How To Build A Manual Machine For Under $30 - DIY

Building A Manual Trainer Earlier This Year Helped April So Much With Learning To Manual And Wheelie. In This Video We Show You How To Build A really Safe, Stable, and Compact Manual Trainer For Just Under 30 Dollars. Materials Needed Listed Below.
How To Use A Manual Trainer:
• How To Use A Manual Ma...
Materials:
Quantity - American Sizing - Metric
1x Board - ( 2" x 6" x 8") - ( 38 x 140 x 2438 mm )
1x Board - ( 2" x 4" x 8" ) - ( 38 x 89 x 2438 mm )
1x Hook - ( 3 1/2" x 5/16") - ( 90 x M8 )
~ 20x Screws - ( 2 1/2" ) - ( 60mm)
Optional Items:
3x Bolt - ( 3 1/2" x 1/2") - (90mm x M14)
3x Nut - ( 1/2") - ( M14 )
1x Bolt - (6" x 3/8" ) - (150mm x M10 )
1x Wing Nut - ( 3/8" ) - ( M10 )
4x Tire Traction Pads
Cut List:
( 2"x6"x8' ) - ( 38 x 140 x 2438 mm )
1x ( 48" ) - ( 122CM)
1x ( 20" ) - ( 50CM)
1x ( 18" ) - ( 45CM)
2x ( 4" ) - ( 10CM)
( 2" x 4" x 8" ) - ( 38 x 89 x 2438 mm )
2x ( 24" ) - ( 60CM)
1x ( 6" ) - ( 15CM)
2x Scribed Board - (18") - ( 45CM) - 1x 40 Degree Angle & 1x 50 Degree Angle
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Thank you guys for everything! We are so glad to have you as part of our crew!
Kyle & April
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April’s riding gear - jenson.sjv.io/vn2QQN
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April’s flat pedals - jenson.sjv.io/n1nPoa
Tubeless sealant - jenson.sjv.io/e4RegZ
Wheelsets - jenson.sjv.io/jW1QZa
Brakes/Derailleur - jenson.sjv.io/gboqg0
Favorite riding pack - jenson.sjv.io/5bj162
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SR Suntour - Suspension - bit.ly/3w84b0L
Stan’s No Tubes - Wheels and Sealant - bit.ly/3x33JRg
Schwalbe Tires - bit.ly/3itSzRJ
PNW Components- Handlebar, Stem, Grips, Dropper Post - bit.ly/3fC8pVU
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0:00 - 0:45 Intro / Overview
0:45 - 1:20 Materials & Cut List
1:20 - 1:57 Back Brace
1:57 - 2:38 Wheel Channel
2:38 - 3:54 Stabilizer
3:54 - 5:43 Angled Side Braces
5:43 - 6:58 Wheel Stop
6:58 - 7:43 Hook, Traction Pads, Tie Down
7:43 - 8:31 Test
8:31 - 9:43 Finishing Work
9:43 - 10:39 April Trying It, Overview

[@AprilRideMTB]

All Materials and Measurements Are Now listed In Both Metric & American Standard In The Description! Hope you enjoyed the video! Let us know if you have any questions at all :)

[@hunterwright386]

Here’s a question, why do you run sr suntour suspension?

[@RealJawnes]

@@hunterwright386 he’s sponsored

[@iancho9587]

@@hunterwright386 Have u actually try SR Suntour high end class sus? U might be surprised, especially if you research a bit more on them

[@karlmarxwasright6006]

wow nice 😁😁😁

[@hilltrader]

This makes so simple, I’m going to build one this weekend, Thanks!

[@MikeWest_W]

Built this. Within a few seconds of using it realized I've not been letting my shoulders go back nearly enough. Very cool tool

[@AprilRideMTB]

Awesome!!!

[@bigcwastaken2112]

Confidence, I have the same issue that’s why I’m building one, I don’t know why I can wheelie with no fear but manual I just freak out

[@a99999a99999]

Just built this with my son (a little 9 year old downhill shredder) this morning - what a difference it has already made! We have been trying to learn to manual for the last few weeks with no success. I can now see where we were going wrong. Very very impressed thanks guys!

