KARA'S MANUAL PROGRESSION USING THE MANUAL MACHINE!!

Kara & I decided to build a manual machine back in January to help her learn manuals... during the lockdown MTB hopper sent out their balance stand so she could practise even more...
In this video we a taking a look at Kara's manual progression as well as helping her to improve her manuals. We are on our dirt jump bikes as they are perfect for learning manuals on with the solid back end.
Overall I think that manual machines are a brilliant idea weather your a beginner MTB rider or advanced this is a great way of sharpening this manual skills!
We both hope that you enjoy the video! :)

[@fisher16v]

Teachers used to tell me not balance on the chair with two legs, well whos laughing now Mrs Brown.

[@freyatheuncontrollablesaus3202]

Haha best comment I’ve ever seen

[@adriancampos5157]

Jajaja true that did that shit alot in highschool and never fell 😂

[@motooilermotooiler9597]

Love it! So true! :)

[@thatguyisunoriginal8822]

"Teachers" but was only ever Mrs. Brown 🤣🤣

[@AppleJack76]

I'm 43 and I'm trying to learn this trick for first time. I'm at about the same progression as Kara. I've already looped it on the street. It hurt, but I'm not giving up. The grassy park is my new go to location. Manual or Death, which ever comes first.

[@stoneenforcer]

I teach people this skill when giving skills lesson. Grassy lots serve well for this session and keeping a finger on the rear brake.

[@DoctorORBiT]

Fall off the back on purpose a couple of times, that way you firstly know how it feels, and secondly get a feeling for where the "end" of your manual angle is! That way you can get a feeling for when you need to pull the brake just a teensy tiny bit! :) And I don't mean fall on your butt, but rather land on your feet. Like Tom demonstrated!

[@paolomartini8473]

Same here... I'm 42 and stubbornly trying to learn how to manual. I've made quite a bit of progress, and I find grassy parks not to be the best for it. The smoother the surface the better. Learn to loop out confidently and start at very low speed, knowing that looping out does not mean crashing, I get more consistent results this way :-)

[@FarmerFpv]

@@paolomartini8473 Exactly, I would never teach someone how-to manual on a grassy lot, too much friction/drag to overcome along with learning the CG of a manual will always end up on a student just giving up. Having confidence is key, looping out by peddling slow "wheelie" and dropping on your feet will plant in your head that looping at a slow speed is nothing to worry about, then start practicing your manuals finger above the rear brake. Learning to feather your rear brake by just doing wheelies will help you find the correct CG to hold a manual. Good luck man, it's never too late as I taught my older cousin when he was 38.

[@desertmtb5028]

45 here. Trying to learn this manual thing. Bought a bmx bike just for this. Question, would a mountain bike make it easier as compared to a bmx?

[@Mr.P.Griffith]

"Tom Halp!" That was too funny but completely relatable. You two are lot's of fun to watch working together.

[@martinschwartz7342]

Tom, thank you very much for all you have taught me through your videos. Thank you so much for the great entertainment also. Most of all, thank you for Kara. Watching you teach her and watching Kara learn has taught me the most. She is so honest and real. She articulates her fears, her triumphs, her mistakes, and all her other feelings very well. As a beginner, I go through many of the same thoughts and emotions as Kara. I learn so much from listening to her thoughts and then listening to your advice to her. Both of you are wonderful together. Separately, you are both just as good. Bless you for helping her go on her own with her channel instead of having her be second fiddle on your channel. That says a lot about you. May God bless both you and Kara and all your endeavors. The next time you see Kara, please give her a kiss on the cheek for me and tell her that this 68-year-old man from the other side of the pond thinks she is the greatest thing since the invention of ice cream. Please tell her thanks for all she has taught me. Keep safe, mate.

[@chugmtbnovice5241]

Top tips dude. I'll be trying these out for sure as my manuals suck! Great to see Kara progressing, she's doing amazing!! 🤘🔥

[@pjbeattie1]

Sick riding Tom!! And great progression Kara!! You guys have a great channel and really like the content and the chemistry between you both. Very genuine. Greetings from Canada!!

