WHY YOU SUCK AT WHEELIES | HOW TO WHEELIE YOUR BIKE

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How to #2,
Last video we touched on manuals, the next progression is wheelies. Wheelies are a great way to show off for your friends!
Theycan be tricky to learn but a lot of fun once you have them mastered!
This video series was created for riders who have a basic understanding of how to do certain moves but just can't seem to break through to the next level. In this series I highlight some of the mistakes I've see riders making when they struggle to perfect certain technique.
If you like this video please consider subscribing!
#howtowheelie
#howtoMTB
#mtb

[@mtbgrl13]

I'm guilty of pretty much all of these mistakes. Never put much thought into seat position so I'm going to definitely give it a shot. Keep up the amazing work Jeff!

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

thanks for checking it out!

[@bradlepaddle9512]

Thanks Jeff this video was wheelie helpful 🤓😂

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

I see what you did there

[@vrinko69]

Old

[@jeffp5418]

After trying to wheelie for some time doing these exact steps, I can say number 3 is the most relevant every once in a while I'll hit that sweet spot But learning to hold it there is the magic.

[@sebastiannai4381]

I do feel like at a certain point, all of this can be simplified. Just try 25, 50, or 100 wheelies a day. It just takes a lot of practice and eventually it will come together. Most people just give up before they get there.

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

practice is definitely y important!

[@Headhits]

That's true but he gave some good pointers to make that practice session that much more focused.

[@dolphin-studio]

I think the hardest part comes to gettin used to that front wheel passing the comfort zone and keeping it high within the balance point

[@davidmt23]

It's bloody hard, I can see why people give up, but, after months of going out for 30 mins every day its slowly coming together, even got my first beep!!!!!

[@mikecartier6490]

lol thanks for adding the clip at the beginning! Keep the how-to's coming!

[@themostlymikeshow2582]

Thanks Jeff! I must get out there and apply these tips to make my wheelies more "Trail Boss like" !

[@jaynettemeceali8064]

Rear brake my mistake. That's definitely what I needed to learn. Thanks for video!

[@meuswe]

Nice, thanks for the boss tips!

[@gearstuffs8007]

Yeah boss! That's some great tips!!👍

[@rmnstr604]

Thanks Jeff! I really need to learn to do a wheely. I will try with the saddle a few inches down, I hope that helps.

[@kaheid]

Thanks Jeff. I’ve seen numerous videos of manuals, but yours is the first that explain the difference between a manual and a wheelie. Now that I’ve found your site, it’s my go to source.

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Awesome! Great to hear!

[@alejotoro01]

Definitely I will give it a try. I just got the MTB Balance hopper to help train to my balance

[@brettbishop777]

Awesome video Jeff! I've been riding bikes for as long as you've been riding professionally! Started with BMX stuck with that for a long time and then just the occasional ride ya know as we get older and licensed biking seems to get pushed to the back.. Ive been riding XC and dabbing in DH for the last few years consistently and have learned so much from your "you suck videos" and a lot of your older stuff as well! Wheelies is something I have always been good at on a BMX or Freestyle bike but my full squish is tricky - these tips im looking forward to applying immediately when I get out and there ride. Keep doing these videos and PEOPLE SUBSCRIBE - Lenosky is one of the most dynamic riders out there with a TON of things to teach us! LFG!

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Thank you!

[@laramiegrinde9246]

I just started learning these. It clicked when I started keeping my shoulders and arms really relaxed and thought more about my hips. Also, doing it in a pretty easy gear really helped! I'm able to get three or four pedal rotations in before coming down so that's better than I was don't before. Still a LONG way to go yet😊

[@TheCrashingDad]

That HIP ACTION is the best thing to happen this week 😂🤘🏼

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Lol

[@patrickbikeph9165]

Thanks Jeff for the tips.. Awesome…

[@lionelhernandez34]

😅 Wife was in the other room, she hollered out "what's so funny?" When I got to the "hip action" scene.

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

lol

[@UptownCranker]

Thanks dude that saddle height helps me a bit but still not perfect on the brake lever. Hopefully can do this in 1 year time.

[@pushapete]

how’s it going with the wheelies?

[@GameplayerSolCley]

very nice man.

[@MTBFreeks]

Brother it was awesome meeting you at windrock!!! Awesome tips BTW

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

thanks for checking it out

[@richie_k_6876]

Thanks for the tips Jeff ..✌🏼

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Thanks for checking it out.

[@richie_k_6876]

@@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss : Your Welcome..✌🏼

[@lakeloon]

Subscribed!

[@brent_s]

Awesome tips, I’m definitely making a lot of these mistakes. Would love a follow up video on how to track straight. Should I be using my knees, hips, a combo to steer? If I’m veering off course, am pulling too much on one side of the bars? Thanks!