[@a99999a99999]

Oh and thanks for the metric measurements - very useful down here in New Zealand 👍

[@AprilRideMTB]

That’s so rad!! Have fun you two :)

[@jeffendsley1202]

Built my manual trainer this past week. Thank you so much for the explanation, materials, and cut list. I will say that I have a lot of work to do to get comfortable in the manual position. Thanks!

[@Todd66]

Nice job. I”ll be doing this before spring. Kyle, I sure hope you are doing okay and feeling better. Please do not rush your recovery, hang in there and know that your people are keeping you in their prayers and wishing you well.

[@MikeyB00o]

Seriously Thank You! You just made a 52yr old learn knew skills

[@a_cool_daddy2918]

I built one yesterday with your measurements. I've just done some wheelies today. It's amazing. Thanks.

[@motoguy721]

Your videos are so well done and helpful. Thanks for sharing with all of us. I built the manual trainer in under an hour and glued all the joints. I m very happy...

[@randombudd1429]

I like how you explain things in the most simple and direct way. I guess I can say your methods are just for this era. Thanks for the vids. Can't wait to see April do the manual 😁❤👏

[@AprilRideMTB]

Glad you like them! Its been really fun learning how to make better videos and communicate with you guys better :)

[@christianmehlsteibl574]

Hey there. Just wanted to say THANKYOU for this inspiration. Just built this manual trainer yesterday to keep progressing in winter time. Keep those videos coming. Merry Christmas all the way from Germany ;-)

[@chrisgreen5000]

Awesome work guys! I love the finishing touches!

[@fsquared64]

Last thing I need is another project, but I’m absolutely building one of these. Thanks for the plans, you and April rock!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you! 😊

[@gnpate]

Great tutorial. Thank you. I was able to build one with the scraps I had in just over a couple of hours. Works great too. I still haven't mastered the manual, but that's more an issue of the trainee vs the trainer. Thanks again.

[@frankpalomino7417]

Wow you did an amazing job at explaining this in detail and at detailing that thing! Thanks for the work you put into these videos!

[@007artimus]

You nailed it to the wall with this video. I was on the fence about building one but given my lame attempts at getting to the balance point I know this will help. I also ride a unicycle and I remember learning by spending time in the balance pocket was key. Thanks for clearly listing the items needed for this. Finally , the compact nature of this design is what is pushing me over the edge to build one- can’t wait.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Glad this one was more helpful!

[@jacobworgess976]

Great stuff! I've wondered if I could "shrink" mine to save little space and now I know I can. One other Item I added to mine was a small j hook at the rear end to allow for easy wall storage.

[@tobiaslord]

I love your videos guys. You're pro but you explain so simply. you guys rock - thanks for making the vides and sharing them.

[@MarioAna2112]

i just buit it! Excellent explanation! Both of you deserve all my respect and appreciation. Keep up the good work. And Kyle i wish you all my best regarding to your health issues!! Take care!

[@daveeh2930]

You guys getting me excited!!! Got the wood and written down the measurements. Now to finish work and get started on it.

[@E21Life]

Awesome video. I appreciate the step-by-step instructions.

[@robgoffroad]

This is great! I WILL be building one of these sometime in the next couple of weeks. I'll be using mine outside, so I will probably put (removable) spikes on the bottom to keep it in place on the ground.

[@robichmi]

Thanks Kyle and April! This is another one of your videos I've shared with our MTB youth club trainers. Good job!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@nadeeraweerasinghe4213]

I built this today Kyle! Your instructions and the cut list was really helpful and spot on. And the tip you gave to attach few pieces cut out from an old tire really kept it from moving around.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Awesome to hear, glad you built one!

