Can’t Wheelie? Here’s Why.

Is there a "right" way to learn wheelies? I think so. Every mountain bike skill should build on the previous one, so your time and effort continues to build your skill base over time. Wheelies are a great skill to have - not just for showing off, but for learning to ride up (and off) obstacles.
WAYS TO SUPPORT THIS CHANNEL:
🤘 Use this link anytime you want to buy bike parts: jenson.sjv.io/SuperRider
🏆 Free (or Paid) Subscription to the Weekly Newsletter: superrider.substack.com/
🔥 Pick up some Super Rider Merch: www.superrider.tv/collections...
🎬 Become a Channel Member to get access to behind the scenes and more videos:
/ @superridertv
Instagram: / superridertv
Super Rider Merch: www.superrider.tv
JOIN THE DISCORD: / discord
My bike setup:
Marin Rift Zone 2: jenson.sjv.io/davxjQ
Deity Components: jenson.sjv.io/Jz0rXQ
Hayes Dominion Brakes: hayesbicycle.com/superrider
(Use AARONRIDESHAYES15 for a 15% discount)
(If you click on any of these links to buy parts, it helps me out. This is a great way to support the channel!)
🔥 Subscribe to the Super Rider KZbin channel: / @superridertv
0:00 - Wheelie Breakdown
1:17 - Bike Setup
4:55 - Phase One: Takeoff
5:34 - What Everyone Gets Wrong
7:20 - Phase Two: Stabilization
10:07 - Phase Three: Distance
11:04 - The Best Wheelie Advice
11:25 - How This Applies Beyond Wheelies
#wheelie #mtb #bike #mountainbike #mtnbiking #bikeskills #cycling #cyclist #biker

[@SuperRiderTV]

There are also two links at the end of the video to take your wheelie skills to the next level - both pedaling on and off of obstacles. Highly recommended! Want to see this done on a hardtail instead of a full suspension 29er? kzbin.info/www/bejne/ooqpeoSXlt1qZpI

[@tjchad1]

I once got cocky on my road bike and pulled a wheelie while clipped in... and looped out and ended up with a broken wrist. Flats are your friend... I'll leave the clipped in wheelies to dudes like Peter Sagan. He's the master.

[@SuperRiderTV]

Oof! I've heard more than a few stories like that (and may have done the same once or twice). Flat pedals are definitely the way to go!

[@janmaly1591]

Lol same here!

[@William-McCueRC]

i can wheelie for blocks and blocks and around corners, even deathspins and this led me to learning the pedal ups and wheelie offs, it took years to learn and become consistent. one thing that most tutorials never seemed to emphasize was keeping your arms straight at all times, and using your pedals to lift the wheel, never your arms!

[@SuperRiderTV]

Spot on! Pretty sweet how well it plays into the pedal up and wheelie off, too. I feel like that gets glossed over far too often.

[@JosephBank]

Oh, one other note. Learning to wheelie long took me months of effort. But to your excellent point, learning a few pedal stroke wheelie can help immediately with lots of other skills. Bit like learning to fakie. You don't have to be able to fakie a whole city block for it to be useful!

[@SuperRiderTV]

Spot on! Everything builts into everything else, right? One of my friends used to say "just enough information to be dangerous". So many skills fall into this bucket..

[@Is_this_4_reelOU812]

I thought doing a wheelie was just for show-offs. But now I see the importance of getting over and/or on obsticles. Time to start practicing.

[@SuperRiderTV]

Absolutely - have fun!

[@user-jq3ly4ng9g]

Really, really excellent video. Great step by step breakdown and love the point about starting with the opposite of your dominant foot in the initial pedal stroke. Thank you!

[@dansacco1964]

Pedal timing dominant foot back thing is key! First time I tried that was after buying Ryan Leech's MTAOT video. Instantly looping out from the unlocked power of the strong foot coming around after the front wheel lift. It's like secret trials magic.

