Wheelies - Cracking the Code! | MTB Skills: Practice Like a Pro #28

[@Tactician666]

This is one of the top wheelie tutorials on KZbin and, as an extremely poor wheelie student, I'm painfully familiar with all the other videos out there. I've got a couple of extra suggestions which you might want to consider if you do any updated versions in future: 1. Steering the wheelie. Most of the other KZbin tutorials will say things like 'steer with your knees' or 'turn the bars.' This probably makes sense to someone who's already learned how to do it, but it doesn't actually work for anyone else. There's a lot of nuance to how steering works but the fundamental movement (from a straight armed, upright wheelie position) is pushing one bar grip away from you and pulling the other towards you. However, to do this, your hips/butt and your knees must also allow the bike to move and you may need to use force through either foot on the pedal to help swivel the whole bike around. Once you've 'internalised' this movement so it's automatic, you probably won't realise that you're doing it, hence the poor description you get on most KZbin tutorials. 2. Popping the wheelie up straight. The guidance in this video is about as good as it gets, however there is one other way of doing it which I find much easier: simply don't bother with the chest compression and pushing back. Instead, start already leaning back with your arms straight, back arched and chin up, and drive strongly/smoothly with your leg. This should easily be enough to get you up to the balance point, and by starting with your upper body in a solid, balanced, upright position, it's much less likely to result in you immediately veering off left or right. I really love the idea of trying to fit in as many brake taps as you can on each attempt - I'll definitely be practicing that later to try and improve my feathering. And thanks to the last 'cracking' the code' video on manuals, I've been able to consistently get my front wheel right up no problem, even though I've only just started learning. So thanks for these tutorials - they're brilliant.

[@Fluidride]

Hi there - thank you SO MUCH for this thoughtful and detailed comment! All of these are great ideas and I hope other viewers read this and I agree with all the things you're saying. I hope to make a more advanced wheelie video one day and talk about steering and some more fun things! Hah but I guess I gotta learn how to do that first 🤣. I appreciate all your thoughts here! -Linnea

[@romeoindia9249]

Yes thank you - more info on steering / fall prevention! That seems to be the biggest problem. This is still the best wheelie video on YT.

[@lianeleti]

Your two points are key. I’m learning wheelie right now and I had exactly the same conclusion!

[@boblatkey7160]

So you're getting it up but you can't keep it up? 😂

[@Thedoug369]

When I was a kid I learned to wheelie on an old Schwinn ( however tf you spell ) that only had a coaster brake. My buddies and I could ride a wheelie literally for miles. Years later the same bunch of us wheelied all the way over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge on the way to Ocean City, on our motorcycles. That bridge is 4 miles long and in the middle it has like a grate that you can see down to the water waaaaay down to the water. Sketchy for sure.

[@MTBishop]

Of the 20ish KZbin tutorials I’ve watched, this one is my favorite. It is very detail oriented, and has a small trick or tip to help you bring your wheelies to the next level, no matter where you’re at in the progression. I’ve been at it for a few months, and am very inconsistent with my ability to wheelie, but now I have some clear things to practice to get past my plateau. Thanks!

[@davidmt23]

How did you get on, I've been trying for a few months with varied success

[@MTBishop]

@@davidmt23 I finally learned it after I decided to have an every day practice. The hardest part for me was pushing through the frustration. I’d say that one of the most important parts of the wheelie is staying as relaxed as you can. When you’re relaxed you’re not over doing any aspects of balancing the wheelie. In addition to that, I’d say keeping a good posture: head up/arms straight is a big one. Also, the correct saddle height and gear makes a noticeable difference.

