MTB Small Drop-Off Technique

Rolling down drops is an essential skill for a well-rounded mountain bike rider. Small drops with clean exits are perfect for practising small drop-offs, and on an average day riding the trails - you can expect plenty of small drop-offs to enjoy. As with any mountain bike skill, especially downhill-orientated skills such as drop-offs - there’s a right way to do it and a wrong way. In this post, we look at some of the techniques you can deploy to make the most of every drop off opportunity; these techniques are not only designed to get you down a drop-off - but also keep you balanced and in control at all times.

Drop Offs - Poor Technique

Struggling with drop-offs can become quite a big issue for many newbie mountain bikers. Often, this is purely a confident problem, as it certainly does feel strange leaving terra firma - no matter how small the drop. The best way we have heard how to ride drop-offs - is to ride off the drop-off, not down the drop-off - meaning ride with a bit of lift in the front wheel to avoid the front wheel dropping and digging in.

Drop Offs - The Basics

Ensure you can carry out an effective manual front wheel lift for at least one or two mountain bike lengths before riding down a drop-off. Mastering this simple skill will provide all of the skills you need to ride drop-offs.

Drop Offs - Riding It

Although small, Kerbs can provide the perfect place to practice drop-offs. Gradually increase the drop-off size as you become more confident. The most important thing to practice during these sessions is lifting your front wheel as you approach the drop.

Your front wheel should be lifted and off the ground by the time you leave the drop, lean back and push down on the pedals - ensuring that your weight is over the rear of the bike, which will mean that the rear wheel is the first contact point of the bike to hit the ground, once you have made contact with the rear wheel, drop the front wheel down.

It’s not uncommon, when practising, for the front wheel to hit the ground before the rear wheel - if this is the case, become more aggressive with your front wheel lift.

Drop Offs - Landing It

As you continue to practice and your confidence increases, try to land both wheels simultaneously as you drop. This will provide a smoother landing. The way to achieve this is to pull up on the bars as your rear wheel leaves the drop-off, returning you to your usual riding position. If the front wheel continues to land after the rear wheel, move forward on the bike a little earlier. You will rarely get this right the first time, and plenty of practice is the key.

When you land the drop-off, ensure your body is ready - with enough flexibility in your arms and legs to soak up the impact.