[@SuperRiderTV]

Exactly! This is the key, I've been so surprised that it's been missing in almost every other tutorial video out there. Trials magic! :)

[@JosephBank]

Nice wheelie coverage. Been a while since I worked on my wheelies, I should get back to it and dial it back in. For me figuring out "feathering" the brake took a long time, I found that trying to do a little micro-pump of the brake, just a tap helped transition between my instinct to slam the front down with a full squeeze and feathering. I also use the "coaster wheelie" as a goal to improve my brake usage. If I feel like I'm getting a bit to close to looping out, I try to see if I can avoid immediately going to the brake and save it with stopping pedaling. That exercise helps remove that over-brake instinct that can kill the ability to long wheelie.

[@SuperRiderTV]

Great call - that coasting wheelie is underrated in terms of working on an important element of the skill. I had a big unlock when I started to figure out all the different tools I had to keep the wheelie going, and this was a great way to get a better understanding of the role that both brakes and pedaling make in the process.

[@rogergrant455]

Thanks for this video. I always thought that "front foot forward" to start a wheelie didn't feel right. I have a friend who is a real super rider, he can start a wheelie from a STATIONARY POSITION, of course HE starts "front foot forward" BUT he is a BOSS!!! 😢. I'm now learning to wheelie and ride motocross bike at the same time, btw. Wish me well. My main fear is falling back and hitting my head....guess u have to get real familiar with that BACK break!!!!😮

[@BrianCooper901]

That was pretty darn thorough! Good job! Pedaling around corners sometimes requires you to turn the handlebars and lean a fair amount. Keeping that front wheel spinning can help stabilize you a bit as well.

[@SuperRiderTV]

Thanks! I’m still trash at wheelie turns, better add that to my list of stuff to practice. Good call on the spinning front wheel, too - that was a huge help

[@michaelrogers9809]

I've really enjoyed and benefitted from your videos in the last few months. I would love to see you do just some POV on stuff you like to ride .

[@SuperRiderTV]

Thanks, so glad to hear that they were helpful! You're in luck, next video is exactly that...stay tuned! :)

[@martinschwartz7342]

Thanks for a great tutorial video. It was brilliant and inciteful. It was wheelie fun to watch!

[@SuperRiderTV]

Thanks Martin, I'm wheelie glad you liked it! :)

[@MissileGuidance]

Awesome! 🔥

[@sebbo9696]

i learned wheelies back in 2011 then didnt ride for over 10 years and picked it back up in a handful of tries! Muscle memory is incredible

[@SuperRiderTV]

That's awesome!

[@tobyeglesfield4403]

I started out learning in November but it's pretty cold here now so I'm getting less practice. It's been a wild ride. I'm just starting to learn coasting now, and turning. I notice with turning that a lower seat makes it easier for me, and when I get into a turn I shift my hips a little to the outside of the turn to keep the bike upright - so once you get that trajectory going a little, just get the weight a little to the outside of the turn, which probably is really just centering the weight and avoiding leaning into the turn, which will over commit weight. I'm hoping to get some time and attempt some figure of eight drills soon. I've also had some success with wheelying to a stop, which is really fun, and also trying to get a few hops in at the end. One thing I've noticed is that the MTB peeps are more likely to wheelie with a higher seat, which I think actually results in a lower front wheel (as they're further over the back wheel) - then if you look at those bikelife peeps, who do those 12'o clock braking wheelies, their seat is super low and they kind of hug into the bike when they do that move to get the bike vertical. If you look at them wheelying, they also have their arms bent quite often to enable swerves and other crazy stuff. It's cool that there's different styles within the wheelie world. We have a city of over 100,000 here and I'm the only guy wheelying around the city and doing trackstands at the lights - I blame you in part for this, and hope some others join me some day!

[@SuperRiderTV]

I'll take that blame! Hope to ride together at some point!

[@RICH_E]

In the BMX world I can wheelie for miles… but on my new mountain bike I’m struggling… lol

[@SuperRiderTV]

Those BMX skills will definitely transfer, that's the perfect riding background to get into MTB. You got this!

[@82HEADCASE]

Just subbed . Looking forward to getting the wheelie. Great video Thanks

[@SuperRiderTV]

Thank you!