[@tomb-rider]

It's great seeing a pro & a manual learner together because we see someone really learning. Kara is doing great & already way better than me. I am inspired to try harder!!

[@huggyboy6974]

Great teamwork Tom and Kara! Kara's persistence has encouraged me to keep practicing. Sending a high-five from Aotearoa New Zealand.

[@davecardy3984]

You to are so good together having fun and passing skills on to others keep up the progression Kara and Tom you have been able to do that stuff nearly before you could walk amazing fella 👍👍👍👏👏

[@Zoolander0157]

What helped me was forcing myself to loop out at the start of every practice session. That way it was in my head that going over the back will be alright. Cheers!

[@TomCardy]

Yea dude completely agree, fall off the back then you can find the limit from there!

[@5sos-dontstopthevamps-rest679]

how long did you learn manual

[@Jumper708]

Damn that’s a good idea never thought about that! Cheers man

[@MrSmoothasf]

I can pop the front end up to the balance point and push my legs forward to stop it dropping but once it comes up 2 high I can't get the front end to go down again without using the brake and then it just slams down. Frustrating.

[@aaronf4223]

TheOracle bruh at least you can pop the front wheel up, I’m trying to learn to wheelie and I still can’t seem to pop the front wheel up lmao

[@winny0786win]

Great video showing good tips. Great work too Kara keep up the great work. Tom that manual at end was sick even going slower at end in all wind kept it going till end nice . 👍👌😀

[@parsnips800]

I've been riding a very long time and I've never been able to manual. I am going to knuckle down and learn. Thanks for the great tips in this video.

[@xlbirdlx9776]

Wow, I'm pretty sure i'm missing the "sitting" part. Going to it out tonight, thanks!

[@themostlymikeshow2582]

Sweet video! Very watchable!

[@sovelle]

kara you're a treasure! keep doing these

[@Garrar17]

I like your videos tom. Greeting from argentina! Gonna keep practicing my skills

[@heathnortonflag]

Dropping my heels really helped me to get my front wheel up more easily. Go Kara!

[@jamesburton4512]

I can manual for ages sitting down and wheelie basically as far as I want, or until my left hand gets tired from using the brake. God knows how you guys do it standing up I've never been able to master it! Keep up the sick videos Tom!!

[@ShadLife]

The term "manual" comes from skateboarding. We adopted in for BMX in the 80's when doing wheelies without pedaling. Brian Blyther was the manual king in the 80's! So now it's a common word used for doing wheelies without pedaling.

[@freyatheuncontrollablesaus3202]

Nice facts thanks

[@stianjarnass]

Fantastic video👏👏. That blue dirt bike is a beautiful too

[@dasanoneia4730]

Kara i appreciate your dedication good work

[@TomCardy]

🤟🤟

[@Cheesecake1559]

That back brake feathering control is something to never ever forget.

[@ryan52620]

One thing I noticed her doing, and this was the same for me in the beginning was the T-Rex arms lol. Keep the arms straight. All her good ones you'll see the arms are straight and all the fails her arms bend and pull the bars to chest. Once I figured this out and that it's really legs and hips, not arm and and upper body pulling, it clicked. Great vid! P.S. Manuals are easier the faster you go!

[@uptopmikep7065]

You’re doing great April. One observation for you is that you need to Look Up. Remember, “where you look is where you will go” and you appear to be looking down at your front wheel and the ground. So head up and manual away April. Keep up the good work. Nice coaching Tom!

[@kevinbiblay7948]

That technique of lifting and setting really helped me before I watch this video I could not really manual but KZbin helps a lot 😀😃😃😃🤙🏻🤙🏻🤙🏻😸😸

[@kerrysupporter]

Definitely a great team. Tom and Kara

[@rolypoly92]

You guys are awesome, love watching your channel. Sam, and my desire to manual, brought me here! Just an idea for Cara to learn mannies, might be better to get her learning wheelies first? Wheelies feel so much safer than mannies and they will teach her to feather the back brake...once that's more natural it's a natural progression to manuals, by which point Cara will already know what it feels like to find the balance point, and already be a pro with the back brake 👌😎 loved the manual machine vid from last year as well, thank you. Very keen to know where you got the one in this video though!

