How To Trackstand Any Bike For As Long As You Want!

Trackstands, the most fundamental technique for riding Trials and a very helpful tool for anyone to have when cycling in general, plus it can be practised indoors which is ideal if you're currently on lockdown.
Despite looking quite simple, standing still on a bike is actually rather complex and there's more going on than you might think. I've actually held back on doing a tutorial because I feared it would be one of the hardest techniques to explain, it's not just a case of locking brakes and keeping still!
The other thing that kept me from doing a tutorial is how do you explain something that you don't really think about? Not wanting to be big headed but a trackstand to a Trials rider is like walking to a hiker, how do you explain something that's done mostly on muscle memory?
Well hopefully I managed it, I've tried my best to explain all the little details and complexities and how to build up from never balanced before. I've not seen any trackstand tutorial go into this much detail or give the tips I've given so please let me know if it was helpful!
If you are timing yourself then let me know in the comments how you got on.
Of course I hope everyone is healthy and able to get their biking fix somehow!
Thanks for watching :)
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[@theMosen]

I learned two things today: 1. There is a name for that thing I do at traffic lights 2. My technique is terrible, no wonder I struggle with it

[@davidwilson6312]

😂

[@jbashton4797]

moismyname 😂😂😂

[@leilaleila9695]

100th like my dude hilarious

[@madyogi6164]

3 You Can have some extra space to rent... (check t-shirt)

[@Terence.McKenna]

wait you stop for lights?

[@rory5693]

“you’re gonna want good brakes especially the front brake” most bmx bikes have left the chat

[@nero8068]

Or dirt

[@icloudzawy1861]

Saved me time ty

[@kudosbudo]

Brakes not required for track standing. Use crank pressure on a bike or balance if you are on a scooter...

[@Treyorrrr]

One of my favorite eras of the Scotty Cranmer BMX channel was when Big Boy was running front brakes. Trey Jones was doing front brake tricks on it and literally said "THIS IS THE MOST FUN I'VE EVER HAD ON A BIKE" then never installed them on his bike, and now Big Boy is running rear only again. So sad. Front brakes are sick.

[@thisnameisfake5657]

Really cheap MTB, front break doesn't even work

[@LetsTryVlogging365]

Omg he's holding the bike with no helmet 😂

[@joeblow9891]

It's sad he had to specify it, people are so soft and complains for nothing nowadays

[@MrMCTario]

It's all of the helmet laws that make people a little crazy I think. I wish I could do slow casual commutes without a helmet. If I'm doing road, xc or anything with an element of danger I always wear one.

[@acameron87]

I can’t believe he keeps a bike in the house without wearing a helmet at all times whilst also in the house

[@sapinva]

Arrest and charge him!

[@UnicornBikes]

@@acameron87 I once had a lamp fall on me while I was sleeping. I now wear a fullface to sleep.

[@jakecy0]

"Dont need a helmet for such a low level movement" wow wasn't expecting to be attacked like that....

[@Sunspot-19]

Ali expected to be chastised for no helmet by the peanut gallery, most of whom do not have remotely the skill level he does. Nuff said, ride bikes and be cool.

[@cyhironclaw9901]

Instructions unclear: *fell off my roof*

[@markonikolic1386]

Guess the slight uphill of a roof is not a good idea LOL

[@willbennett7107]

Tried to do a track stand on my enduro bike with clipped pedals in the dinning room ended up landing in my dinner and breaking the table legs off my mums sending you the bill ali😂👍😂😂awesome video mate stay safe

[@willbennett7107]

Ali Clarkson 😂😂

[@stephenwallace3308]

Hahahaha way to commit soldier👌🏾

[@tonyrgnash]

​@@willbennett7107 i swapped back to flats a few weeks back so that i could improve my trackstands

[@budman8926]

@@tonyrgnash Flats are the only way. I ride Dh and use dmr's peddles with five ten shoes. Literally dont move when going down any track. Id never ride clipped unless on a road bike

[@newzealand7993]

😂😂

[@nosreuter]

This gets me real psyched to finally learn this skill properly. All of a sudden feels like I understand what the bike is doing underneath me. Very well explained!! THANKS a ton!