[@johnparrish336]

Good stuff. Thank you.

[@SuperRiderTV]

Thanks for watching, have fun!

[@ryanstewart7725]

Great tutorial man, thanks!

[@SuperRiderTV]

Glad it was helpful!

[@arongg1732]

ur name is Aaron and my names is Aron we both love cycling coinsedents

[@SuperRiderTV]

Awesome!

[@colophon2377]

I have tried and failed to wheelie since I was a kid, 35 years ago. I really need to crack it so will have another go using these tips!

[@SuperRiderTV]

You got this!

[@a990dna]

Haha... lightweights. I used to wheelie my Schwinn Varsity 10-spd around the block -- shifting through the gears. Try that! 😉

[@a8f235]

Holding our breath is a fear response so you are very right about focusing on continuing to breath or else everything else just shuts down, and failure is a matter of time. Just focus on when you typically do it so you can prepare yourself to quickly just push on and continue breathing. This is the same for any challenge in life, because when we stop breathing we won't be able to find the answers we need in that moment and time because we're just staring right at fear and that = fail.

[@SuperRiderTV]

Spot on!

[@ibanez2010]

One thing that really helped me was to focus on pushing rather that pulling. I was struggling with the pull to get the front wheel up until I started driving my rear end down while pulling back. It's hard to explain in words, but I use my lower body to almost "kick" the rear wheel forward. Wheelies are funnnnnn.

[@SuperRiderTV]

Awesome! I think about that push a lot when I'm doing standing wheelies, too - it helps preload the bike and gives you a big boost. So fun!

[@keynmusic]

this came in at the right time! just about to practice wheelie 😁

[@SuperRiderTV]

Perfect timing!

[@TheGreaterU]

Awesome vid, time to get my wheelies way more dialed in.

[@SuperRiderTV]

Have fun!

[@abhigaming42]

Thank you so much sir I got most helpful vedio ever, you teach me exactly I want to know that I don't know before.

[@SuperRiderTV]

Glad to hear it! Have fun!

[@boblatkey7160]

Good stuff! Thanks! So in addition to my mountain bike I got myself an electric motorcycle and an electric scooter but the back brake is on the left. So to keep everything consistent I switched my back brake to the left on my mountain bike. I tried to remind myself over and over again but then I was out on a ride on my mountain bike and I pulled a really nice long wheelie until I got a little too far back and I grabbed the wrong brake! There I was, flat on my back laid out in the street. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 Ouch! In the end, I'm happy that it happened because now I'm very paranoid and I haven't made that mistake again!

[@SuperRiderTV]

Oof - I've made that mistake on other people's bikes. It's common for UK riders to swap the bikes, and now I've learned to check before I try anyone's bike. Lesson learned, unfortunately I had to learn it the hard way, too! 😂

[@Teracis]

This tutorial is wheelie good! I wheelie need to practice this technique more. Jokes aside, the tips here are amazing, I'm going to work the stopping pedaling into my current practice intentionally, rather than just accidentally. That and the breathing, I'm sure I hold my breath too.

[@SuperRiderTV]

That coasting bit is super fun, I think you'll see the benefit almost immediately. Plus, it's just another way to modulate your speed instead of dragging the brakes. I think I originally got the breath-holding tip from you? I still have to remind myself! haha

[@Teracis]

@@SuperRiderTV I do remember us talking about breathing during techniques on stream, especially when you were doing the front hop work. It's something that is still hard even knowing about it and focusing on it! On coasting I think you're exactly right, can't wait to try it!!!

[@junka1975]

Solid advice.

[@SuperRiderTV]

Thank you! Hope it's helpful!

[@junka1975]

@@SuperRiderTV absolutely helpful.

[@peterbogar3427]

This is realy deepdive to wheely technic 👍

[@SuperRiderTV]

Thank you!

