want to be shifting your weight back to clear that while simultaneously shifting forward to bring the rear up?! Can you elaborate a bit more?

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Hey Roya! You make a great point and we're planning to break it down even more in depth very soon. It's just such a deep topic and takes so much to break down all the nuance involved. We are going to talk about it on a live session soon.

[@dyounggolfmaster]

Hey Rich, I have seen you ride several different brands of EMTB, but never a Trek. Have you ridden a Rail 9? Not a fan, no affiliation? Just curious.

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Hey Daniel! I actually have ridden the Trek Rail 9.8 and it was AMAZING! Really liked that bike, just didn't have enough time to make any content with it. Hoping I can get back on one soon a get a review filmed.

[@dyounggolfmaster]

@@richdrewtherideseries Thanks for the info. I have a L 9.8 and live in lovely Bentonville, if you ever want to show it how it's supposed to be ridden. 😁

[@ryantan1804]

This is the first video i have seen teaching us to be in the saddle. can we use same technique for clearing logs?

[@richdrewtherideseries]

My instinct is to say yes, but I think there will be some nuance in technique depending on size of log.

[@ryantan1804]

@@richdrewtherideseries Thanks Rich, i gave it a try last week and it worked fine on smaller logs. Going to try iy out on larger ones. Looking forward to seeing a video on this mate.. Thanks and keep shredding!

[@jhuanger]

Would like to see this done on flats instead of clipless. that last one you did... saw that you hopped a little to get the rear tire up. How would this be done with flats? toes pointed down? been seeing a lot of videos on tech climbs, hops, etc.. all done with clipless. I feel left out riding flats. haha.

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Hey Jeff! I’ll be back out there soon and we will make some stuff happen on flats, and when I say “we” I mean I’ll be riding flats and Rob will be making fun of me 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@jhuanger]

@@richdrewtherideseries hey man, Sam Hill races in flats!

[@ghostdancer9993]

@@richdrewtherideseries I could be wrong but it didn't appear Rob had clips for the 'choosing lines' video at South Mountain. I would think for jumping you wouldn't want to be clipped in. I ride both but IMHO I think flats make you a better rider. Looking forward to see how its done in a couple of weeks. I'm ready.

[@gabrielgarcia367]

They act like Brothers!😂

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Oh wait, you haven’t seen the half of it yet 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@TheNationalTrails]

Good line choice and power on the Specialized SL. This P.roper M.odulation S.eries on a Trek, with downtube storage (not SWAT), would have been questionable.

[@chipdouglascia]

Heyyyyy That’s a Levo!!

[@richdrewtherideseries]

You know it!! 👊🏻

[@byronswogger]

I would like to see how it's done with flats? I only use flats on my Levo

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Hey Byron! I'll do some stuff on flats moving forward, not a chance in hell that Rob will.

[@byronswogger]

@@richdrewtherideseries awesome

[@willbros1499]

Let's see Rob do it in flats on the next one. (Still too soon?) Hehe....

[@richdrewtherideseries]

NEVER too soon!! I’ll give it a whirl, not a chance with him 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@deisen123]

This was definitely helpful, but would have been better to see on an unpowered bike and also if the last move could have been done in slow mo to see the weight shifts.

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Thanks for the input Daniel. We’re working on those things for the next videos.

[@crt269]

If you look into Rich’s library they both have done a climbing tutorial on analog bikes at South Mountain. I’ve watched it at least 10 times. I saved it to my favourites in KZbin

[@gatoryak7332]

KZbin has three slomo settings. Use them! I it is interesting to see what the Drews are doing at different points during the moves. I used the 0.25 speed setting. I've been riding similar terrain with my saddle out of play, but after watching in slomo, I can see why the Drews use it for the initial lift. I'll give it a try. The transition from weight on the saddle to no weight on the saddle will take some practice to get quick enough.

[@richdrewtherideseries]

@@gatoryak7332 More slow mo in the future, trust me!! Let me know how the transition goes.

[@gatoryak7332]

@@richdrewtherideseries I don't think you need to add slomo to your videos, since the viewer can choose the playback speed at any time. The exception is when you want to point out a specific detail that you explain with voiceover while you are showing it in slomo. Your and Rob's explanations are already excellent.

[@danielray1558]

Yes. More Rob- But ditch the Ebikes;-)

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Noted Daniel ;)

[@sethosche364]

… now do it without an e-bike…