[@herculesmclovin]

Now try the variables! ;) - No brakes - Keep brakes on - Add weights to one side - One hand on - One foot - One hand one foot - Track-*sit* A real tough one is, lower the seat, sit down, hold the bars 90°, put the front brake on, get your ballance and put a foot on either side of the frontwheel tire/either side of the forks on the frontwheel tire, let go of the front brake. Use your feet to roll the front wheel and stay ballaced :'D I can go about 5 seconds aha!

[@radiocontrolled9181]

@@herculesmclovin Brakes not breaks ! I hope you have good brakes ..... and that your bike frame does not break!

[@herculesmclovin]

@@radiocontrolled9181 haha yes thank you! I know but didn't grammar check myself!

[@YanDoroshenko]

15 hours? World record, here I come! I just need a bit more, mere 14 hours, 59 minutes and 58 seconds!

[@Bigboss12344]

Lol

[@JakeEpooh]

Dude, this just blew my mind! I had no idea that there was more to it than locked brakes and balance! Amazing video, man!

[@rolandcheahsinboon5638]

Absolutely awesome video! I’ve seen so many trackstand videos, this is the only one that I’ve been able to learn so quickly and able to trackstand. Excellent work.

[@LongPeter]

I’ve been working on this for 9 months or so. Have found it has made rough and/or very steep trails much easier to climb. Yesterday I did the steepest, rocky and rutted part of my favourite track without a foot down for the first time ever. 😁 Lowest gear, pedalling evenly. Balancing fore/aft weight to avoid either looping out or loosing traction. Occasional, small front wheel hop to maintain balance or climb a ledge.

[@LongPeter]

Martyn Ashton is certainly all about trials skills for trail riding. Hope you’ll get the chance to do a trialsie video with him on GMBN some time :)

[@joeblow9891]

It's damn snowing over here, so you just brought me happiness to compensate the fact I can't ride. Mastering the basic really helps for any discipline. Thanks Ali, I'm jumping on my bike !

[@carlosalvarado4637]

The new "Trackstand Bible" ---- thanks Ali!

[@tobynorman239]

Best explanation I've seen. I've been trying to do them with the brakes locked. Now I know I was wrong. Love the tips about using a weight. Excited to try these again.

[@10ktube]

I love watching beginner tip videos from pros, there's always a technique described just perfectly that you learn something new. I can trackstand, lots of years bike commuting through a city, so many traffic lights to practice through, but the drills with the weights is fun and very helpful. Great vid.

[@seattlevkk]

Thanks for this. It's the best tutorial on trackstands I've seen and think now I have an approach to help me get there. Most videos usually start at pointing into an upslope which is almost impossible for someone who hasn't done it.Yours builds up from the absolute basics.

[@yann-alexandresoubai115]

This is the most detailed video I've seen on track stand. Greatly appreciated!

[@xiaoliuwu8539]

Thanks for the tutorial! Finally a video teaching track stand with detailed instructions.

[@giffmiff5920]

By far the best track stand explanationI have seen. Thanks Ali.....I am still measuring my track stand time in seconds, not hours! but will try your tips and see how it goes.

[@superymariowest2403]

Super helpful! I was trying to learn this for months, on my way to University when I got caught at traffic lights (don't like putting my foot down mid-ride). However, I had no idea what I should be paying attention to, this helps point out what I should be working on. Thank you! I'll try this when I come home!

[@whitstodghill6128]

Living in a time of pandemic requires balance. Glad it comes naturally for you. Thanks for the great tutorial.

[@PeepMeRide]

This is going to help a lot of folks Ali! You’ve helped me with these in the past but it’s great to see a video of it!

[@suzanneneikirk5544]

Omg. I have never seen a better made video with show and tell. Thanks. I might try this once i get innertubes and patch kit for my road bike. Great job.

