OVER 40 MOUNTAIN BIKE TIPS: DROP PHYSICS

[@jddallager1699]

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?

[@JoyOfBike]

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.

[@lee_likes_bikes]

@@JoyOfBike That would be SUPER fun!

[@karirwilliams9693]

Khzhfhxjxjdjhf

[@therealclayharper]

+1 on this comment. Power couple.

[@daveking2795]

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.

[@skzofskrzynskoandthechurch2214]

Love this: “Don’t rush it, don’t let people push you; progress at a rate that gives you maximum joy”. So well said!

[@JoyOfBike]

Thanks! If it stops being fun something is wrong!!

[@yengsabio5315]

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!

[@SlowpokeShred]

Quote for the ages!

[@karljuan8908]

H! Can I do with hardtail? I'm 85kg fat?

[@VlogEpicness]

I just learned more than I did my entire junior year of high school.

[@JoyOfBike]

😂

[@lee_likes_bikes]

Ha, thank you!

[@aaronfoley1]

You had a really bad high-school

[@mannyechaluce3814]

That's what I tell my mum every time she tells me I watch to much KZbin videos :D

[@djr_adventures]

Pretty sure it's because we only watch things on youtube that we're actually interested in!

[@PJSinohin]

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.

[@JoyOfBike]

PJ Sinohin Thanks PJ. This one took a lot of time with calculators and equations but I absolutely love adding the physics.

[@8iamretarded8]

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

[@VailSkateSupply1]

Overkill

[@paullambert2668]

@@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.

[@gnarlyrides]

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! 💪🏼

[@JoyOfBike]

Great to hear!

[@ironymatt]

Clicked on this thinking it was going to be a video with more than 40 mtb tips

[@jessicathompson9699]

And old dudettes

[@user-dw6kn1qm9i]

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

[@repentorperish1386]

Yeah instead of a traditional bunny hop similar to this vid, you can do more of an American bunny hop style of pop

[@matthewmcgregor2769]

Or you could just fly

[@danib1ke331]

just scrub it

[@jakubvrana9888]

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.

[@rapzid3536]

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.

[@nichtDarkDiamond]

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 😂

[@experiencewithmartin972]

that is why speed is important

[@krneki111]

you mean like his example at 2:55 where this is exactly what happens? This technique is not only bad, but also very dangerous.

[@Durwood71]

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.

[@enriquevargaslopez9468]

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.

[@cocaina3000]

@@enriquevargaslopez9468 when you pop, you will be nearly weightless at the lip, and even if the drop catches your back wheel, the rotating force will be small. And you can also absorb it with your feet because you are balanced. Of course if your timing is WAY off it can catapult you, but you have to mess it up badly to do that.

[@AndrewGoodCamera]

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!

[@JoyOfBike]

Glad it was helpful!

[@KahluaBomb]

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.

[@graemedavies5721]

Thanks gents. I’m a 65yo accident on wheels, but your explanations (particularly this one) are so helpful. I’m still trying!

[@MTB1965OldMan]

excellent video-have watched so many drop videos, this is one of the best; so often speed is not an option

[@bebright15000]

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!

[@OzNick81P]

This channel is the single greatest mtb training channel on KZbin. Well done gents.

[@JoyOfBike]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@cherylwarrington5616]

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.

[@bryanseare2704]

I love that you actually explain whats happening with actual physics, rather than some mushed up paradigm that is vague.

[@roddixon9402]

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

[@JoyOfBike]

Keep shreddy!

[@jonathanbaxter6254]

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!

[@JoyOfBike]

Thanks! 👍

[@michaeltan9438]

"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!!

[@paulmcdaniel9487]

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!

[@JoyOfBike]

Perfect goals!

[@Beniu19892]

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.

[@alphainfinitum3445]

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.

[@CaliradoKid]

Great video! And great explanation of the technique!

[@JoyOfBike]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@PeccatorGratia]

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.

[@JoyOfBike]

Mike Bradley Right on! Stoked that it helped. It’s fun adding that little bit more science.

[@lee_likes_bikes]

You are welcome!! Science --> understanding --> confidence --> fun.

[@radiocontrolled9181]

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!

[@marcinm4887]

Watched a few dozens of videos and this is the clearest explanation I have seen so far!👏

[@iggalan]

Guys your channel is brilliant, I have no words 👍👍👍 Too bad KZbin 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 😃 .