[@davidmt23]

@MTBishop Cheers, time on the bike is definitely the key I think, I'm managing 15 or so pedals at the mo before it turns into a speed wheelie! Quite pleased with my progress, but I must admit, I thought it would ve been easier. Bloody KZbin making everything look easy!!. I basically want to be able to wheelie as far as I want by my 50th (next month😏). Good fun trying

[@MaskSwabe]

​@MTBishop I had an epiphany today... keeping my back straight really helps too! Been practicing for about 1.5 months and I can feel it coming!😎

[@zomambik]

Another great tutorial from one the absolute best mtb channels! ( Your series about jumping is pure gold ). The one tip you give here that really helped me is about hand grip. Very light, only the fingers in contact with the grips. As if hanging loosely off the handlebar. This communicates to my brain to shift input away from my upper body and towards my hips. But what none of the tutorials on wheelies I've seen mention, including this one, is not to coast into a wheelie. ( Maybe it seemed too obvious to mention ). Instead, pedal into it with constant, light pressure on the chain. This prevents the randomness of rear hub engagement. When coasting into a wheelie, the point at which the hub bites when you crank down will vary, making you loop out or not get enough front lift in a quite unpredictable way. You mention scrubbing speed with the front brake, which eventually led me to this idea. This simple change has given me the biggest progression in learning wheelies. Of course all the other stuff, like: extended loose arms, looking ahead, sitting heavy on the saddle, are essential too. It's just the loaded chain approach was the missing bit and got rid of the infuriating randomness during the lift.

[@sli8462]

This is by far the simplest and best video I've seen to date. The slow mo helps see everything happening as well

[@Fluidride]

Wow such kind words - thank you for the feedback! -Linnea

[@jeffsaraiva7099]

Very thorough tutorial Linnea! Thanks.

[@DansDrives]

The common problems section super helpful! Thanks for the video!

[@Fluidride]

Glad it was helpful! - Coach Kagen

[@akmalbinshapieimuhammad2430]

Been wheelie-ing for a while now what u said about ‘anchoring’ ur weight once balance point is reached is something i never thought of before, and it’s true !

[@Fluidride]

So stoked this resonated! Thank you so much for watching :) -Linnea

[@JeffreyVanDam]

Amazing video! I've been practicing for a couple months now and this is one of the best videos hands down.

[@joemyrick491]

Best wheelie video I’ve seen. Thanks for breaking it down!

[@Fluidride]

Thanks for this kind message- we appreciate it and so happy to hear the video is helpful! -Linnea

[@glinleyt]

Top class tutorial right here… covers almost everything you’ll need to do long, sustainable and safe wheelies in a great way. Great job.

[@RedSinKen]

This is the best wheelie tutorial video that I have seen!

[@Fluidride]

Wow, thanks!

[@bradleysnyder8158]

took me years to get good at wheelies (realistically 300 hours of just wheelie practice)...but you will be a beginner at wheelies for a long time, definitely a few weeks, probably a few months...this is where you can pop up a lot and get a few pedals in, probably not using your brake, and not really controlling your speed within your wheelie, every 1 out of 30 or 50 times...you get almost 100 ft or a little more, but you might be stuck at this stage for a while...I was stuck at this stage for a very long time, because I would be very inconsistent with practice, and I would get away from the bike for years at a time...a couple years ago I got a modern MTB full sus, and was dedicated to progressing all my mtb skills, including wheelies and manuals, I was very consistent for about a full year, and then I finally broke through from a beginner to intermediate wheelie skill...that happened last spring, about 9 months ago, i went from beginner (as described earlier) to intermediate in what seemed like over night, but ....where all of a sudden I could get a 100ft wheelie 7 out of 10 times, every session using my brake and keeping the wheel up, not just falling momentum wheelies, but finally controlling the speed within my wheelie.... from there my progression sky rocketed quickly, and within another few months i was wheeling super long, at will, going super fast, downhill, uphill, coaster wheelies, and going slow...recently within the past couple months, I got really good at wheelies on narrow sidewalks, longer single track wheelies, and now Im working on swerves and sharper turns in my wheelies...being able to wheelie effortlessly is like floating on magic carpet...do whatever you can to get nice at wheelies yall, its more than worth it...i recently turned 38, and I say that i learned how to wheelie at 37,.... i didnt consider being able to wheelie as a beginner because, if you cant control your speed within a wheelie slow down and speed up, and get about 100 ft almost every time, then you aint really doing wheelies...not hating if this is where you at, just trying to motivate to get past that point, because I know its possible...never give up, never too late

[@markbodger4873]

As a long time biker getting back into MTB, this info is fantastic to assist me. All you videos are full of great tips, thankyou.