[@romanmatika]

Thank you for the good idea 👍. Just bought the material today and tomorrow I’m gonna make one for my manual training 🤟

[@davelangrish9676]

Great video Kyle. You are very good at this. Best of luck to you and April in your future ventures 😃😃👍

[@bulentergun7258]

Kyle we have just spent a couple of hours making this Manual Machine, the instructions were clear and I think we are going to have some amazing fun using it. Thank you

[@AprilRideMTB]

Great to hear!

[@markokovacevic423]

Thank you mate, today my friends and me built this manual trainer, first impressions are great.

[@bioulacxavier9966]

Thank you Kile & April, i've built my manual trainer with your recommandation. It works perfectly. Good vibes to you from south of France !

[@AprilRideMTB]

Great to hear! Thats awesome!

[@georgegrigoriadis8091]

Very good instructions! Thank you very much!

[@cooperjohnson2091]

Loved it. I’ll be building one soon!

[@rgoodson7223]

Great instructional. Thank you.

[@jeremyporter1991]

Great job on the manual trainer. You even got the seal of approval from April when she smiled. I’m going to build one based on your instructions as well. Thanks again👍

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you! 😊

[@evolution2ride]

Well done! I like the compact nature and the copper bling!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you! Cheers! It was super fun to build!

[@user-rv4mq3xv3p]

That's well smart, deffo gonna build one for the winter...

[@HouseOfHennens]

Awesome video! You two make a great duo!

[@mountainbikingforlife4158]

This is the best video for Manual trainers. It turned out amazing. Thanks for sharing.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Glad it was helpful!

[@yvest3094]

Hello K&A My daughter love your videos....just build a Training...now we having fun 😊. To fit 27,5 wheels I just cut a second wood ....to fit next to one for my 29er...simple. Again you guys are awesome 🙌

[@peteclay4390]

Why is it the second that April comes on the screen I can't help smile....her voice, smile, and bubbly personality;...i.e. infectious...great vdo of course too on the machine from kyle

[@AprilRideMTB]

Aww thanks Pete! 😁

[@chriscornwell8682]

Thanks, it's a great, efficient plan, easily built. I "improved" it by using 6" wood screws for the lower angle board attachment, upper hole.

[@consentofthegoverned5145]

Nice job- I'm going to copy this at my earliest convenience!

[@blawruk]

My co-worker showed this to me. Great idea!! Great job! 👍😎

[@siradinar]

Thanks you guys! Great project for the upcoming winter holidays when I'm off work. I just got a new miter saw so this will be the perfect project to break 'er in! Been wanting to build one for some time now, and your instructions & video will make it easy! Thanks for the detailed instructions and parts list. All of that makes these projects less daunting.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Glad it was helpful and will give you a good project for your new saw!

[@michaeldavid7959]

Thanks for the video. Totally making this this weekend.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Have fun!

[@BrettArmstrong1]

I can’t wait to build mine, great work!

[@SeaToSummit1969]

So good! This is exactly what I’ve been looking for. Love the more compact design.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Glad you like it!

[@marcussmart3275]

What a great idea, thanks for sharing!

[@johnmac8699]

Great video...again! Recently bought some power tools for some home repairs. Now that its done, I will begin work on my machine! Thanks! The added bling is nice.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you, having good tools is so helpful and fun!

[@shogododo]

Another brilliant episode April and Kyle. This has inspired me to think laterally to develop something similar for a lesson with kids I'm involved with. Great Idea.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Great to hear!

[@dhmad0069]

A simple plywood triangle does a really good job as a brace as well

[@peterwor]

Great video, I now have a simple winter project and skill to practice. Thanks you two! Happy Holidays

[@AprilRideMTB]

Happy holidays!

[@JohnVHLife]

This is great! Ive been wanting to build one, Im totally going to build this. Thanks for making it!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@michaelf2646]

Awesome video. Thank you!

