BMX Term
Drop-in
A drop-in is the move of entering a ramp or bowl from the deck by tipping over the coping into the transition, or a drop from a ledge down to flat.
Updated 2 min read446 words
A drop-in is the move of starting a run by tipping over the coping from the deck and rolling down into the ramp. The term also covers dropping off a ledge, wall or step to land on the ground below. Riders call the act "dropping in".
Meaning
Into a ramp
On a quarter pipe, mini ramp or bowl, the rider stands on the deck with the back wheel on the deck and the front wheel just over the coping. They lean forward, commit, and let the bike roll down the transition. Speed builds on the way down, ready for the opposite wall or the next feature.
A basic method:
- Roll the front wheel over the coping so it sits on the transition, with the rear wheel on the deck.
- Keep cranks level and weight centred, arms bent.
- Lean forward and push the bike down the ramp, keeping the front brake off if you have one.
- Look at where you want to go, not at the front wheel.
This standing start is one of several ways in. Riders also roll along the deck at a slight angle and ride over the coping, or hop in from the deck. The most common mistake is leaning back, which can make the front wheel wash out or the bike shoot away. Start on a small ramp, or learn on a roll-in first.
Off a ledge
In street, a drop is riding off a ledge, wall or step to the ground. A "drop to flat" lands on flat ground with no slope, which is hard on the wrists, knees and wheels. Riders land with both wheels at once, or slightly back wheel first, and bend their arms and legs to soak up the impact.
Origin
The phrase is shared with surfing and skateboarding. Surfers drop in to a wave, and "dropping in on someone" means taking a wave another surfer is already riding. Skateboarders use it for starting a run on a ramp or bowl, and BMX riders most likely picked it up from skaters at shared ramps and parks. It is now standard in BMX. A first BMX use is not documented.
Usage examples
- "Wait your turn before you drop in."
- "She's finally dropping in on the big quarter."
- "That drop to flat is massive, check your tyre pressure."
In parks, "dropping in on someone" means starting a run while another rider is already riding, which is bad etiquette.
Related terms
- Roll-in: a gentler sloped start ramp.
- Deck: the flat platform at the top of a ramp.
- Coping: the edge at the top of a ramp.
- Transition: the curved part of a ramp.
- Session: a period of riding with others.
Frequently asked questions about Drop-in
How do you drop in on a BMX?
Roll the front wheel over the coping with the back wheel still on the deck, lean forward with your weight centred, then let the bike roll down the transition. Start on a small mini ramp and stay committed.
What is a drop to flat?
It is riding off a ledge or step and landing on flat ground, with no landing slope. It is harder on the body and the bike than landing on a ramp.
Related articles
Deck
A deck is the flat platform at the top of a ramp, quarter pipe or box jump, where riders stand to drop in, stall, plant or land tricks.
2 min readCoping
Coping is the rounded metal or concrete edge along the top of a ramp or bowl, used by BMX riders to grind, stall and transfer between surfaces.
2 min readRoll-in
A roll-in is a sloped ramp or start platform that lets BMX riders roll into a park, ramp or jump line to build speed, or the act of rolling in itself.
2 min readQuarter pipe
A quarter pipe is a ramp with a curved, quarter-circle transition that rises from flat to a vertical or near vertical top edge, used for airs.
2 min readMini Ramp
A mini ramp is a small halfpipe, usually under about 2 metres (6 ft) high, with two curved walls, a flat bottom and no vertical section at the top.
2 min readBowl
A bowl is a concave, pool-like concrete structure with transitions on every side, ridden by carving around the walls and airing out over the coping.
2 min read