How To Wheelie Like A Pro | How To Bike Season 2 Episode 6

[@doug148877]

If anyone is interested another tip I've learned is pay attention to where your eyes are focusing. I find that keeping my eyes up looking down the trail helps. Try not to look at your front tire, or the ground directly in front/side of your tire while on a wheelie!

[@Petr388]

absolutely yes! It is one of the most useful tips, it is just a bit advanced, when things start to click together. Learninto wheelie and manual is a process, where every part has its time.

[@HUKIT.]

Ah Ben, the super tall, extremely funny, and talented friend we wish we all had.

[@meneerbas]

So true...😂

[@norangeflame5617]

One and a half years of wheelies and I can now turn, swerve and do one-handed on my dual sus. Also, when your front wheel is spinning fast its a bit easier to balance due to gyroscopic forces - the force of the spinning wheel can help tilt your bike and give you more side balance/control. And guys - PRACTICE. EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Only then will you see the results you want.

[@tomc0240]

I'm 40 in a few months, just bought my first full sus mtb, and I'm heading to the park later to do some practice!

[@tomc0240]

oh man I sucked so bad. it was so fun though

[@MaskSwabe]

Good luck man. I'm in my 40s and learning too but on a hardtail

[@highzenberg5250]

I'm 40 this month. Also bought my first full sus bike. In the last 3 months I managed to learn a stand, endo, drops, wheelie(like 10-20m) and do some small jumps. Ben's lessons are soo good. I like to choose 2 skills for a day and focus more on the one that I see bigger progress. Make a plan and good luck!

[@HarryGagger]

@@tomc0240how is it going?

[@PaulLacombe]

Thanks Ben!

[@sergeiminaev2061]

1:50 I love this moment

[@ryanbuchan3158]

I can really easily wheelie for miles because I also ride my mtb to work almost every day and practicing for 30 minutes a day on the way to/from helps without having to find time to practice. I also prefer with my saddle lower as I find it easier to adjust my balance.

[@josechavez2148]

I been practicing somewhat steady since beginning of feb with a three week gap, and I’m definitely starting to see results 😊. Getting comfortable with the wheel up and can hold them for a few parking spots. Just working on muscle memory for light braking.🤘trying to go in order of wheelie, manically, bunny hop😊

[@stormstaticisme7868]

I used to practice with the rear shock locked out but I realised its much easier to keep the balance point with the suspension left open. 🤗

[@Thebowber]

We used to practice on the way home from school, we were all reasonably good, then came motorbikes and racing in various off road sports and I never bothered wheelies, other than getting over obstacles, now I'm back on an mtb (50+) and I can't get it up (THE FRONT WHEEL ;-)) to many years of keeping the wheels on the ground.

[@theandycam6]

I find every video I've watched has taught me something new but this one explained it the best, thank you. It's about muscle momory, especially the braking part, which is something I've never done. Will practice that more. PS - I'm busy learning how to wheelie on my DH rig as it's the only bike I have - not the easiest to learn on but I'm getting there. Can do a couple pedal strokes already(wish the seat pole was a bit longer) - I'm 49 and learning how to wheelie, finally, stoked💪🤙

[@davidmt23]

Me too, been putting alot of effort in and slowly seeing results, it's all about time spent practicing in my opinion, desperately trying to master it before I'm 50..........

[@twowheelsondirt]

it's harder to get it up on a DH bike but you will have a larger balance point and more control when you get there. BTW, 56 here and work on wheelies on every ride :D

[@davidmt23]

@@twowheelsondirt 20 pedals and a beep from a passer by!!!, getting there at last, buzzing

[@twowheelsondirt]

@@davidmt23 SWEET!

[@tomc0240]

I'm just shy of 40 and starting my journey today!

[@oliverbourne9599]

Always the best. Who else is gutted Ben is now a deserved superstar and has stopped his 1:1 riding school so you can't book in with him anymore

[@safetythird23]

Thanks Ben. First session- went from 1cm bounce from the front suspension To Holy Crap I just flew off the back!! Everything suddenly happened perfectly (just that once) and wow 🤩. I’ll be wheelie-ing everywhere by the end of the summer 🚵🏼‍♀️🤘

[@jokermtb]

Made 2022 the year I really learn to wheelie…just getting able to keep it going for a bit. Night and day improvement with practicing constantly (others may find it onerous on occasion)

[@julihm]

Which mtb will be easier for over 45 to learn manual or whelie if you have trouble having balance? santacruz bronson?

[@Kavrecki]

Dude with playground excavator was hilarious!