[@benjaminmitchell6016]

Best trackstand tutorial on the Internet. You earned a sub

[@philljoynes3685]

Thanks for the Video Ali 👍 Whilst I am still struggling to get this dialed in, your expliantion has helped a lot and IMHO one ofthe best Trackstand videos on youtube. Now I just need to put the practice time in!

[@stephenwallace3308]

Thankyou Ali your videos are awesome I’m 41 and have just started I’ve always wanted to do it I’ve only just decided to do something about it. Your videos are very detailed and I use them daily!

[@ivoderooij4706]

This video helped me starting with trials. It is the best tutorial I could find. And believe me, I watched them all ;) Thanks Ali!

[@noniecabrera]

Decent? Mate that was superb. You always have a structured and clear way of teaching these skills...especially for old beginners like me. Cheers!

[@davidyoung-nb2pu]

This is one of the best tutorial for track standing I have seen and I have watched loads At 61 balance is not great but with your help I have the wall part dialled. Just need yo keep chipping away and I'm sure I will manage the full unsupported TS. Once again thanks

[@cameronlesley2428]

A great video. I showed my 17 year old son and for the last 2days we’ve been outside track standing and having slow races

[@tobortine]

Best explanation and tips for how to practice that I've found. Many thanks.

[@EdReturns]

this is by far the best track stand tutorial!

[@koho]

Ali-great tutorial! I've been working on trackstands on and off for a while and still found useful info.

[@rwo5402]

Oh wow, google just recommended this video. What a great instruction video. When I ride I always admire those that can stop at the traffic lights without getting off the bike waiting for green., I'll definitely try this. Thank you for the clear and simple instructions.👍👋

[@williammckeown3154]

thanks so much- balancing nicely against the curb for the first time today! persistence is key!

[@AJ-tt7zt]

Excellent video! The wall technique is exactly how I learned to trackstand as well. Great tips throughout, using the little cracks wherever you are, and small slopes, pushing off the front brake to get backwards momentum. Every detail you explain breaks down little things I never even realized I do when trackstanding on a freewheel bike. The one addition I would explain is that if you're on a road/track bike, you need to be bars left->left foot forward or bars right-> right foot forward. On a bmx or dirt jumper/MTB with big clearances/no toe overlap with front wheel it's fine to use whichever foot forward. But if you're track standing bars left->right foot forward on a road bike, your toes can hit the front wheel and knock you off balance. On a tight geo track bike this will happen every time.

[@matthysloedolff]

I have this thing where I can do a track stand if I don't think about it, but as soon as I realise I'm track standing, I get excited and lose balance. The instructions are clear and quite good. Thanks!

[@ChippsChippendale]

Nice video, mate. I agree that a trackstand is one of the best skills a regular mountain biker can learn. The ability to come to a stop, change line and restart - whether up or downhill - is invaluable. I learned with the wheel pointing right (I'm right foot forward) so that I could use the camber of the road (when riding on the left in the UK.) Cheers!

[@KarmasAbutch]

This is GREAT! All the other home drill vids seem to be people with massive back yard, driveways and detached houses. I’m in apartment I cant “bunny hop” practise on my neighbours fricken ceiling guys. We’re not all rich and sponsored riders. This is totally silent and I can still hear the video and practise along with u.

[@rmarinho4732]

Excellent explanation! Definitely be interesting to see other skills broken down and explained as well, keep up the great work!

[@m3tatr0n]

Fact. Best trackstand tutorial ever!

[@mikea7174]

I am pumped to do this now.....wish I started two months ago. Never too late to start! Thanks bud.

[@sila9655]

I've never seen a trackstand tutorial that detailed. Very well made :)

[@shannonharris2816]

That's really cool, Ali. I am so glad I clicked on this vid. I was reminded how little I know, and learned more than I knew. I have a Ducati Pantah, and at 200kg and 'eff all, steering lock- trials shenanigans, exist in a parallel universe. But, I also have a Cell MTX R2 (21" frame). Which is way too bid for me, and feels Land Roveresque: what stunts I have tried resulted in smashing into an embedded shopping trolley and somersaulting: boulder jump gone badly wrong and somersaulting: over-cooking stoppies and somersaulting. And, I have an Avanti Cadent 3, wth inverted stem, reverse stacked spacers, rotated bars and hoods-for my munted neck. I would also find this very challenging to perform a trackstand, wouldn't it be nice. If you are representative of 'the youth', then, the future is not as 'effed as all indications, presage. I love Fabio Wibmer, Andy MacKaskill and Brumotti, also Peter Sagan!

