Does a Manual Machine Work? - 15 Days of Progress

A few weeks ago I had a MTB lesson but I couldn't lift up my front wheel until my balance point. After 20 days of practice, I still sucked! So I built a manual machine! Does a manual machine really help?
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[@ww8wv1]

Thank you for this video Yuka, lots of you tubers build them and in 5min are like “see I can manual now”. You kept it real and showed the struggle.

[@2BlueEyedBoys]

I'm looking forward to seeing your progression outside. Thank you for the encouragement!

[@crazytrainrc6634]

Heck yes! Your finally learning all those skills you need to catch up to your progression. Watched you ride all year with the biggest set of balls lol I'm excited for your next season, your going to be so happy with your new riding skills

[@olivermoore1074]

It's cool to see Eric wearing a Berm Peak sweatshirt.

[@CPTPRICE-xb3gu]

Same here i saw that before i saw this comment

[@wildmikefilms]

Today they are doing something a little different... But kinda the same

[@ec63580]

Thank you for the honest practice video! It’s nice seeing people trying to learn this stuff for the first time, not just people who have been riding since they were kids and it’s all so easy for them.

[@barkingmadman1169]

You're getting better and better in front of the camera. And this was the most useful MM video ever. I also watched Kyle and April channel I really agree that smaller people have a better success on smaller bikes. Those geometry changes with your bar and stem should help to get me past the 30 degree point so I can get the feel. Good suggestion.

[@Musicandbikes848]

Great work Yuka! Amazing progression! Makes me want to build a manual machine for myself 🤣

[@someoneiselse]

Wow so much dedication!! Keep it up!!

[@rothaarbiker]

Great, had much fun watching this! I built a manual machine for myself some time ago, and it really helps to get the feeling for a proper manual. I also experienced the same: Back on the street, it feels very different though. I'm still rather at the beginning of my learning process, so I have to practice, practice, practice...

[@gregbly9089]

I love your videos Yukka! Manuals are a game changer. Honestly if anyone was ever the ultimate candidate of smaller wheels maybe even 26 inch . You would find shifting your weight over the rear tire effortless.

[@SHORT_BOI]

THANK YOU SO MUTCH YUKA FOR MAKING ME HAPPY I WAS CRYING TODAY A LOT BUT I WATCHED YOURE VIDEO AND YOU MAKED ME SO HAPPY KEEP UP THE CONTENT YUKAAAAAAAAAAA I LOVE YOUUUUUU

[@h82fail]

Wow I am even more impressed with all the giant drops and gaps you have been doing. I never realized you couldn't manual at all, gives me more confidence since I cannot manual either. I assume everybody that goes big can do it all unlike me so I hold back.

[@leo00024]

What a great video. You are so real. I hope youve been practicing and you got it down. Let us know when you do!

[@StuffOffYouStuff]

Love seeing the progression. I just bought a mountain bike for first time since teenager and want to learn how to do this

[@davestadnik8739]

Find these so hard , I def need to build one and get working on my manuals big time. Great job Yukka 👍

[@deslomator]

It's really good to watch a progress video from someone who's actually learning from scratch. A tip from a really slow learner: after 20 years of riding bikes, I didn't learn to manual properly until I got a dirt jumper with insanely (15.3") short chainstays.

[@resistemptation4]

Second this. I don't typically ride MTB, usually dirt jumpers and BMX. These are much easier to manual and learn tricks on. I highly recommend learning how to manual on a BMX or dirt jumper. They are cheap and fun to cross train with. Pretty much all tricks are easier on them, if not also safer, too. They are lower to the ground, lighter, easier to control, etc. These manual machines look ok. They make for entertaining content, though! I believe your manual progress will explode if you master it on a bmx bike. I agree with the idea of practicing loop outs. As one poster mentioned, there is risk to "practicing" jumping off the back of the bike, but there's no risk to actually practicing the trick? These tricks are inherently risky. Being confident jumping off the back is a critical step for many people learning manuals. It is same for nose manuals on my bmx bike. With nose manuals, there are no brakes to save you, and using your hips/body to balance at the balance point is incredibly difficult. You pretty much loop out forward every time. It is way harder to bail from the front, though, because your wide bars are in the way of your legs/feet - it is easy to get tripped up. Anyways, you eventually learn to literally leap over your handlebars or do a pseudo-split around them. Once you do this a bunch, nose manuals are not really scary anymore. Another tip - it is harder for smaller riders to get up to the balance point. All that extra effort to get up there means you are more likely to be off balance side to side or your form to suffer (chest and shoulder collapse forward). I recommend trying to manual off a small roller, or between small rollers. Not ones that require you to go fast. Rollers help you get to the balance point with less effort. Once you are comfortable at the balance point and your form is dialed, pulling up strongly from the ground will come way easier.