[@MrTaduerr]

Great advice and fantastic breakdown - Thanks!

[@IeatRatsForBreakfast999]

This actually helped me a lot and I did learn from it thanks😀

[@hobokenarts]

I would just add when starting out use some sort of back protection like a backpack in case you do fall backwards!

[@alejandrozepeda]

I learnt that in the painful way 😛

[@lalligood]

I don't recall coming across Ben's 4th point of intentionally grabbing the back brake to get used to catch yourself from looping out. That's one of those counterintuitive ideas that only makes sense after learning about it. Terrible weather outside where I am today, but I'm going to work on my wheelies later this week!

[@dudeonbike800]

The only addition I'd make is that he's squeezing his left brake lever. In the US, that's the front brake. But he's squeezing his rear brake (obviously). So everyone needs to know the UK and some continental countries run the rear brake to the left (a la motorcycles) brake lever. Just so everyone's clear: use the REAR brake, no matter what lever it's attached to!!!!

[@edwardricker1864]

6 months later, you got em down yet? I'm just starting this week

[@insertgenericnamehere7774]

I removed the fear. I felt confident and tried to wheelie on the trail.. It did not go well, and that's how last years bikeseason ended for me 🤣

[@torsteinstorkersen]

And again, Cathro explains it best!

[@techne9992]

Love these vids dude! Bravo guys

[@MrWhitmen1981]

I enjoy this guys videos. 160kg rider that’s 195cm tall. So I’m giving it a shot.

[@dudeonbike800]

Two things I try with riders trying to wheelie: 1) First, "loop" or flip over off the rear wheel. You have to be able to get the bike up and to the balance point to wheelie. So just "loop" the bike first. That way you're knowing what you're trying to do - pre-load the arms, shift weight back and lift the bars while putting down a burst of power. Bring the front wheel up and over and dismount off the back. (Uh yeah, you definitely want flats for this!) Doing this means you can achieve the mechanics to wheelie. AND you're prepared for when you "loop" it and will have the landing down. (No smashed tail bones!) 2) Second, show the new wheelier the "balance point." This is much easier with children or 100 lb. wives (I'm lucky in that way!). Stand behind the seated rider, apply the rear brake and pull the bars (and rider) up and back as you move back and behind them. Hold them up! This gets them to the rear wheel's balance point. This is the magical equilibrium of a wheelie. Doing this shows EXACTLY what the new wheelier is trying to achieve. They will feel the balance point. They will then have the real-world knowledge of what a wheelie feels like when being ridden. Then it's up to them to get to equilibrium and then maintain it though power and rear brake application.

[@dudeonbike800]

PS The way I learned to ride unicycle in 8 days was this: Practice every day for 30-45 minutes. It's amazing how the brain learns with regular effort. I planned on devoting 14 days (or more) straight to learning. I was thrilled to be riding in 8. Much more proficiently in 12 days. But I already knew how to wheelie (riding 48 years, doing some trials, racing road & mountain too), so I had a bit of a head start. PPS Seth of Berm Peak (formerly Seth's Bike Hacks) learned in something like 2 hours! Man, that was crazy! So having on-bike time and a skill set already is a big advantage.

[@willgotrocks5348]

Yeah the pre load and rear wheel up I found helpful, I'm still learning it but the body weight shift of down and back was really helpful to getting front wheel off from learning bunny hops

[@vemvdotnet]

I'm kind of getting there in my learning process. I'd say I kind of hug the saddle with my hips? I also try to place my butt as far back as possible in the saddle for maximum leverage, in this hugging movement. The movement I try to draw with my butt/hips is rotational, mimicking the back wheel.

[@BitsOfEternity]

Love seeing this in steps, and understanding how to practice each step to build muscle memory and remove the fear. When the weather allows, I'll watch it again, if I need to, and I'll get out there and work on this until I get it!

[@abnerruiz4011]

Omg. Thank you 😊 I appreciate this.

[@ZOB4]

Despair is definitely the most common side effect.

[@dlefevre8]

How to crash video? I just saw somebody say some stuff about tucking or extending your arms during a crash and now I have questions.

[@denecersevanrijn3300]

Best instructions ever! (And funniest 🤣)

[@VoltaDoMar]

Did Ben ever get to the video about how to steer wheelies and manuals?

[@maxpowerendurochanel]

Good, need try

[@melo7572]

can't wait to learn this :)))) I tried today but failed I'll get back out!