[@Fluidride]

Thank you Mark, we're glad you like them! Welcome back to mountain biking! -Kagen, Fluidride Coach

[@eosmanager2543]

Best wheelie video, and i have watched many! Great focus on important details and tips. Thanks

[@Fluidride]

Thanks so much for this kind note! And stoked that it was helpful for you too. -Linnea

[@reallifemtb]

Most comprehensive video on wheelies yet...picked up a lot of points the others missed! Really well done and enjoyed the view in a time many of us can’t get out...thanks Linnea!

[@genelucas7136]

Best training video on wheelies I have seen yet!!

[@romeoindia9249]

Same..best of YT!

[@Fluidride]

Wow, thanks, Gene! We're glad you liked it, have you had a chance to give wheelies a go after watching? - Coach Kagen

[@Fluidride]

Thank you so much Romeo! - Coach Kagen

[@alexgoriatchenkov]

Thank you a million times for such a detailed explanations. Saved for future references as # 1 rules! Definitely best wheelie school in KZbin!

[@mike-ut7xr]

Thank you for this video Linnea! Feels like I have watched every wheelie video on yt but this one has helped me progress the most. I really enjoyed the time spent talking about common mistakes and fixes. This addressed my issue and now my wheelies are more consistent. Keep up the great content!

[@Fluidride]

Thanks for watching, Mike, and for this thoughtful comment! So happy to hear that this helped. I struggled so much with wheelies (and for so long) that I am very well acquainted with what not to do 🤣 Best of luck with your practicing! It will pay off! -Linnea

[@ManuelTorres-qy8op]

Thank you Linnea, I have been trying to learn hot to wheelie for years and even though I was able to find The balance point and do some wheelies, I never felt like I was able to sustain them for any distance until a recent breakthrough which I credit to you. It was the tip of having a loose grip and sort of hanging off the bars / technique you showed on how to hold the grips. I was finally able to relax and have my arms stretched instead of pulling on the handlebar to balance. Thanks again for the detailed explanation and tips. You made my day!

[@Fluidride]

Hi Manuel - wow thank you so much for taking the time to write this! Your thoughtful message means so much to me, and I'm thrilled the tips are resonating with you too 🥳 Thanks for your support! -Linnea

[@tomnridesYTB]

Your tip on hand pressure at front side is very helpful, so was the last time on bunny hopping/jumping, underside was noted. Your series are the most clear and comprehensive tutorial, not only funny pink pedals with black/chrome cranks.

[@pauladleta9036]

Thank you!! My mountain bike and transformer forward the skills to my dirt bike.👍

[@mjp8415]

Best wheelie tutorial I’ve seen yet!

[@Fluidride]

Wow, thanks, MJP! Have you given wheelies a go since watching? - Coach Kagen

[@mjp8415]

@@Fluidride Unfortunately I have not been riding recently, but I can't wait to try this out whenever I get back into biking

[@Fluidride]

@@mjp8415 I hope you can get back out there soon! -Simon

[@digana968]

Best wheelie technique breakdown vid out there. Thanks!

[@danabean5586]

Best instructional video yet ! Appreciate

[@Fluidride]

Thanks for watching, Dana! We're happy it's helping!

[@AprilRideMTB]

This was so awesome Linnea! Keep up all of the great work. Hopefully we can all ride together this year!

[@Fluidride]

Awww thanks so much you two! This means a lot, especially coming from you. I'm honored! And we're not too far from you; would love to get out for a rip 🥳 -Linnea

[@bryanm9880]

@@Fluidride & @Kyle & April 2 of the best KZbin content on MTB

[@w.baillie2923]

Oh. Thanks for the invite. Just let me know when and where 😜

[@nigelcrowley8529]

You guys!! So supportive of each other and also of what might be called your competition...genuinely great people. BTW this is a really great video and I'm going for a spin to hang off my bars!!

[@reverentalexanderchezeley-6367]

@@bryanm9880 yes, I agree.

[@jimbo4203]

She's a little wheelie monster! Definitely got the wheelie gene

[@optonaut]

great done. i think thats the most complete wheelie tut. Thanks a lot

[@Fluidride]

Thanks for this note - and so happy you enjoyed it! -Linnea

[@magicmacify]

One of the best videos on the topic out there!

[@rinky_dinky]

via Alex Bogusky's Joy of Bike , i first practice looping out on purpose to bail out properly , that helped me with confidence and feel, i can manage one full rotation of the crank for wheelies, onwards from here! wish me luck!