[@JoyOfBike]

Welcome to the channel and congrats on the progression. Appreciate the words of encouragement.

[@pauls3616]

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!

[@JoyOfBike]

Paul S YES!!! Always something new to learn. I’ve been working on 360s and I’ve got Lee working on his 180s.

[@arturlach6830]

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!

[@JoyOfBike]

Thanks 🙏

[@arturlach6830]

@@JoyOfBike As colorado shredder myself I should stop by Valmont one day and pick your guys' brains 😀😄😄

[@JoyOfBike]

@@arturlach6830 That would be brilliant. Maybe jump in a private or group session with Lee.

[@denzilbart5882]

Brilliant video. The explanations create that Aha moment as opposed to seeing riders flying off or over things without understanding why.

[@lee_likes_bikes]

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!!

[@denzilbart5882]

@@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🤟🏼

[@lee_likes_bikes]

@@denzilbart5882 Right on man, right on!

[@alasdairmathieson4130]

The break down of what actually happens to the bike is amazing. I've never understood it as I do now thanks guys!

[@lee_likes_bikes]

Thank you!

[@littlefrank90]

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".

[@samharris82]

"This drop wasn't built by Alpine Bike Parks, it was built by Boulder Community Hospital Orthopedic Department" 🤣🤣🤣

[@JoyOfBike]

MTB conspiracy theories!

[@lee_likes_bikes]

Ha!

[@mrvwbug4423]

Having ridden that drop I agree, tail cased it like my 4th or 5th time hitting it and barely managed to save it haha.

[@supergreg72]

I laughed so hard I spit my food everywhere 😄

[@eugenegutierrez5106]

I never understood this technique from lee’s book , until now. Now it make sense when lee says pump the before the jump.

[@freeridedad]

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? 😅

[@elonsalhotv8052]

Thank you for your inputs,..still practicing it at 33 with my hardtail bike.

[@gatoryak7332]

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.

[@JoyOfBike]

gato ryak Great idea. Great build. And there’s nothing more fun than popping roots and rock on trail.

[@lee_likes_bikes]

That is a great idea.

[@kerryrobbert7493]

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!

[@JoyOfBike]

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.

[@lee_likes_bikes]

Thank you Kerry!

[@deponzi]

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.

[@ToddSprang]

the thematic music absolutely sets off the killer mtb advice. love you guys

[@g.fortin3228]

Very good with the illustrations ! Nice and helpful video.

[@JoyOfBike]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@maafa21MustSee]

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!

[@JoyOfBike]

Glad you dig it!!

[@lee_likes_bikes]

Thank you!

[@austinthornton3407]

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.

[@JoyOfBike]

Thanks. And keep shredding!!

[@jennkuenzler2420]

This is the best description I’ve heard. Educational and clear. I will be practicing!

[@rjfax704]

been doing this in riding for years, still learned a few things from this vid. awesome!

[@KenOtwell]

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!

[@JoyOfBike]

Glad you like them!

[@brownleevideo]

Wow!!! Great coaching. I just subscribed!!

[@rayshaver2359]

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!

[@JoyOfBike]

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!!!

[@duzer]

Just saw that you've been making videos for a few months now, binged a few. GREAT STUFF! Let's ride bikes someday

[@lee_likes_bikes]

Hi Ryan! Thanks for reaching out!! Let's do!

[@JoyOfBike]

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.

[@robrider838]

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.

[@sevenstringsamurai]

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!

[@boredgamers8634]

I've learned so much from Lee. I took a clinic from one of his coaches and it REALLY helped.

[@DrtSqrt]

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.

[@JoyOfBike]

Well if you’re crazy at 44 what does that make me at 57? 😂 Rhetorical question.

[@CraigWhiteIllustration]

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.

[@JoyOfBike]

Welcome to the club!!!

[@topspot4834]

Phenomenal content. Been riding for years. This was very helpful and will pass it on.

[@JoyOfBike]

Glad to hear it was helpful. Keep shredding.

[@tommybollman4546]

Thanks. Never crossed my mind. I like the way you guys think. Brilliant!

[@THESEGMENTPR]

You guys are smashing these videos!! Great job Alex and Lee! Thank you boys!!!

[@JoyOfBike]

Right on. Thanks 🙏

[@HarrisFamilyThree]

Nice Job Guys! Love the slow motion and basic physics explanations

[@lee_likes_bikes]

Thank you and welcome!