[@maxkill5815]

Everytime she did one ''yes" "that was a good one" 😂

[@sgtmojo2965]

I just got the Hopper Trainer. My balance/form not too good yet and actually pulled my quick release rear wheel off from moving side to side! Had to really tighten it down and have to try and only go up/down with minimal side movement. But it does seem to help with the learning and strengthening the proper muscles.

[@joesan3597]

Good video! I lost my ACL doing this on my Trek Remedy 8!

[@papashuvitsskateboardforth8399]

Classic riding spot, I was all over County Oak BITD, there's not a loading bay I've not fallen off.

[@nigelcarren]

First-time search, so I don't know who you are Mr Cardy, but it looks like you know what you are talking about! Cheers... I like your style... My name is Nigel I am 45, and I will do this!! 💪😲 Subscribed 👍🏆

[@candicelemmon]

Where can you buy this contraption? Was thinking of building like your other one but curious about this one. I love watching Kara's progression. I love watching you two for inspiration while I learn to ride (just started last year). Keep up the awesome channel and thank you so much ❤️🤙

[@crapenter3392]

Short shorts and bikes! I guess I’ll watch!

[@yes0910]

Fantastic

[@strand4964]

A pair of the sickest jump bikes I’ve seen

[@tomspate6409]

Hi tom it's me the guy from S4p bike park on the 6 th of July u are really sick and thanks for fixing my bike

[@captain_fad]

Great coaching Tom & great progress Kara. I'm an old dog learning to MTB so in a similar position. My approach is focussing on learning to wheelie before really trying to manual as it seems easier with more rider input/control. How are your wheelies Kara? Keep up with the great content.

[@CharlieBullock]

Your a lucky boy Tom 🤘🏻

[@TomCardy]

🤟🤟

[@thelancashirerider8868]

In he having all those bikes

[@leventevarga263]

social 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@mahniclear1526]

massive progression

[@barkstamassi]

During lockdown I practice on my manual machine. After letting go of he back brake, another thing I found useful was to drop the chain off too as I found I was putting lots of tension on the chain. I feel this steps brings it a stage closer to a real manual. 👍🏽

[@Yakakh181]

what manual machine

[@8584zender]

Built one of these using using lumber and deckers. Long story short, it's still hard :) I think the next step would be strapping an inflatable raft to your back so if you loop out, you just fall on that. Just keep sending it until you loop out then back off a smidge. It's also a killer workout yanking your body vertical.

[@antongrobler3781]

Good teacher

[@petermugo7730]

nice one Mr.Tom

[@a.spartan5444]

Toms a good coach!

[@tinkertogo]

Great manuals you guys!! What is the Mic you are using? I'm a coach and want to try and use videos to help riders as well these days as it is easier to get the content out.

[@UselessFingers]

I'm just starting to learn how to manual on my mountain bike I can see myself doing the same thing. Hope I can do this someday

[@richardhedges1361]

I've been wearing the wrong shorts all this time lol 😂😂😂😂

[@mikieson]

yep..gotta get them views :D

[@russgarth782]

Worked for me 😂 sorry Tom 😂👍

[@oneshothooligan6279]

Nuts make a big difference don't want no ball slippage

[@neilfpv]

Very cool Tom! Can I do the tricks/jumps you did at 9:17 using full suspension bike? The reason I asked is because I want to buy Vitus Mythique VRX 27.5. Awesome tutorial!

[@robertdipietro991]

I saw that when she started doing it on the flat ground she kinda brings her knees forward then goes straight back. Tell her to try a more down then back motion and it may help her direct the force better.

[@biketron]

I've seen these manual machines before and it's very interesting. Coming from BMX we just learned on the street. Looking at this I wonder if it would be more efficient just to learn on the bike in a parking lot.

[@beemac70]

That Identiti is just beautiful

[@DoctorORBiT]

Just repeating what some other commentors have said before me, but it's still very important nontheless. Fall off the back on purpose a couple of times, that way you firstly know how it feels, and secondly get a feeling for where the "end" of your manual angle is! That way you can get a feeling for when you need to pull the brake just a teensy tiny bit! :)

[@davidaearthy]

Really great video. What is that manual machine you have there? I used to manual on my road bike when it was in the turbo trainer. 😂

[@BATAMMTBExplore]

Wow 😮 good Skill 😱😱

[@harrygreen8100]

Sick Kara nice work Tom 🤘

[@TomCardy]

Thanks dude!