[@Noybi009]

Now I need to go out and do some practice. Thanks. What a lovely voice you have🥰🥰

[@prasadwalvekar]

Amazing video! The best one so far out of the many how to wheelie videos I have seen! Thank you Linnea :)

[@aaronboyum5985]

The best wheelies instruction video!

[@kameronharrington5478]

15:22 is an amazing clip - the kid and his sister/mom look so stoked

[@moabohed]

Great work with this one Linnea as it covers both the basics, details and "trouble shooting"

[@Fluidride]

thanks for this! so pumped it was helpful for you!

[@LuciMoini13]

Attempted my first wheelie today! This video rocks! Thanks so much for the perfect tips!!

[@oystercatcher943]

Excellent video! I’m still learning to wheelie getting better everyday after 1 month. All time record about 5 secs. I’m working on feathering and not chasing below the balance point. Brilliant detailed tips!

[@Fluidride]

Wow this is so great! You are already making big progress. I'm happy the video helped, and thanks for watching! -Linnea

[@MTB_Nephi]

Wow 👍 15 Minutes for a Wheelie-Tutorial. I guess this is ohne of the best Tutorial. Thx for it.

[@clipless03]

Great video. Lots of good tips that I haven't heard before. The only one I would add for sustaining a wheelie is keep your eyes up. Your body and your bike will follow your eyes. Keep up the great work!

[@NotionMTB]

Common problem #2, 3, 4, 5, 6 right here! I just realised my mistakes two days ago after I filmed myself for the first time. Filming yourself is a great way for you to see your own form, and make corrections from there. I've only given wheelies about 2 hours of dedicated time so far and tips like these help greatly! Excellent video. Cheers mates 🎉

[@Fluidride]

Ahh yes we love this!! Videos help so much - especially for wheelies. You start to see where energy is being lost and where your body is quietly sabotaging your efforts 🤣 Great work getting out there and practicing!

[@NotionMTB]

@@Fluidride haha that's ever so true. It makes the learning curve easier once you can see yourself what you're doing wrong!

[@ghostAFsky]

2:21 i think you may have just inspired that girl in the background to start shredding!

[@Fluidride]

We hope that she's not the only one! - Coach Kagen

[@davidmt23]

"Commitment", id forgotten that word existed! I was really awful until decided to commit to the wheelie, now im not as quite as awful!, it takes time........ good vid cheers for the tips

[@g-fly]

Great video! It looks so relaxed and elegant after all, think I have to practice another 3 months 😬😂 thanks for the really helpful hints! I‘ve got to go wheelie-ing now 😎

[@ashwinamanna2465]

I really enjoy your videos. You go into a level of detail and nuance that others don't. The foot position for starting the rotation and how the hands feel hanging are small things with big impact. In your manual video the part about the upper body bending forward working against you was a light bulb for me. I'd love to see your crack the code if the bunny hop Simon and you worked on few months ago.

[@MrRomiko]

Stellar tutorial, off to practice asap!

[@MountainBikePete]

Wow! I was not expecting that! Very inspirational. Makes me want to practice my wheelies now. I’ve been practicing on and off for a couple of years, so need more practice time. It’s the side balancing that is my issue at the moment. Keep up the great work! 🤘👍

[@mrmotomoto]

I’m not there yet but want to share a tip: if you can find a small hill or low grade, getting the front wheel up and bailing will both be easier.

[@dewindoethdwl2798]

Currently re-learning the wheelie. Gone e-MTB and it’s very different! Glad I’m going into it with a good “acoustic” wheelie. Brilliant coaching, excellent analysis of technique & troubleshooting tips.

[@Fluidride]

ahaha the acoustic wheelie, that's awesome 🤣. Thanks for watching and for all the kind feedback! -Linnea

[@jean-pierremeloche4540]

Best Wheelie tutorial I've seen!! Keep up the good work, love your channel. JP

[@Fluidride]

Thanks so much for this, Jean-Pierre!

[@chrismetal1mtb]

I love the way you break it down. Now to practice!

[@Flat4Power4Life]

Started trying to wheelie my Specialized Stumpjumper 29er just yesterday, already getting 3 second wheelies on first day. It’s all about the back brake and keeping power at the feet.

