How to Ride Drops With Confidence and Control | Saracen x Dan Bateson

Drops are one of those trail features that can look intimidating from the top - but with the right technique, they can quickly become one of the most satisfying parts of a ride.

We’ve teamed up with Dan Bateson, Jono Jones and Lucy Downs to break down how to ride drops with more confidence, control and style.

Whether you’re approaching your first proper drop or looking to tidy up your technique before taking on bigger features, this How To video covers the fundamentals you need to know.

Why Good Drop Technique Matters

Riding a drop isn’t about pulling hard on the bars and hoping for the best.

Good technique is all about staying balanced, getting your timing right and allowing the bike to move underneath you. Get those basics dialled and you’ll be able to tackle drops more smoothly while staying composed from take-off through to landing.

It also gives you a solid foundation to start progressing onto bigger and more technical trail features.

Get Your Body Position Right

Your position on the bike is key.

As you approach the drop, stay relaxed and centred on the bike with your eyes looking ahead towards where you want to go.

Avoid getting too far over the front or hanging excessively off the back of the bike. You want to be in a strong, balanced position that gives you room to move and react as you reach the edge.

Think relaxed, balanced and ready.

Get the Timing Right

Timing makes a huge difference when riding drops.

As you reach the edge, you want to keep the bike controlled and allow it to move naturally beneath you. The aim is to guide the bike off the drop rather than aggressively pulling up on the handlebars.

Getting this movement right helps keep the bike balanced in the air and puts you in a much better position for the landing.

Start on smaller drops where you can repeat the technique and build confidence before progressing to something bigger.

Focus on the Landing

Getting off the drop is only half the job a smooth landing keeps you in control and ready for whatever comes next.

Keep your eyes looking towards the landing and stay relaxed through your arms and legs. As the bike makes contact with the ground, use your body to absorb the impact rather than staying stiff.

The smoother you can make the transition from take-off to landing, the easier it becomes to maintain your speed and flow down the trail.

Dan, Jono and Lucy's Key Tips

In our latest How To video, Dan Bateson, Jono Jones and Lucy Downs take you through the essentials:

• Body position: Stay balanced, relaxed and ready to move with the bike.

• Timing: Learn when and how to move as you reach the edge of the drop.

• Landing: Look ahead, stay loose and use your arms and legs to absorb the impact.

• Progression: Start small, repeat the technique and build up as your confidence improves.

The goal isn’t to go as big as possible. It’s to make good technique feel natural so you can carry it onto different drops and different trails.

Watch the full video to see Dan, Jono and Lucy demonstrate each step and show how the technique comes together out on the trail.

Ready to Drop In?

Next time you see a drop ahead, focus on the basics: body position, timing and landing.

Start with a feature you’re comfortable with, practise the movement and gradually work your way up. As the technique becomes more natural, you’ll be able to approach bigger and more technical drops with greater confidence and control.

Then it’s time to put it into practice.

Ride hard. Ride smart. Ride Saracen.