[@MrYeahgood]

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.

[@JoyOfBike]

Happy to help!

[@1bluensx]

Very informative, I have wondered this for years. Thank you

[@SiklistaAkoTV]

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!

[@JoyOfBike]

Thanks 🙏

[@YogiliciousP]

Wow...really everything you need to know in the first 23 SECS; then add the follow up 🤩🤯 You nearly got me out of my comfort zone! I’m off to the bike park today to practice; it has a small ~24” drop I always skip, and this vid nearly gave me the cajones (really the information to aptly stoke cajones!) to give it a row! Plus, I definitely want my first go at a drop GoPro strapped and it needs a charge. I definitely want it captured if I make it, but also if I don’t...both are fun (assuming a scathe-free bike n body stack!)! Thanks for the great content guys!!!!

[@JoyOfBike]

Sending good vibes!!

[@js736-i5g]

I liked seeing the degree angle difference based on speed. It makes sense, but it helps to see it illustrated like that.

[@mrzipdisk]

Demo at the beginning is a brilliant illustration.

[@JohnCorry]

This is some of the best MTB content on KZbin, great job! I want to come to your skills Dev camp, when is that?

[@lee_likes_bikes]

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.

[@rochelleanna4386]

I love the detailed explanation! And this is just the first video I watched from your channel. Already clicked subscribe.

[@Waqardc]

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 🙏

[@movieman6588]

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.

[@supergreg72]

Very well done 👍🏻 👍🏻 You guys are giving me the confidence and knowledge I needed to try drops and mid sized jumps. Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦

[@JoyOfBike]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@amyvanpelt5147]

Working on my "pop" this weekend!

[@SKBPM_ENIGMATIK]

Great clip! 🏆 Gotta try it

[@Test4CF]

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.

[@lee_likes_bikes]

Thank you and welcome!!

[@andywelch6433]

Love these vids - I use them to progress my confidence and ability and recommend them to buddies! More, more , more pls!

[@JoyOfBike]

More to come!

[@chrismarch1006]

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.

[@rsaneria]

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 👍🏽💪🏽

[@JoyOfBike]

Welcome aboard!

[@bartzed4305]

think I just found my favorite mtb skills channel, thanks guys !

[@達人-戦士]

A lot of people don't talk about this, because they even don't understanding it, what is this POP up ;) Good job bro. ;)

[@namasaki1]

Best how to drop video i've ever seen

[@JoyOfBike]

Glad you dig it. Welcome to the channel!

[@lee_likes_bikes]

Thank you! Welcome!!

[@rogertheartfuldodger]

This vid provides the best explanation of managing a drop.

[@jppickavance]

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.

[@JoyOfBike]

Welcome to our nascent channel Joey. We will try to keep you smiling.

[@PJSinohin]

very comprehensive tutorial! how not to pop-a-shoulder when over 40 :D now on a hardtail please..

[@JoyOfBike]

PJ Sinohin Funny. And no doubt. It can be a lot more gentle landing with the front wheel a bit higher.

[@baileymccallum5503]

Agree with the hardtail!

[@angstrom102]

Again - Super!!! I hope you two keep cranking out these instructional videos! Would love to see a video on pumping down a rocky trail and how to smooth over obstacles and also use obstacles as a launch pad for speed and control. I've seen pros who seem to keep a pretty consistent pump going while picking a line that works with their rhythm while also modifying it for more major obstacles.

[@JoyOfBike]

We have more ideas. Snow has landed here so we will be looking for windows of opportunity with trail openings. I think your idea is really good. Was watching some World Cup DH and the pumping and popping sections is constant. And outside of racing it’s just fun and adds creatively. Could probably do 10 vids on pumping, jumping and line selection.

[@lee_likes_bikes]

Yes! Great idea. We have some excellent rocky trails around here.

[@fc1133]

Love it! Using science is the perfect way to explain it. Otherwise it would have been just another "do this and not that" video. Thanks.

[@JoyOfBike]

👍

[@jimtyler1181]

Another bad ass video from the best teachers out there.

[@davidgrammerstorf9433]

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.

[@aeroglide]

Great stuff, guys! Your approach plus the physics somehow makes the techniques really comprehensible for me. Started 8 years ago, now 58. Got a 15 year-old son to keep with! Subscribed when I saw your Manual vid.