[@Fluidride]

wow that's fast progress - great work!!

[@00x0midnight0x00]

that „common-mistake“ list was so spookily accurate to everything i do, when i work on my wheelies :)

[@romeoindia9249]

Same here nailed my wheelie training experience to a tee

[@joyuncovered]

Great instruction!!

[@themechanicsprof790]

Again, a great detailed explanation about the technique of a particular MTB skill. As mentioned by other, pedal stroke placement and timing are explained very good. Very good job for --I think it is -- your first own movie. Stefan

[@BGraves]

Slightly lowered seat allows hip and thigh shifting without disrupting the pedaling motion. Staring at the horizon helps a LOT.

[@mistrlampshade]

some interesting tips in this i haven't heard yet. thank you

[@Fluidride]

thank you for watching!

[@willienillie6337]

Wow, is that really Linnea doing wheelies? Damn your good. Can’t wait till the weekend to go try the techniques.

[@LuckyCheesie]

Again an amazing video!

[@Fluidride]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@Mantis858585]

Glad you said it took 5 months for you to master with dedicated practice. I'm a month deep and although I sometimes get about 50 feet, I still have a lot to learn.

[@Fluidride]

Yeah it all starts with setting the right expectations and not getting discouraged… they are hard 🤣 so cool that you’re making progress this quickly!

[@sachinsena7866]

What a amazing explaining. Thanks from Sri Lanka

[@Fluidride]

Wow so cool you're from Sri Lanka! Thank you for watching! - Linnea

[@newbeginnings8566]

Very elegant wheelies...

[@graysquirreltreeservice7299]

Best video I have seen great 👍👌👏job

[@emaildanielnow]

This is probably the best wheelie video out there. Thanks!

[@vincediana4814]

That was WHEELIE good. Thanks

[@Fluidride]

🤣 we always love a good wheelie pun 😆

[@calbertagtulao4184]

thanks very helpful..learning a lot from your videos

[@Fluidride]

We're stoked to hear that Calbert! Thanks for watching! - Coach Kagen

[@exothermal.sprocket]

It's basically manuals, but pedaling added in (to initiate and maintain forward movement).

[@juliusmexMX]

Great video, the whole wheelie technique is very useful. The place you filmed the video is also a beautiful place. It reminds me of some small town plazas in Mexico.

[@Fluidride]

Good eye Julio. Todos Santos, BCS!

[@juliusmexMX]

@@Fluidride Awesome place, enjoy!

[@Wanpis46]

Now i want lannea to do the manual!

[@moisestatis5418]

great tips, I needed couple of them. thanks!

[@Fluidride]

Thanks Moises - happy to hear it's helping!!

[@moisestatis5418]

@@Fluidride I notice that you have the video/lessons numbered. Do you have a Playlist with all of them? I could not find it. Thanks

[@Fluidride]

@@moisestatis5418 Yes we do! Try this: kzbin.info/aero/PLwpJyEVZNDXhrnDh59u4vq5j71VhGySaG

[@moisestatis5418]

@@Fluidride awesome! Thanks so much

[@toddmathis7484]

Great video....Ive been trying to wheelie for about 2 weeks now. What was the turning point in your learning process when you were able to wheelie so well?

[@seanscott7120]

What a cool location. Great video.

[@Fluidride]

Thanks Sean! This was filmed in Todos Santos, Baja, Mexico and we actually have a few winter tours scheduled here for this year. Come join us! Check them out at fluidride.com/baja-mexico and maybe I'll see you down there? - Coach Kagen

[@pigikprasatko1253]

Perfect tutorial and your eyes are like draw by Disney :). Nice video, greeting from Czech republic.

[@glidestone]

Nice progressive tips. Looking up, or keeping your head upright, can also help sustain a wheelie.

[@DirtyPandaMTB]

Nice work on this video! Need to put in the time to get results I suppose. But these tips really help!!

[@FritzPhoto]

Great tips and good to hear it took you 5 month! I am at month 3 or 4 at the moment so should be there soon :-)

[@Fluidride]

You got this FG!!! - Coach Kagen

[@dealership_life]

Inspired🤙🤙

[@Fluidride]

Thanks so much Joel!