[@pdpcycling248]

Good job, Yuka san! Manual machine is definitely a good balance-training tool for winter time. Just some tips, try mixing up manual practice with wheelie, bunny hop, endo-turn together. This helps to get rid of flustration during the practice. Try roller-manual it at the ramp of the kurb. It is a good drill to learn and the kurb helps in a big way to lift front wheel up, very good drill when starting to learn manual. Last but not least, try intentionally loop-out and bail-out right after you pop the front wheel to get use to the limit of balance point. Good luck and enjoy!

[@tekjim]

Doing great Yuka! I also found as you did, that the machine is very different to doing it outside. Try rolling with a bit more speed you will find it easier to balance side to side and also keep the wheel up longer.

[@fortnitehot1026]

I learned how to pop my wheelie high in 2 days really takes strength and trust your body to be on balance and not fall back

[@PQV-8898]

Amazing dedication. Practice, practice and more practice make perfect.

[@Sa1v80r]

Actually one of the best manual practise videos I’ve seen so far. M You made a lot of good reflections on things to think about. Loved it, Great job! I just might build a machine instead of practising outside now. Thank you.

[@dreiback182]

For everyone who wants to build such a machine too, plerase change one thing: Make it longer, so it doesnt lift up from the ground and maybe you want to put the lead on the frontweel because its easier to adjust. And take a good but light lead.

[@tonyd1660]

Great idea! great video!

[@mark37thms]

Nice work !

[@glockasauruswrex6362]

Good stuff, Yuka! Imma build one for myself n learn this skill! Thnx n keep the videos coming!!!😊

[@Treslothan-paranormal]

I've loved watching your last three vids because they're things that I need to work on. You're so good out on the trails I was really surprised that you find these challenging too.

[@VanGirlYuka]

I'm the same as you! Still learning

[@ScottsMTB]

Was good running into you guys! And yeah I built one and donated it to the local park. I started getting better but I'm still not really that much better lol

[@dewindoethdwl2798]

Good video, nice honest vibe about a tricky skill to pick up. I chose a different route, I got a preowned BMX for less than the cost of the timber etc and that’s been great for learning. First lesson was looping out confidently. Learning to drop off onto my feet rather than go over with the bike. Walking pace while wearing loads of pads helped. Being closer to the floor also felt less intimidating. Soon after that the manual came along. A BMX really teaches balance too, so twitchy after an MTB. It also lives in the boot of the car (trunk), with helmet, glove & shin pads, ready for use anytime I’ve got ten minutes for a quick practice. Oh, and practice is the only real way to master manuals.

[@LECMTB]

Good job Yuka, keep practicing would love to see a part 2 to see how your manuals are coming along outside. I need to practice manuals too, so I think I might build one 😀

[@VanGirlYuka]

I’m working on it! I don’t know when it’s coming together but you should definitely build one👍 it’s fun and you’ll feel how to be on the balance point

[@ydlazirsaputnilamut6949]

Yuka-san, I also use a manual machine. I started with a lease but I found out that the rear brake can also be used to prevent looping out. What help me to pop the front wheel easier is looking up or looking ahead. You know this, your bike follow your eyes!

[@rickchandler2570]

Kyle and April videos are awesome!

[@sundown6436]

One of the best manual videos I´ve seen, I will build a machine like yours

[@maxrep12]

stick with it! im going to build one because of you🙂

[@--JawZ--]

Thanks for vid @VanGirlYuka! I was experiencing the same issue of not being able to easily get my front wheel up enough into a stable position. Never thought of trying to turn the stem around to see if I have a too long one. Also gonna build a manual machine for me and my family now 😊

[@stephenkrause6059]

I often wondered if a manual machine worked and if us smaller people could actually manual. Well you answered both questions. Thanks Yuka!!!!