[@harrygreen8100]

U ever going to head up to Yorkshire n ride here? We’ve got some sick spots

[@HeintjeMTB]

As a manual noob my best manuals are the ones i do to get my frontwheel over a puddle or something. So having a distance goal helps me a lot. Might aso help you.

[@mitkoshredder]

I just realized that when you use your intro the music of it is actually from an Iron Maiden song, I knew it was super familiar,is it from 2 minutes to midnight?

[@DroppingInTV]

Sickkk tom love the videos

[@TomCardy]

Thanks dude!

[@DroppingInTV]

@@TomCardy it ok keep it up

[@clubdevoiture1618]

I also love caras bike its soo nice

[@clubdevoiture1618]

I aslo like her hot pants

[@HeathenRides]

I'm soon getting me levo back from the workshop, i really wanna build a machine like that. I can't manual but I can balance the front wheel etc enough to do a drop. It's my first bike in so many years ago before I knew what a manual was. I hope the weight on it does not make it so much more difficult. I have a feeling it might be easier while I first is in balance because have more weight, but slightly harder to lift

[@jbw5485]

🤣😂🤣😂🤣 I lmao when she got stuck. I know the feeling.

[@subliminalvibes]

Awesome tips!! Cheers T&K! What PSI you running please?

[@TomCardy]

Thanks dude hope they helped! I run 70psi and Kara runs 40 :)

[@kemosabikeemanart]

Great!

[@aajohnsoutube]

The term “Manual” came from Skateboarding. “Manual” became standard term for the moving-straight-forward two-wheel wheelie ~1986-88 ish (I think). It was adopted soon-after by BMX’ers for a moving-straight-forward wheelie where there was no pedaling - just balance.

[@Peter_M]

I learned for my ATPL exams and i was so tired so i decided to switch from books to this video to take some rest .... and whole video is recorded in front of CAE building :D

[@GoesJambuBolGJB]

I am very happy to be able to do movements in cycling

[@cirlandasilvaoliveira4569]

Tem que dar muita prática!.

[@stuart6868]

New pump track been built in chopwell just outside Durham you should check it out bro its sick 💯💯💯💯

[@smckenna12]

Who makes that balance stand? Pretty cool design!

[@randyfehl6920]

One way to work on the manual is to do seated wheelies and push through to standing up and stop peddling ...❤ your awesome riding abilities Cardy 👍👍🇺🇸🇩🇪🙂

[@0xsergy]

easier on the upper body in general. I personally can't do 100+ manuals in a row without something starting to hurt.. but i can very easily do 100+ wheelies so doing it this way gives you more practice time.

[@jasonsamia]

I found my twin! I manual the same way she does ;) I'm going to build me a manual trainer!

[@gbx1162]

Hey Tom, I was wondering if you've ever ridden at the FOD

[@discmotoslots]

i have been trying to do manuals for years. finally feel like i can go for a short distance. but that is on my 20". trying it on my 26" DJ bike i cant even get the front wheel off the ground hardly. search "manual" on my page. manuals are so fun! thanks

[@cletobici8484]

I fell on my butt trying to manual, it hurt for over a month. I want to keep trying but the thought of falling and landing on that same spot, I seriously think I would die. 😂😂😂

[@carlbernsen1290]

Try a snowboard butt pad

[@hukchone4521]

HI so good to see she is trying to Manual. But I can not find the video of she manual properly. I'm about her level and want to learn. Please kindly let me know. You guys are great.

[@alecrisdan]

Hi what is your take on attaching a chain or rope of sorts to the front wheel when you use the manual machine in order to stop the bike lifting too far back , wont that avoid the urge to grip the back brake while on the manual machine? your thought sand advice please Tom . shout out from Cape Town South Africa

[@Funky_Geek]

Do you need a specific style of mtb to manual like this or is it possible on a standard full suz?