[@goingoutotheparty1]

Nice buddy I'm getting my nerves together after like 30 years, got an electric fat bike, wish me luck bikers ❤

[@BOOSTEDDUDE]

The wheelie has always been illusive. Sometimes I can get a decent one but never dialed in. I'm pretty sure I always try to start my wheelies with my right/strong foot. I'm going to change that next time I'm trying them. I'm also going to try and get more outward knee action for balance. I'll also lower my seat a little.

[@SuperRiderTV]

Right on - I think you're closer than ever, now. Hopefully these adjustments help unlock the skill for you. Practice makes progress!

[@jeffhayes1855]

10:51 squirrel!

[@GamingHub-pro]

Can you tell me how to be on the seat because in step 1. I cannot take off my bicycle?

[@Daf_1791]

@superrider do wheelies help with manuals? Which should you learn fast? Also standing wheelie (wheelbase drill) is much harder for me than sitting wheelie.

[@SuperRiderTV]

I would do it in this order: wheelie, standing wheelie, manual. Each skill builds on the next, and will give you foundation to make the next one easier.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

My Front wheel will never touch the ground again!

[@SuperRiderTV]

Yessss!!

[@HarbaroX]

Sick Video, do you have a tip on how to drop off stuff with only a quarter pedal stroke?

[@SuperRiderTV]

This one is a little older, but probably the most accurate answer to your question. It's done on a street trials bike, but the same technique applies. Probably needs an update though! kzbin.info/www/bejne/ioK4aGqjms90qbssi=Zy4awr7Vvio7q-WR

[@HarbaroX]

@@SuperRiderTV Thanks, imma try that asap :)

[@jeffhayes1855]

This makes me want to work on wheelies.

[@SuperRiderTV]

Yesssss

[@matthewgillman5198]

I like to have my seat all the way up for flat wheelies because i can wheelie indefinitely but for coaster wheelies downhill i like to drop my seat quite alot so i can really get a good lean going and sit into the brake so i dont pull the front wheel down. Always interesting when you lose balance with the seat up high tho 😅

[@SuperRiderTV]

I feel like I'm constantly experimenting with seat height. Now that I've got it (mostly) under control, I might try to take it up and test this out!

[@William-McCueRC]

@@SuperRiderTV tall seat is the best for long wheelies! same height you would use if you were pedaling on flat. tipping your saddle forward helps a ton

[@NoOneIsGoingToSaveYou]

Your videos made me buy Deity Damn you.

[@SuperRiderTV]

You're welcome? 😜

[@bisikletci5413]

Hi, is it possible with a dropbar gravel bike, I tried with my 2 bikes but I couldn't lift the front wheel even 3 inches high?

[@SuperRiderTV]

I'm sure it's possible, but the geometry of the bike is going to make it slightly more challenging. My best advice is to try to film yourself trying it, sometimes it helps to see your body positioning while you're riding. You will likely have to get yourself even further back on a gravel bike, as it'll have longer chainstays (which means it takes more effort to lift off the front wheel).

[@GoofinDailyIsAlsoMyIGN]

my bike doesnt have suspension and i cant do it got any tips??

[@alimantado373]

Great depth, you cover everything. 🦾 Ive been doing it wrong, always using my strong foot, as you explain the same technique is used to get up objects. Im going to practice as soon as I get off work today.

[@SuperRiderTV]

Thanks! I hope this new approach is a huge help!

[@tonkshred]

Killer socks! U got it dowwn… i will never be able to wheelie started trying in the 90s. I learned forever manuals in 2003.. wheelie? 😢

[@milesholland6826]

Opposite trajectory here. Can wheelie forever since the 90’s but can’t sustain a manual for the life of me

[@SuperRiderTV]

My favorite socks for sure, gotta rep the homies!

[@tonkshred]

@@milesholland6826 well I'm hoping this vid helps me, my tip?? Just pull back ! 😜😂😂😂 maybe why i cant wheelie... Ok gotta get it this year !!

[@milesholland6826]

@@tonkshred nice. My theory is this muscle memory is hard to get in middle age, but damn it was east at 12 yo! It’s permanently imprinted

[@itfc3]

but how do you get the wheel back up once it starts to drop. I find I just peddle faster and faster but cant get the wheel to lift again. I've tried it in different gears. trying to feather the break and even leaning back more and lifting my head. but just cant get it. what am i doing wrong.