[@lincolnlu9869]

Thanks for including the tip for smaller riders! It feels like that's never a consideration in any of the guides

[@ivanrybkin9384]

any tips on no-hands wheelie? I'm easy with one hand including steering, but letting go my brake hand and releasing the bars just doesn't seem to work 😟 I've seen some guys first swinging one hand back to control the balance by holding one arm far back behind rear wheel, then pulling the second one back, but any time try to do that I immediately loop out

[@dadventuretv2538]

Here’s the advice I need- how do I find the time to practice learning how to wheelie when I have somewhere between 0 and 4 hours a week to ride and I still wanna actually ride? If you can do a vid figuring this one out for me I’ll be very grateful. Lol

[@uldi1s]

Well done on touching side to side balance, that's been my weak point for the past 40 or so years :/ And looking forward to the steering one (it's just side to side balance but on steroids). That's the one I really want :)

[@dudeonbike800]

I really hoped he'd touch on riding wheelies downhill where you really don't utilize pedaling forces, but are simply "controlling the fall" the whole time. This is something I still cannot do comfortably or even remotely well. I could use some suggestions!

[@uldi1s]

@@dudeonbike800 You're describing manuals. Look them up, lots of videos around :)

[@dudeonbike800]

@@uldi1s I have and still haven't really gotten the answers I've been seeking. But I'll take another look. Thanks!

[@uldi1s]

@@dudeonbike800 yeah, difficult subject when most people just do it naturally. And then there's others like us to whom it doesn't come as naturally 😬

[@laramiegrinde9246]

I can get my front wheel up. I can keep it really straight, but I can't pedal before I just come back down. Practice and more practice I guess.

[@twowheelsondirt]

You might be focusing on your tire, that motion of your head will bring the wheel down. That anepractice practice practice :D

[@نائل-ل2ه]

Hey bro what is your height and bike frame size?

[@aidennymes6335]

lock out rear suspension?

[@moritzmeisl]

no

[@madtho]

I’m going to have a hard time not letting out a hearty HA! when hitting my rear brake from now on.

[@bitumen83]

@Pinkbike Can learning wheely destroy somehow your fork and bearings in headtube?

[@lexusstefan927]

Only on really cheap bikes

[@sapinva]

No, but it can make your wrists sore.

[@Mstrgeez]

I have the same bike and I feel like it’s pretty heavy to lift up. Maybe I’m just not used to it or just weak lol, but thanks for the tips!

[@dudeonbike800]

I liked his suggestion for smaller riders. Try that. You've really gotta combine the three points: pre-load with weight forward, then springing up and back and then the power. That's the key. As I said above, if you cannot lift the front wheel, then simplify what you're trying to achieve: don't try to wheelie at first. Just try to "loop" the bike. Find a nice, smooth grassy area that will reduce the chance of hurting yourself. Make this your goal: to lift the bars up and apply power to get the rear wheel to "flip" you over backwards. Be prepared to jump off the back and land on your feet. This is what you should focus on until you develop the muscle-memory to do it easily. Then you'll be able to develop the finesse to slow and stop the process once your bike and body near and reach the balance point. Then it's learning to RIDE a wheelie. But again, don't try to achieve both goals at once. Start with the flip first, then proceed to the actual wheelie riding part. Good luck!

[@Mstrgeez]

@@dudeonbike800 well I’m not a small rider lol. I’m 6ft, but I will definitely try it out this weekend. So yeah thanks for your tips as well

[@greenfefo_fpv465]

I can wheelie for blocks, but i just enjoy your thought process and teaching process so much im here for the content!

[@LuisCastagna]

Ben out of curiosity, how tall are you and which is the bike size?

[@sapinva]

About 7'4" and XXXXL. Or maybe he's just a 6'4" stick pole illusion.

[@86309]

Are longer wheelbase bikes "easier " to stay in the wheelie?

[@AGMTB.]

I’d say so, harder to pop but more control once up

[@zombie981_]

@@AGMTB. generaly that's what Jeff Kendal-Weed report, longer chainstay bike are harder to get up, but can get better control

[@Petr388]

yes and manuals even more. I love manuals on my DH bike. Hated it on my DJ bike until recently, but just got the feel for it. I have made the most in depth tutorials for both wheelies and manuals, but just in my native language - czech. Thinking about making subtitles, but I have never tried, have to check it out if it would be possible.

[@doug148877]

Longer bikes are definitely harder to get the initial wheelie/manual started - but once up they're more stable and I find I don't have to adjust as much front to back to keep a wheelie going. Have fun, stay safe!

[@tahoeebikes]

Ben is really good

[@donnynelson2760]

Well, damn. Something just clicked with me while watching you wheelie towards the end. I didn’t know you’re not supposed to continually pedal like you would getting from point A to point B, instead it looks like you’re doing a series of half cranks or something. I’ve never had issue getting the bike up, but always felt super sketchy when I’d get some speed going.