[@chanceshay219]

Awesome build video. Thanks for all the details and guidance.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jasonacevedo539]

Just subscribed!! Been watching your guys videos for a few months now and didn’t even realize I wasn’t sub, I am a veteran with PTSD but have found biking to be a great help in my recovery I just wanted to say that my family and I love your guys videos and I really want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart it’s because of you guys that my wife and son have started mountain biking with me your guys instruction videos are great and have helped and given us lots of confidence. Unfortunately we have hardtails but hopefully one day we can afford to get into full suspension, I’m sure they will build our confidence even more. If I might ask what model bikes do you guys have? they look great!! Keep the videos coming you guys are awesome!

[@JoseMartinez-nm7ht]

Fantastic video! Going build one for my son

[@lbcruz87]

Amazing video - always walk away from these videos encouraged! Your passion and enthusiasm for the sport always wants to make me get out and ride! (Or in this case, work on those manuals!) Thanks for the time you've put into these videos - super helpful!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Great to hear, thank you! 😊

[@shelliesman7552]

When I was a teen, I used to be a wheelie king with my S. Stingray. At 64 years old, I have developed a yearning to see if I could relearn wheelie’s to show off to my kids and grandkids. Not being young anymore, I’m a bit concerned about hurting myself. This fixture would be excellent to check out various bikes, to see which ones would best lend themselves to being used for wheelies without being too finicky position wise, without being more likely to hurt myself. Thank you for the excellent idea!!

[@JoshMcGehee]

This is my winter project. 🥳

[@louisgillingham5008]

nice clear instructions

[@mrsmith4662]

Super neat job Kyle. And you even tidied it up to make it look good! - Looking forward to the next video on how to get the most out of it. Also, impressed with how tidy your garage/shop was - no clutter & everything on shelves in storage boxes. But, I bet you forget where things are, with no labelling on the outside!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thanks for the compliments! Kyle seems to know where everything is, but I seem to always be lost! I don't spend enough time in there haha

[@giuliodefendi-cho4664]

Just finished biulding it last night, I already feel the improvment thank you so much your vids are always really helpful and entertaining!!!! :D

[@AprilRideMTB]

Awesome!

[@RYADADEV]

Hope your holidays are the best. Thanks for what you do!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you! Hope the same to you 😊

[@thekubat74]

Thank you very much for all you are doing to help me safely learn mountain biking skills! I'm very grateful for your videos. I just realized I hadn't subscribed, so I crushed it since you crush it.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Glad to hear, thanks for subscribing now!

[@jakobholm1847]

That turned out so nice! We start building one at sunrise... 😀

[@AprilRideMTB]

Awesome!!!

[@jaydpee7]

Yup, ... there's [almost] space in the garage for this project (beside the table saw, and between the Wahoo Kickr & the rollers). Awesome. Thanks again for walking 'us' through, ... with great descriptions throughout. November is shaping up! Thanks, yet again.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Glad you liked it!

[@kdayracing]

This looks rad. Thanks for putting this together.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Glad you like it!

[@apatriotofhopedanjohn4781]

Was wondering where you guys were... Great to see y’all and I’ll be making a trip to HD to pick up some stuff today !!!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Awesome, hopefully you have fun building it!

[@danpocian9286]

Awesome job you guys thanks for the info

[@luke14711]

Just fan mail -- Thanks for all the great videos! I have been mountain biking since I was a teenager, but I learn a ton from every video. Keep up the good work!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Great to hear! Glad you like our videos Lucas!

[@SteveArnoldus]

Building one of these this weekend!

[@dougnevitt2257]

Excellent. Thanks. Can’t wait to give it a go

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thanks Doug!

[@Badboyzas166]

Saw this video yesterday. Builded it today,ofc without these fancy screws. And i can tell one thing. It feel weird :D cant wait to train on it every single day before the season starts. Thank you for sharing it . Respect that you included (cm) scale. You saved me some time. Have a nice upcoming season Kyle and April! 🖖🤘🚴🚴

[@AprilRideMTB]

Hope you have fun training with it! 😊

[@ginogetsshreddy_mtb86]

That looks awesome great work Kyle.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thanks so much Gino!

