HOW TO TAKE DROPS AT SPEED

FOR ANY DROP, THERE’S DEFINITELY A SWEET SPOT WHEN IT COMES TO THE RIGHT SPEED TO HIT IT. FOR NOVICE TO INTERMEDIATE RIDERS, THE RIGHT SPEED IS MUCH MORE IMPORTANT TO GET RIGHT. BUT, AT THE END OF THE DAY, MOST MOUNTAIN BIKERS DON’T REALLY WANT TO SLOW DOWN FOR MUCH, ESPECIALLY IN THE ERA OF LONG TRAVEL AND INCREDIBLY CAPABLE SUSPENSION.

Many seemingly insignificant trail features can turn into a decent drop at speed. What might be half a metre at 15kph can easily become one and a half metres when your adrenaline is cranking and your brakes are a distant memory. The proper technique is critical to get this right - and it’s all about control. Before you attempt any serious drop, or drop off at speed, you should be well and truly capable of dictating exactly how the bike lands at low speeds – be it front wheel first, both wheels at the same time or rear wheel first. This level of control over small drops is crucial before you start moving up in the ranks. If you’re not there yet, keep practicing on the small stuff until you can get it right. Once you have that mastered, here’s how to get it done at speed.