[@Manix1999]

Perfect.

[@AndyDylag]

Cathro went down that stair set pulling a minger on the back wheel smoother than I can get down on two wheels. Man’s a god.

[@marcelknop1]

I'm a slooo.........ow learner. Been practising wheelies using all of the techniques described for the last 10 years and still only manage a few pedal stroke, at most, with the wheel in the air. I'm clearly not at the balance point properly and am "chasing that dropping front wheel" but no matter the amount I practise, I just can't get it. I practise a lot- after every ride, during rides, and sometimes just take the bike out just to practise the wheelie.

[@lexusstefan927]

Give you something i learned, try to do the wheelie uphill, since that way you'll be going slower and won't have to worry about back brake control considering the hill will slow you naturally

[@sapinva]

@@lexusstefan927 Yeah, steep hill and lowest gear helps.

[@marcelknop1]

@@lexusstefan927 Thanks,and yes, I do that. I think its lack of balls to stay at that near tipping point, that prevents me from keeping that wheel up more than 30 meters, truth be told.

[@iansteward4708]

You’ve got to practice going too far and looping out, that way you gain confidence knowing you’ll be ok if it happens. Then definitely start using the back brake to control the balance point. You can practice for years but if you don’t commit to that balance point you’ll be chasing the same issue forever.

[@safetythird23]

Try a manual trainer- Kyle and April on KZbin show how to build a cheap ish one out of boards. A manual is balancing without pedaling, so maybe practicing that balance point will help?! 👍

[@heathnortonflag]

First Comment. Yay. I've been practicing wheelies for a while and can sometimes wheelie a long way. However, when I get to the trail head and try and show off, I can never quite do the long wheelies I can in front of my house. I guess more practice is in order. :(

[@simonjohnson7025]

Seat time is always the answer

[@heXbelongs2me]

This bike was really easy to assemble kzbin.infoUgkxMesz3KOGEmwmvyKQfLfrRSUXLFzfVHZA and required very few adjustments out of the box. The wheels did not require any truing/adjustments. The frame had some small scratches, but nothing major.I did replace the seat though - the seat it came with was very uncomfortable. The tires need to be re-inflated every 4-5 days, but this appears to be quite common for the narrow 700x25 tires.Overall, in my opinion, this bike looks and rides like a much more expensive bike.

[@kai_Lucifer002]

bro got that santa cruz megatower

[@alexh.4068]

FINALLY THE BHOP VIDEO lol.

[@IMikePlays]

I got confident on wheelies one time not until my back brakes failed me, landed on my fanny pack and cracked my phone 😂😭 Will invest on Shimano MT200s soon though Update: Bought MT200s and I'm back to zero since I'm still not used to the strength of 'em 😂 Update 2: Getting pretty confident with 'em wheelies, guess it's worthy investing on good brakes after all

[@FVPOV]

mt200's? They're so weak... I can't even stop with Mt200's

[@IMikePlays]

@@FVPOV idk, depends on your discipline I guess, I bought mine and now I can say I am pretty confident at wheelies, a good investment on my end since money isn't something I can spend that easily

[@diesse_action_lab]

We need manual!!🔥🙏

[@konigchris4884]

I got the last symptom 😅

[@RunThatRC]

Wheelies!

[@zachbarker5354]

Whats the song at the end called?

[@rafaelpalharesguimaraes3932]

I still can’t wheelie 😢

[@METEORA_47]

ok im wheelie just 5@6meter 😖

[@KoScosss]

Jokes on you. It's the first video i've seen on wheelies.

[@casper18795]

That bike looks so tiny under Ben.

[@marcfreshart]

The bike life wheelie kids all wheelie with their seat down not up.

[@vlbz]

If bike engineers wanted us to get the wheels off the ground, they would have put wings on the bikes. It's unnatural.

[@Boboo5]

Buy a road bike then and never jump jib or have fun

[@vlbz]

@@Boboo5 exactly, thank you. Why would anybody do smthg this dangerous?

[@Boboo5]

@@vlbz dangerous haha good one

[@watsonlee6798]

🤓🤓🤓

[@jasond7978]

This is some next level satire right?

[@MTB_Rider_96]

LOL, your back break is on the wrong side! You probably drive on the left side of the road also.

[@truer870]

Obviously his bike is minimum one size smaller then it has to be. Lol. I know why it happened. Because it's easier to do bunny hop and drive smaller bike. But he looks like a clown on it