[@rekamniar]

Lol, yuka is oo excited with this contraption.

[@UWRZoneTheCurrent]

Really cute video, good luck with the manual!

[@metroidandroid]

Yukaaa you make me so motivated to learn how manual!

[@patrickjohnson8264]

Same I think ima build one of these

[@maryavina2868]

This is a great video!

[@barryray275]

Great vid. This is the reality of learning with a Manual Machine.

[@jasonmateus924]

Cool video! I also built a machine and really liked the feeling. However, when I went back to real world manuals, the machine had not changed much except helping to find the sweet spot. Barely. The best way to practice manuals.. is to do them for real. Nothing beats the feeling of going from nothing, to 10 feet, to 15 and so on! And the more you do it, the more your muscles get used to it, they also get stronger (and painful lol) very cool video, I want to see the next one!

[@Lexusmav]

realy good Tips for Beginners !

[@stevetkocz]

Holy Christmas This is the best idea I’ve seen in my life I’m building one tomorrow 😀

[@DeadsetYT]

Get used to falling off the back when you're moving. You're not going fast enough to get hurt so it really helps to find your balance point & you'll be way more comfortable pulling back harder.

[@rc-ateam3565]

It really does the second I could go over the back comfortably I could practice with out getting scared

[@VanGirlYuka]

Great advice! I'm not comfortable with the idea of falling backward😩 Very scary!!

[@capelde]

@@VanGirlYuka get Eric to hold the front up practice jumping off the back also if you watch the video you will see everyone looking at the front tyre you need to pretend you are looking way down the trail exactly the same as when riding you go where your eyes look gl

[@TheMemosteve]

I beg to differ... I broke my leg/ankle in three places, and needed surgery, looping out on purpose practicing manuals, at slow speed.

[@TheMemosteve]

I did that on pavement...if I was on dirt/grass, maybe I wouldn't have broke the leg...my foot/leg felt like it became "stuck" when i put it down on the pavement, and it twisted the wrong way. Worse injury I've ever experienced, and it was at low speed, practicing manuals, landing on my feet on purpose... Just be careful

[@vulcanochloris]

Great video! You are such an inspiration for all women bikers!!! Looking forward to see your progress!

[@ligmasoup7112]

Aye congratulations

[@bkmtb6011]

Hello, Yuka. I am watching your video very interestingly. Thank you. Happy New Year and stay healthy.

[@ThatAverageMTBer]

Don’t bend your rims my friend had to learn the hard way

[@lanceeverhard6951]

Awesome video!

[@dsman2968]

Discovering your channel after watching Crossing Tasmania. I like you humour. Cool Content. Stubborn headed and determined. Motivational.

[@saywhaatnow]

I'd really recommend going to a soft grassy field where you can loop out without fear of getting hurt. You want to practice looping out and jumping off the back of the bike so you can get used to the motion. Then you can learn to balance.

[@mojaverc1585]

Yep thats what I do when learning tricks

[@habanerat]

@@mojaverc1585 Yup

[@usbsol]

I did that today... managed to loop to times.. nice soft landing on the grass 🤗

[@ImCoolLikeThat]

This video has really inspired me. I'm building a flipping manual machine and getting this down!

[@MrCjrodriguez]

Excellent!!

[@thegnarshredders6604]

I love that Eric is wearing a Berm Peak sweater

[@neilfpv]

I built a manual trainer 2 weeks ago. On the day I built it, I was able to get the bike up for almost a minute. That happened after 30 mins of trying it. However, on that same day, I tried outside. I experienced the same thing you experienced. I wasn't able to manual, HAHAHA! 🤣I think today is my 9th day doing the manual training on street. I've improved very little. I can bring the bike up for like 1 to 2 seconds now before it goes back to earth. HAHAHA! It's still a good progress! Keep practicing on street. I don't use my manual trainer anymore.

[@Jesusprayerwarriorbw]

Sooo cool!