[@alexeyrusin4322]

Very nice! Better than any tutorial I've seen before! Thank you!

[@jppickavance]

watched several tips on trackstand technique and I found your video to be the best! Thanks .... off to go grind out these awesome tips!

[@loonie1989]

Dude, thank you so much, have been getting good ones and bad ones when coming to lights in London, so have obviously been practicing a lot! But your tips and tricks have shown me how wrong i was and the wall method is the dream! thank you som uch dude, never seen your vids before but this is awesome

[@adrianac.2250]

Love this video! Cant wait to try and happy to know there are ways to help the transition from supported, unsupported and more difficult!

[@onkilo]

Ali, you are a genius! You shall make a tutorial in how to do tutorials. A underrated skill of yours. Cheers!

[@gregorsamsa8632]

onkilo that is so true...i have seen so many tutorials but ali somewhat makes the best ones...Maybe because he is always explaining everything and each little step, telling you how it Schlund be right and how you recognize your own mistakes...but like a real, good teacher

[@bigal9867]

Amazing quality tutorial! Fantastic details, plenty to chew on there!

[@mitchellmtb7202]

This is the best trackstand tutorial on KZbin

[@Alsclips2013]

Brilliant video! Thanks for the very detailed instructions! Cheers.

[@butterballsknows]

Excellent guide as the others have said! I was watching and waiting for the small incline or crack in the path. You can even get the assistance of a pebble. I think its great to see so many methods in here and the one that stands out to me that I need to practice more is building the tension in the fork for the spring action. I can go to either side with the bars to switch into a more stable stance, but there is quite a bit of movement so I think I need to practice more without the brake and then use the spring fork tension to rescue any over corrections.

[@ChristianParpartDev]

this is actually a really good progressive/incremental guide. many thanks man. keep on going! :)

[@Timtimzi]

I've been trying to learn how to trackstand on my road bike for the longest time. These are some really cool exercises.

[@RoPEK123xd]

that's by far the most detailed and to put it simple, the best trackstand guide i've seen so far by a mile. you've truly outdone yourself covering just about anything that comes to my mind, massive respect for that. it's always the best combination when a person who have mastered the technique can also explain things very nicely and clearly in a creative way. i'm now more aware of what i was doing wrong and i will try to apply some of your tips to further improve my trackstands. i've got a question, though. i've developed something that may possibly be a bad habit of turning the wheel to the front foot's side and while i'm definitely far from maintaining the trackstand for any significant amount of time, 5 to 10 seconds of standing still was enough for this habit to overcome the ability of doing it the proper way while still not being anywhere close to actually mastering the technique. i always needed some space to move around, possibly roll forward a tad just to restore the balance. should i keep practicing my way or let it go and start over the correct way? not sure if it's any relevant, but i've also been riding without a front brake for a while, i'll spare you getting into details why. hats off to you for this guide, cheers

[@RoPEK123xd]

@@Ali_Clarkson i'm definitely going to try it, once the the situation stabilizes, thank you kindly

[@helicart]

I concur. I've been taught a few ways, but this vid is definitely better. Road bike technique they usually recommend starting on an upslope so your front foot has resistance to push against. Also it is easier to start in grass so the front wheel when rotated 90degrees doesn't move as easily.

[@Dorschbert1338]

wow the blue of your bike looks amazing in this light!

[@HW-MTB]

FANTASTIC instructions! Thank you!