[@rogermcmurray7]

I had been happily consoling myself with the idea that my MTB skills development was being hampered by not living in California or the rockies, but no all I have to do is drag my sorry ass up to Manor Royal 🥺. Great video thanks

[@AreebH2192]

I have a fear that I’m going to fall off when I try to do a manual or wheelie so ti need to get past that fear Good video guys 🤙

[@lukethompson6048]

Areeb Rides MTB try going to grass and purposely looping out and that’ll help

[@ajkey33]

Luke Thompson I cant second that technique enough!! I recently started learning manuals and i did exactly that, it helped me learn the proper motion so quickly

[@patwang]

Looping out on the manual machine helped me overcome the fear

[@reginaponce5429]

Mucha práctica y pronto llegarás a ser un pro

[@Nick_CF]

yeah purposely loop out over and over and over again. It gets you used to the feeling and how to bail out of it. It also cements into where that other end of the balance point is at.

[@Kakabo5757]

since i'm skinny af girls learning how to manual is really helpful since they are around the same weight and i see how far should i go also it looks way cooler when you lift front wheel so much

[@yanivnativ]

Nice

[@jeff7086]

Its silly but one thing that helped me was to find a slight down hill on grass and wear a backpack with a pillow on my back. It just helped that mental block of looping out knowing I had a soft landing.

[@candicelemmon]

I was just thinking about this! Great tip. Might try for that extra bit of safety.

[@thormatt2963]

I don't care if she does a manual or not....im just enjoying watching her try.

[@robngoma]

Great vid!Where did you get that stand?

[@HenryBragg]

The Manual Machine is by MTB Hopper - mtbhopper.com/products/balance

[@JSB-2Z-2K]

8:05 lol she thought of something dirty xD

[@abelramos8652]

Tom I’m trying to manual/bunny with my ebike and I’m beyond frustrated. I’ve learn the move really begin on the legs and hips not the torso, but still my brain is unable to order that move!

[@59trevski]

You nearly did a no hands manual Kara 🤙

[@dvsevin]

How much damage can you do to your back rim with a manual machine? Would you suggest using a spare or bad back rim when you first start using a man machine

[@bjfauver6130]

I can't tell the brand but I love that frame looks x small

[@kimberlylevin2191]

Do you have instructions and/or reference to build a manual trainer like yours? This is a must have!

[@cipherion]

He posted one titled “THE MANUAL MACHINE// DO THEY REALLY WORK” all caps

[@Northstar-Media]

@@cipherion They do help the one in in video is shop bought MTB manual machine. But they are quite easy to build .

[@itfc3]

nice on mate. I'm still struggling with these i can manual for 1.5 car park spaces then the front drops. how can i get the front up higher or even to loop out. I'm quite short and on a full suspension bike would this make it a lot harder as i just cant seem to get it to pop right up. can do it in a manual machine but not in a carpark.

[@OktaFierce]

A few tips. Really commit. When you go down and back, use the L shape and go back low with your butt near the wheel. Straighten your arms all the way out and punch the bars forward. Kick the peddles out from under you with your heels down and low. Like Tom says its like throwing yourself onto a couch. Keep your finger on that brake cause its gonna flip.

[@2zany4u]

That manual machine looks awesome, did you guys build it ?

[@HenryBragg]

The Manual Machine is by MTB Hopper - mtbhopper.com/products/balance

[@gebo4004]

hi, can you use the peddle to get the front wheel up?

[@adambernhard8177]

Since manuals spark confusion How bout a video on lookbacks/turndowns/unturns/unlocks/indowns

[@darkjm3]

hmmm i need to get a pair of those shorts

[@onlyonecannoli3952]

The most important thing about learning to manual is to do it on rough pavement while wearing daisy duke shorts and a short sleeve shirt. Be sure not to wear any protective gear other than a helmet as it might otherwise prevent you from permanently scarring your body.

[@Zetler]

I learned nothing. But was entertained. 😋

[@opensourceecon]

What type of bikes are those? Trials, pump track?

[@ashthisguy7624]

Any chance of a hop to manual/manual to hop video?