[@genisis53]

Nice build Kyle! Love the finish work. Details make a huge difference. The size is also nice 👍

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you! 😊 The size was one big factor in making a new one.

[@nectomys]

Awesome job ! Going to build this and train. Sure it can help me with the wheelies I used to do younger too. Great video !!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@eddie2go]

Man this thing is sweet. Now I know what to make to practice on a rainy day. Thanks for all the great information.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Glad to help!

[@stevek5799]

Thanks for putting the measurements in the description!!

[@sarahworton7986]

Thanks guys, I am definitely going to make this a project for the Christmas break!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Awesome!

[@Dinglebeardedlady]

I built one with my son today. We used one of the cut off diagonal pieces as the stopper for the front of the back tire. Thanks for the tutorial!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Awesome, hope you guys had fun building it!

[@bigben8865]

Good job man, great idea 🤙

[@julitrosclair8429]

We built this today and shared your YT on TikTok! Thanks!!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Hope it was fun to build and try!

[@1luckyleppy]

Great video. Thanks for sharing your ideas

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thanks for watching!

[@ynnuscycling7352]

This is super awesome! I will give it try as I would to learn the manual this winter.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@forest_biker684]

Great clean and precise build! I built a manual trainer a ways back, but found it took up too much space to be practical. I love this compact version! I added a small piece of 2x6 on the upright, on the back side, so that when not in use it stands on it's end like a tripod. Great video and looking forward to the next. I never knew you should try it with the chain off.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bennryan2]

Insane! Thanks. Glad to hear you are feeling better. So scary!

[@aidan4804]

I’ve built a manual trainer before and I can say from experience that this one is much better! Thanks for the tutorial guys!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thanks Aidan!

[@crixus5885]

Always look forward to your guys videos. Thanks for all the imfo

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thanks for watching!

[@stevevinas]

Thanks! Another awesome jobs guys 🙌 I'm going to build one this weekend!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@evgenypopovusa]

Couple days ago finished building the trainer. Today tried it the first time! It really helps to improve riding skill! Soon I’ll ride like a pro on the rear wheel!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Awesome, great to hear!

[@JOSEGOMEZ-cx2wk]

I love all your videos and what you bring to the community, and also you are such a nice couple, keep the good work!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thanks so much Jose!

[@donotrobme9295]

This looks fantastic. I wanted to make your last one but it seemed so long to store in garage. I’m building this one within the end of nest week. This awesome!!!! Thanks so much!!!!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Yeah this one turned out a lot better!

[@uberdrah]

Hi Kyle, I built a manual trainer in your first video and have now modified it using the new dimension. Much easier to move and store. Thanks Rich

[@AprilRideMTB]

Great to hear Rich!

[@rossviezer8502]

Just built one myself using your vid! Thanks! Made minor adjustments for my tire size and I’m good to go! This is sweet!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Awesome, hope you have fun using it!!!

[@k26MaxPayne_]

Super! Thanks for the sizes!

[@AprilRideMTB]

You’re welcome 😊

[@jlsszr8327]

It’s cold and wet outside...off to my favorite lumber yard! Thanks guys. Love this.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Awesome, hope you have fun building it!

[@jlsszr8327]

@@AprilRideMTB Finished the manual machine. It works great, just need a little practice. Thanks again!

[@jlsszr8327]

Aha! I’ve discovered I have been wanting to bend my elbows too much.

[@araveug72]

Cool! Very well and detailed explanation. Great video as well. Keep it up!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thanks a lot!

[@samaxel_19]

I think ghis is the best manual machine ever! Thank you for uploading this.. I'll go to shop tomorrow and build one

[@bartmanapat238]

Thank you for the video. I have to make this To learn how to wheellie😁

[@ronzhake1756]

wow amazing love DIY.nice one guys

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you! 😊

[@BenBradley]

Great video thanks guys! I built one on a rainy day, and it doubles as a great bike stand!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Awesome, yeah makes a nice bike stand!!!