[@markoconnor9447]

Nice work! I used to have these down when I was a BMX kid. I am ok on MTB. Things that might help you... and me: Practice looping out on purpose. Also when you start to tip to far back, don't bring you hips up and into the frame. Looping out like this means you fall HARD right on your back. Instead bend at the knees and being your butt in and closer to the tire. Practicing with a small bike will help a lot. Once again, great job and you have a new subscriber. Can't wait to see you get good at these.

[@Calgaryguy88]

Another great video! I've been debating on building a manual machine to practice on during the winter months, and you gave me the motivation to give it a try. In your opinion, does the mullet bike handle any differently going into a manual, as compared to a regular setup? Thanks so much!

[@jc10747]

Less apprehension when BF is the soft pillow behind the rider. Remove the shelves, open the door, put pad or old mattress on the ground. Lower tire pressure and shim (thin extra board) btwn tire and strut to reduce sideways wobble. Elbow pads or stretch wrap around elbows for biofeedback on straight arms. More repeats of coach-assisted front wheel lift (balance point) in order to dial in final position memory. Light coloured shoes or dual colour to help identify heel drop in video. Add horizontal line graphics. Gravel or grass outdoor practice run. Asphalt has subconscious fear/apprehension component. Loop out repeats. Padded, empty backpack. Football/hockey pads....anything to take away backwards fall fear. Martial arts break fall progression: deep squat to roll, deep squat leg kick out to roll, medium squat to roll...

[@stevepadilla9729]

Good job, Yuka. If you put a rod infront of the back wheel so its not rocking, helps get the bike up as well. I use to be able to manual for a good 100 yards or so when I was racing bikes. Now that I am in my late 50's I needed to make one of those to help get my skills back. plus its a great workout.

[@MTBGarage]

I have the same issue after building one, it's NOT the same, and I still can't manual :) Adding a weight in the 5-10lb range on the front wheel does help make the force required to get the front end up more like actual riding in my opinion. We really need wheelie bars, something to catch the bike while moving, and keep it moving, but I haven't figured out how to attach them to the frame yet.

[@synergytech7323]

When you use the mechanical leverage of pedaling during the initial manual will easily assist you getting the front wheel up than just relying on your body's weight offset.

[@copylot77]

2 wheels carry our soul! It's a very nice video, I'm an electric mountain bike rider, I live in the Netherlands, I'm still waiting for my new channel. Good luck with my love.

[@aaronerskine3401]

glad to know its not just me who struggles with manuals and wheelies

[@eaacbcs]

I love your videos

[@mtbwithjonnyb8818]

Just built one last night. 👍🏻

[@vvf6836]

僕はbmxに乗っています❗難しいですよね😥僕はまずは後ろに倒れるときに、受け身を取る練習から始めました。頑張って下さい‼️

[@skerlone]

I know how to manual a hardtail bike. When I first got on a full suspension bike it was impossible for me to get the front wheel high enough. I've tried for 10 min without success. Then I realized that I have to compress the back suspension otherwise the front wheel can't come up high enough. With a full suspension bike is way harder to manual unless you lock the back or at least make it very stiff.

[@andryparmana]

Nice tools

[@crazytrainrc6634]

Also covering the rear brake at all times, when in the real world you can use the rear brake to control the manual and save you from looping out. Cheers and have fun!

[@mathieumalo3488]

It's fun to see someone that dont know how to manual, learn on a manual machine. Seems like everybody who builds one already know how to manual!

[@markmoreno7295]

I never heard of a manual “machine” but now I know how much skill I am missing! Since my bike has a long wheelbase it will be even harder for me.

[@ri7023]

Oke, i will build, thank's👍🏻

[@greghenderson1362]

Very nice! I built one for my 24" wheel street trials bike. Similar geometry to my mountain bike, but very small and has an extremely low seat. My record is almost 2 minutes, by then my stomach muscles and calves are really 'complaining.' I use mine with my chain on, so if I go over backwards I just put my rear foot out. Try this on your mountain bike: riding slowly come to a stop doing an endo getting your back wheel 6 - 8" up and lock your rear brake too. As your back wheel comes down, move your weight down & back for a manual, go back through the balance point and take your backfoot off to end up standing up with your bike vertical. Get used to doing that and you won't fear looping out as much. It's easier on a street trials bike, so you can justify buying one! :-)