[@JoyOfBike]

You and your boy are gonna have a great few years. Mine is 24 now!!!

[@MD-hq1cl]

One of the best videos that I’ve ever seeing on KZbin to understand the drop technique! One more fan!🤟🤟

[@JoyOfBike]

Happy to hear that!

[@johnwilkins3995]

These are awesome lessons. Thanks guys. Love the humor interspersed also!

[@marksnextadventure1671]

Really enjoying these videos! Keep it up

[@JoyOfBike]

We have lots planned for 2021. Welcome to the channel!!!

[@andrewrivera4029]

I learned to pop after transitioning to flats from clipless which I’d been riding for 25 years so it’s never to late to pop!

[@JoyOfBike]

Never too late!!

[@rs-ss]

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.

[@JoyOfBike]

Always welcome

[@patrickalyy]

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.

[@Imkflow]

Love this channel, good content guys, keep it up ❤

[@JoyOfBike]

Thank you! Will do!

[@michaelzapack4736]

Fabulous video, very enlightning, especially the angle of drop by speed. I now realize how I crashed breaking my neck and back. Getting back on a new bike soon (with dropper and full sus) but will be sticking to the ground. Lucky to be here. Oh yeah if you are braking to roll it.... not good.

[@JoyOfBike]

Oh brother. I hope you’re on the mend. I’ve fractured some vertebrae in my motocross days. Not good. So happy to hear you’re back on the bike and welcome to our crew. You don’t have to leave the ground to shred!!!

[@lee_likes_bikes]

Right on Michael, welcome! I used to win downhill races while pedaling around jumps ... so it's definitely possible to shred on the ground!

[@MTBTrailReview]

As a physics teacher and mountain biker, this makes me so happy! After watching a few of your videos, I shared your channel with a bunch of my friends. A couple of them, myself included, have had some major "aha" moments. Thanks for the awesome explanations!

[@JoyOfBike]

Honored!! Welcome to the crew. Somebody lovingly called us Dert Nerds. At least I think it was lovingly. : )

[@lee_likes_bikes]

Wow, that's high praise! Thank you and welcome!

[@MTBTrailReview]

@@JoyOfBike I would definitely take it as a compliment!

[@MTBTrailReview]

@@lee_likes_bikes Of course! I need to find a version of you here in San Diego to get some in person coaching.

[@afine76]

What a fantastic explanation! Liked and subscribed!

[@JoyOfBike]

Much appreciated. Welcome to the channel!

[@lee_likes_bikes]

Thank you and welcome!

[@PeetPeeet]

Great video, but my two cents: Yes bunny hopping the gap like in this video can work but outside of a bike park/jump park environment I think it would be the exception and not the rule? You can wheelie a small drop to bring back wheel down first with a kick of pedals in the right gear, this is a good low-speed trials method, otherwise you’re better off carrying a little speed and just holding the front up over the lip. Walk it / parkour it first if necessary before you commit. That jump/drop has a transition so you can ride off level and back wheel will touch first anyway. If the landing is flat you’re better off landing tail first. Another aspect of this type of drop is the landing run-out, is there a berm after it or is there a dug-out pit for the dirt the ramp was made from nearby that you could ride into afterward. If you added more speed as ‘safety’ to clear the gap the next obstacle becomes the hazard. Last thing to add, is that in many bike parks and trail centres often there’s a chicken run around the drop if you don’t fancy it, there’s no shame in doing this to make sure your ride has a happy ending, because a broken frame or fork is expensive, and a broken collarbone could put you off the sport for life. No need to ‘red bull hardline’ unless you’re really trying to prove something, better to have fun and enjoy yourself. Sincerely, one fractured frame(1 occasion), two broken ribs(1 occasion), and a broken collarbone(1 occasion), 27 years of riding.

[@mannyfresco8404]

Valmont bike park in Boulder, CO. Such a cool place.

[@TheCooGuR]

Awesome video! I like how your facts are backed out with the speed vs angle chart! It kicked in for me! thanks for sharing!!

[@brenbascos]

Wow... im at a lost for words! This is awesome!

[@JoyOfBike]

Bren Bascos Thanks Bren

[@cactusflats6592]

Top notch tips fellas, appreciated :)

[@lee_likes_bikes]

Thank you! Lots more to come.