[@SuperRiderTV]

Try sitting just slightly further back on the seat and pay attention to your hips when you speed up the pedaling. That should help exaggerate the movement that you need to bring the front wheel back up.

[@itfc3]

@@SuperRiderTV thanks for the reply but what do i do with my hips.

[@SuperRiderTV]

@@itfc3 Shift them back further on the seat, that movement helps weight down the back of the bike and lightens the front. Combined with the extra power from the pedals, the front wheel should come back up

[@Hahah629]

Its physically impossible for me 😭😭🙏🙏

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

I'm not great at wheelies but it's even worse with clipless pedals, I think I'm even using my feets to balance if that's even possible 😂

[@SuperRiderTV]

I would be terrified to wheelie with clipless pedals, even after learning the skill. Respect to anyone that does it!

[@TikrasIgnas]

i cant compress my front suspension

[@carsonmcarthur9382]

One of my worst accidents happened when I started to pop a wheelie, and the handlebars came off

[@sapinva]

How did you know I hold my breath?

[@SuperRiderTV]

Haha, everyone does! I'm guilty as well!

[@aurteekay6339]

You dont need flat pedals. It’ll make it a bit easier cause you’ll have more of a platform and a larger area to stand on. But truth is I learned to first wheelie on a 70$ Walmart bike that I thought was so cool at the time. Had the typical horrible Walmart pedals, might be a getting used to period but if you learn wheelies on a small pedal you will be used to having a small platform to stand on and keep your feet in that spot off muscle memory. No need to have kids out here thinking flat pedals are absolutely necessary. Just beware of slippery Walmart pedals in the rain 🌧️ 😂 besides that You can do this on any 20 inch bike or whatever bike as long as the chain is at the right tension and you can pull the bike up. If the gear ratio isn’t off and you can get a good solid resistance while pedaling I’ve found this helps start the wheelie. You don’t need a flat pedal or expensive bike like this guy.

[@SuperRiderTV]

You're also talking about flat pedals. The alternative that I am recommending against is clipless pedals, where you have a special shoe that locks into the bike/pedal. They're dangerous because if you lose your balance backward, you go down with the bike. Sorry if that wasn't clear.

[@douglasalexander4348]

Great tuition ! Get someone to video you. You’ll then realise your not doing what you think you are. Arms not straight etc.

[@SuperRiderTV]

Great suggestion, one of the best ways to improve!

[@rodrigomil]

someone knows what shoes is Aaron wearing? the black ones

[@SuperRiderTV]

Ride Concepts - Vice shoes

[@rodrigomil]

@@SuperRiderTV thank you! great videos by the way 🤟

[@gopinathrajendra1202]

Iam from India. Your explanation is so good

[@SuperRiderTV]

Thank you! Have fun!

[@prod.KvnHlm]

dont bend your arms... and u will see its a lot easier to hold your balance... trust me.. im doing wheelies for 25 years... if you dont bend your arms, the transition from wheelie to manual (without peddeling) is easier..

[@EuniceAdhiambo-r2r]

My boy also tries to wheelie

[@elfaranelasul6886]

my fron wheel got deform for practicing.....yeah im using a cheap bike

[@Ariautoace]

It's over, I am only going to wheelie when riding.

[@EuniceAdhiambo-r2r]

Can you give him some steps

[@Sunspot-19]

Aaron, my bike is gonna soap your mouth for using 4 letter words! Bikes seem to dislike the word "flat", don'tcha know!! Good thing not one of my 18 bikes have road pedals.

[@SuperRiderTV]

Hahaha

[@theprotagonist6799]

This video is BS and anyone who makes a video on how to wheelie on a full suspension brake is a clown.

[@SuperRiderTV]

Thanks for watching it!

[@SuperRiderTV]

@@theprotagonist6799 Actually, yes. I made this video before I made the full suspension version: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ooqpeoSXlt1qZpI