[@ninebotmax]

idea good👍

[@Happy_Biker]

Really good video, thanks. What occurs to me is a long diatribe about "lower, longer, slacker, stable, planted," etc.; trail bikes are not getting more playful, which is what manuals are- play. (Not that I can do them yet, either! 😂) Anyway... 💛🤙

[@AbrahamBarberi]

Great and enjoyable video! I also suck at manual, so I am thinking about building a manual machine, but Im confused now 😆

[@MP_Soundbox]

Awesome vid! Way to challenge yourself! Great way to destroy a rear wheel by loading it sideways LOL. Also, I noticed a finger on the rear brake lever when using the machine....tat will completely prevent the front wheel from lifting.

[@RixxRabe]

More videos please!!

[@al_1901]

Tip, put the front wheel up on a block of wood while your developing the muscle strength, makes it easier to get the front wheel up

[@chewcheen]

You don’t need to physically take the chain off. Just take it off the chainring and put it around the bottom bracket

[@AmericanRustWorker3369]

I never got the hang of being able to manual on a mountain bike, it’s very difficult, but you will get it, don’t give up! But also I never put in the effort not much this much effort

[@danlakermtb]

I do think they help! Just subscribed to your channel 👍

[@sueappleby2790]

you are the reason i keep trying.. id have given up if not for your videos . im still not as good as i want to be for all the time i put in but im better than i was and its not a race to win points is it.. it has to be fun and rewarding.. i like to ride my bike outside in the nature and am growing stronger and more confident..im not slowing my sons down as much now ive gotten a better bike to learn on so i have no reason not to go out for a few hours and be in the moment....

[@VanGirlYuka]

Having fun is the best way to be good at something. You’re doing awesome👍 keep on riding and have fun with your son😊

[@JaredHoff]

Nice 👍🏻 You will be manualing down black diamond trails soon enough.

[@gigasipke]

Interesting idea, smaller bike and 300 days straight on pavement. I learned when I was a kid on bmx size bikes, of course we rode bikes hours a day.

[@mtb_alan]

Rad to see your progress, and cool to see you sharing it with friends! #moregirlsonbikes

[@reedbushey1360]

wow you got so good

[@geraldvl.8381]

I Love U Yuka. ❤

[@Rafael-jc7gn]

Keep making videos even if you don't have that much subscribers it's a good decision

[@kps666de]

27.5 inch with short chain stays = most fun for me and easy manual.

[@ashevillescarborough]

Awesome! But practicing on grass outside will REALLY help you overcome the looping backwards fear. Much less consequences than falling on asphalt!!! And always practice with one finger on the rear brake/ feather it slightly.. you can either squeeze or release to fine tune

[@danshilling4240]

Exactly. Trainer doesn't simulate real time conditions. That's why she couldn't do it on the pavement after being in the trainer. Also.Why aren't you using your rear brake in the trainer?? It would have kept you from back flipping into your wall

[@lavithhcm]

that's how the mind works subconsciously. It is different when on the bike compared to the "tool" you build. So that's why I never build the "machine" to practice on. Just practice on the bike. You seem like having the right theory and all. One day it will click in just like how you first learn how to ride bicycle. Good luck. Gotta work out those bicep muscles too

[@aszent]

Cool vid

[@YING7777]

Maybe try wheelies on the side also. Then use that balance point to help with the manual.

[@Nickydeemuss111]

oh this is fantastic!!!! its so good to finally have it broken down, sweet!!!!

[@michellegrounds3919]

That's a hard bike to do it on. Tall tires long frame, shocks. Great job.

[@thierrylerinckx1340]

Awesome Yuka you make it look easy ;) . Maybe your handlebars are a little too wide for your 'tall' stature ;). Have you tried narrower bars?

[@ALPapawisTV]

Want to learn those skills and bike tips..

[@user-sc5ik5ws4i]

マニュアルマシーン同じようなの作ったことある〜。しばらくするとハンドルにぶら下がる感覚はつかめてしばらく出来るようになっけど、走りながらだと感覚が全然違くていまだにできないです（泣）チェーン外して後ろに回避する方法も慣れとくとより安全です！