[@tonyrgnash]

Great Vid Ali....I'll certainly be practicing based on your advice and guidance

[@ViperSRTnACR]

Great vid! One thing I would add for beginners in regards to putting the tire on the wall is to actually wedge the tire in a corner like you have next to the brown door. That way, both sides of the tire are held in place when the rider gets on the pedals and pushes forward. You can drape a rag or old towel over the front wheel as well to prevent getting scuff marks on the walls.

[@ModgeDonkey]

Years ago I didn't even know it was called track standing, it's something I just naturally learned from road riding and waiting for traffic lights and stuff. So it was funny when I made some new mates, started riding with them and they saw me doing it sat down, non-handed and up/down hills and asked how I could do all that without even knowing what it was called, haha. Thanks for the informative video, which hopefulyl gets more people learning this vital riding skill :)

[@grahamleach9639]

You legend Ali, cheers for this. I've built myself a manual machine and now this for the lockdown as well. Nice to see the cat got in on the act, no helmet the only scandal is we don't see the ace tarty bikes logo.

[@grahamleach9639]

I've only had a short go and it's unnerving on the manual machine. Worried about turning my new bikes rear wheel into a pringle, so practicing on the old (wife's new) bike. However now I have a great trackstand video (and a wall) this will be my priority in the evening. Keep smiling and stay safe.

[@lynxg4641]

Another great video Ali, well done and much appreciated mate.

[@neildxb]

great video, you have a skill for breaking it down & making it easier to understand, thanks

[@gafrers]

Trackstand is so essential. Lovely video

[@dumpz_mnrz]

Thanks for this! Epic details on trackstands! I didnt realize I only had to add a slight manuever trick to fix my trackstand. :)

[@samslichter3566]

Thanks for all these tips, Ali! I’ll be a track stand master by the time we’re out of lockdown

[@jehadgh6930]

Are you now ?

[@swazilandirtbikes]

I think this is the best video i've seen, Amato.

[@joeldriver381]

It was shocking how hard it was to trackstand on my smooth level floor vs outside. After watching this I think I have some bad habits that I need to work on. Very good video and stay safe!

[@smithgov]

Same for me. I thought I was track standing all these years but it was a variation and did not keep me up long. I need to relearn the whole darn process.

[@joeldriver381]

@@smithgov LOL- yeah I have improved but habits are hard to break.

[@rogermuppet]

Cool - I like the idea of gradually increasing the difficulty. I hope I can learn it soon!

[@paulfaulkner6299]

I need to improve this for just general road use at traffic lights (yes, I'm one of those who always stops). Thank you for explaining things I'd not considered

[@sheriffola]

Thanks man, within a few hours in a day I was able to do it for like 20 seconds.

[@ln663]

Very nice! I'm going to try this tom after working from home.

[@mactheknife74]

First 30 second Trackstand today. Baboom. Cheers Amigo

[@themuddycyclist]

I think this should be my lockdown project. Thanks Ali.

[@chrishebert128]

I started doing trackstands about 40 years ago on a 1972 Schwinn Continental (10-spd), but I never really thought about how I do it. Now I ride a Klein mountain bike mostly, or my custom-made Dave Tesch S-22 road bike. Watching your video, I see all the things I've noticed while doing a trackstand. For example, at stoplights (or for passing trains), I point my wheel up the slight slope of the street, making it easier to balance. I do ride clipped in on both my road and mountain bike, so it's a bit more of a challenge. Your tips should help others learn the skill. Now, I don't even know which foot forward I prefer, or which way I turn my bars. Will have to take note next time I ride (tomorrow).

[@MattSwain1]

Great video thanks. Often when someone is an expert at something they struggle to describe it to lesser mortals but I think you’ve nailed it here. I knew there was a reason I got a wood floor in my living room :-)

[@IvanovDns]

The best tutorial for trackstand I've have ever seen. The rest are the same as drawing the owl. Draw a circle and finish drawing f**king owl. But here is another approach. How to avoid concentration on everything simultaneously and add additional changes one by one. Great video. Many thanks!