[@inthedogghouse86]

First. The foot placement was the best tip ive ever heard.

[@tomcagle5324]

Very comprehensive, especially the problem& -solving. But what entails 5 months of sustained practice. 15 min every other day? Just curious...I'm sure it varies but an example to stave off the frustrstion and stay motivated!💪

[@Fluidride]

Thanks so much for watching Tom! For me it was 3-5 days per week and 30-40 min per session. Especially early on, all the slamming down to the ground was hard on my body so it took some time to work up to 30+ min sessions

[@raphaelraphael9068]

Nice work ! ....please, next video about the endo turn (Switchback turn) :-)

[@v1d300]

3:10 Damn. You make it look so easy.

[@Fluidride]

Linnea's a wheelie machine! - Coach Kagen

[@johanvanballegoijen6231]

looks cool !

[@eaacbcs]

Very nice tutorial video And Viva Todos Santos! 🥳

[@ericgarcia1632]

You make it seem seem so easy. One question I have is. Was the rear suspension on the open or close position when you made the video?

[@Fluidride]

There was a ton of struggle that went into this learning process 🤣 My rear suspension was open! I haven't found that it makes a huge difference either way. Thank you for watching! -Linnea

[@ivanj7785]

Sick! you're my idol! was this taken from south america?

[@Fluidride]

Todos Santos, Mexico!

[@joelmacfarlane5804]

pink pedals👌

[@devinrobinson5999]

great video

[@TheMetallass]

Nice Job

[@thunderblitz2219]

how can I prevent the axle from bending?

[@tubefxmstr]

My fsb front wheel feels like a ton. No matter what I do, I can only get my front up less than 1 in from the ground. Should I be using my rear brakes just a tad to impede the forward momentum? I did wheelies on my BMX when I was a kid but my FSB feels like a tank.

[@davea8212]

Nice vid, thanks

[@Fluidride]

Thanks Dave! We're glad you liked it. - Coach Kagen

[@GameplayerSolCley]

2:01 grass 4:12 critical? is when the thing go up in to the air, that`s critical or you fall right back on to you head and back like me yesterday.

[@Fluidride]

oh dear 🤦‍♀ did we mention wear a helmet?! i hope you're ok! -Linnea

[@fernandox79]

I realy love watching your tutorials...and listening your lovely voice....

[@the_seahawk22]

When I try to wheelie I tend to pull to my right side far more often. Part of me beloved this could be muscle imbalance

[@allancasey4780]

Where is this filmed?

[@Fluidride]

In paradise. Todos Santos, BCS. (Baja California Sur). An hour north of Cabo. We have tours here starting next winter - info at www.fluidride.com. Cheers Allan. -Simon

[@1VELOCIRAPTOR]

Спасибо, Милая Принцесса! Ты невероятно Прекрасна!!! 😘

[@cornflaek1180]

Could I ask how do I gain more confidence in leaning back? I can pop and get about 5-8 inches high but I can’t ride it could you help please?

[@Fluidride]

While it takes a bit of a leap of faith, learning to loop your bike over backward and step off is the best way to let yourself know you will be okay practicing. Another skill to learn is to use the rear brake to pull yourself out of the wheelie. Between these, you can develop the confidence you are looking for. Of course a rider should be comfortable jumping off the back of the bike at low speed before attempting this. -Simon

[@cornflaek1180]

@@Fluidride thanks!

[@hamzaelsaid1325]

Which evil bike is that? Which model?

[@Fluidride]

It's the Evil Insurgent (V1: 150mm shock and 27.5 wheels)

[@wpf312]

Apparently I was born without the wheelie gene. 😭

[@romeoindia9249]

Pretty sure wheelie genetics is a thing. Been trying all my life and still can’t sustain one at 50.

[@aliiorga]

Lol

[@coopersharp2921]

Yeah, same here. I practiced every day, at least 30 min, for a week to at least wheelie 100ft

[@videoboy9]

Practice makes perfect. No point crying.

[@davidmt23]

That wheelie gene, mine only came to light after shxt loads of practice!

[@graysquirreltreeservice7299]

Soo good 👍😋👌🙌😍😍🔥🔥

[@Springboard_Diving]

How do you like my wheelies?