[@tomordr]

Thank you!!! Very good video and well done

[@williamchristian8705]

Thanks I’m 64 myself. I have a Throne Goon and two beach cruisers. I’m very eager to learn everything. Of course I’ve casually rode all my life. But I see people doing things I’d still like to do. I admire all the “tricks” I see. And age should be a minor factor. So I’m game. Bring it all on. Again thanks for the tutorial! I life near the beach in SoCal so I’d love to be out doing some little tricks....

[@nardtala4264]

obviously good tips & tricks, thanks and keep safe

[@isaks3243]

I have been able to do a track stand for nearly a decade now, but since i'm teaching new riders techniques and giving them tips and tricks on how to improve their mountain bike skills was this video actually really helpful. the problem when teaching people how to do the things you already know how to do is that generally if you're self taught like i am do you have absolutely no clue of what you're actually doing so you have to re learn how to do the things you're doing just to learn how you're actually doing it. and videos like this one is insanely useful!

[@thektmkid6990]

That's a long trackstand

[@IthacaDon]

Thanks Ali. I will practice this today.

[@user-ig5ff5ws5q]

Thank you very much for learning. Побольше бы таких видео! Удачи!!!

[@Rudarama1]

Thanks dude! Long time rider with great balance, but ... I've never actually learned how to do this! I think I got this ... I'll let you know.

[@Wookey.]

I've been practising at every traffic light for the last few years. I can do it pretty well (sitting down) with a decent road camber or a useful lump in the road (much easier with a slope). But I'm really bad on the flat. Will try some of these suggestions to get that last bit.

[@abrahamacantilado7181]

I saw this on my recommendation Such a relaxing video

[@suhwateezea.214]

Can't wait to try this on my 60 pound e mtb. Desperately need to build up slow speed skills on this beast

[@greghum4754]

Great tutorial. Maybe I’ll try this.

[@mtbdad2]

Outstanding video.

[@Peter-ss1vb]

Very help full ,I am half way there I do understand about pressure on the front foot and brakes . I haven't been turning my handle bars at 45 degrees but I move very slowly and balance almost to a stop . I need to practice turning the handle bars.

[@bauke-LV426]

Thank you. I'm actually seriously trying to learn this. Indoors as well. Man, it is hard. I tend to fall to the right (right foot forward). Quickly too, I loose my balance quickly. Not gently, like you. I know, I know: practice more...

[@ryzart396]

Really good job ! i am a beginner on a trial bike and i think it will help me ! thanks Ali

[@vince5474]

really good explained!

[@keithstewart7514]

A feet that gave me a first place ribbon in fourth grade as the first bicycle rodeo winner against upperclassmen of 5th & 6th graders. Later in high school i could do a controlled high speed stop via only the front wheel on the ground. A balancing act of 1 to 5 seconds before the back wheel touched the ground and so continued. A show for autos that often got cheers, other times people attempting to distract me.

[@Triplex5014]

You're the only one on youtube who I've seen with right foot forward and steer to the left method and that's the way I do it too, but I use the rear brake instead.

[@grabie2]

Great tutorial, thanks for sharing.

[@likamuuk]

Thank you so much for making that video.... Last days I always tried to trackstand but I only got like 2 minutes or less if I got lucky😶 Now I have some pro tips from you. Man I'm so happy and will go on my bike instantly😁 Keep up the great work🤙

[@likamuuk]

@@Ali_Clarkson Thanks for your Motivation 🙃👍

[@rostislavsvoboda7013]

I think I found an easier way how to start: Put your bike against the wall as shown in the video. Put the "front" pedal down stand on just this one(!) pedal. The full procedure goes as follows: lean against the wall at an angle, lock both breaks, put the "front" pedal down, step on it, stretch the knee, lift up the other toe, keep it in the air, but don't(!) put it on the other pedal and try to find the balance point. This way you have your balance point as low as possible. And locking breaks makes the bike even stiffer so you don't oversteer so easily. Plus stretching the knee helps to stay relaxed, otherwise this turns to be a pretty nice workout - muscling the bike left and right, stepping up and down. Anyway I'm progressing!! Thanks as lot. You've got my patreon support! :)