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Try to keep your arms straight and relax and look ahead that should help keep you going straight and if you need to steer you can use your knees and hips

[@Headhits]

I definitely do my best wheelies in my sleep but I'm going to implement these pointers where I need them most and that's when I'm conscious 🤣🤷🏽‍♂️

[@benjameng9475]

Thanks 😁

[@Adokis_airsoft]

Thank you

[@jerrydufresne1886]

"So, you suck at wheelies"... this dude is speaking right to me.

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

good! the first point of moving forward is acceptance! lol. I hope everyone see this click bait title for what it is! I just wanna help everyone!

[@jaymueller2418]

To so many of us.

[@toasty902]

Med big help I'm cracking hard but I still can't lift my front wheel up

[@kevinbrito647]

You were at Reedville elementary! Wish I got to meet you. I need mtb help.

[@ironhorsesgs]

Dam good info!

[@macioopa]

Like a boss 🎉❤

[@blueeyedbiker681]

LMAO @ the hip action=boom-chicka-wow-wow!! Dude yer killin' the Wife too!

[@gregstevens2917]

Like a boss!

[@NegrosanonMotoventurev2]

Shout out from Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦🇸🇦🇸🇦🇸🇦

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Yessssss!

[@blueeyedbiker681]

hmmmmmm? Have you been watching me Jeff(?) ,.LoLz I suck a lil @ doin' wheelies,.might have something to do with a time when I was young I went over and suffered a minor concussion. My friends said I was out for like 10 secs,.that was,..uuuhm,.1984(?) LoLz I've been practicing a bit lately tho my manuals and wheelies so know it's time to watch *your* tips N tricks and I know Ill stay VERT!! Mucho gracious El Jeffe'!!

[@raheemgahelable]

That " hip action"!😂😂😂🤣

[@zigzachmtb2821]

All I could think about was Happy Gilmore "it's all in the hips" It's a shame I can't post that GIF here!!🤣🤣

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

lol

[@wesg3084]

Best wheelie instructional video ever. I can ride a unicycle (mountain or standard) for miles, but I can't ride three feet on a wheelie. Now I think I know why. No one has ever broken it down the way Jeff Lenosky does. Thank you!

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Thank you for checkin it out!

[@RealMTBAddict]

Glad I'm not the only one who needs a 200mm dropper. Have a 150mm now, but my legs are too long. Upgrading soon.

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

It’s literally the best thing ever

[@RealMTBAddict]

@@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss Getting a Crankbrothers Highline 3. Current one works really well, although it has developed a little vertical play, and I'd rather buy a new one than servicing it. 🤣🤣

[@fkuashum]

All good tips, not a single word about falling to a side. Is side balance so easy for everybody else but me?!

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Not at all. Looking to the horizon, lowering your seat and going at a faster pace could help.

[@eriksdodges853]

Nope, I can get the front up all day but can't stay straight to save my life. I either dive left or to the right, very frustrating

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

@@eriksdodges853 try the tips, let me know if they help at all.

[@fifofifowertyu1711]

Cool 😎

Yup, can confirm I was wheelie-ing down thin walls in about 5 minutes! Thanks for the tips!

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

awesome! lol

[@eddieh3509]

Awesome tips. Also what area you in? It looks a lot like where I live: the Raleigh, NC area.

[@JBonesRC]

he's at san lee in this video, in his last video about manuals he was in the harris lake parking lot

[@eddieh3509]

@@JBonesRC ...well that explains it then lol.

[@chrissugg968]

I used to be able to wheelie as a kid but not very far. Now I'm older I'm doing more MTB trail stuff and am trying to teach myself how to manual. The big problem I'm having is getting the wheel to lift far enough without the power-stroke that a wheelie has. Now, if I do a wheelie, I can use the power to get the front wheel up to the point where I loop out, far more easily. Would you say it's best to learn how to wheelie first or manual first? I feel that with a wheelie, I can get past the first hurdle of getting high enough to loop out, so I can concentrate on learning to balance. But would this make manuals harder (due to bad habits that don't transfer) or easier (as once I can balance a wheelie, I've already got that muscle memory for the manual)?

[@ashlogan2049]

I never understood why Americans run the back brake lever on the right handlebar - so if you're a motorcyclist as well as a cyclist it's completely backwards. For me switching between the two is totally natural - front brake is always on the right, i don't have to give it a second thought

[@brettfoster6786]

That’s the first thing I changed on my bike. I’m American and ride motorcycle also 👍

[@getyourbandsup4860]

im from europe and my back brake is on right

[@Cochran05]

Thx Jeff, good tips. I am getting better at distance but find that tipping left or right (balance) is typically a more common failure point for me. Any suggestions?

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Try looking ahead.

[@xx-----------xx873]

Low seat, look ahead, more speed. Also try getting up into the wheelie from standing.

[@zandahishon5279]

that vid was wheelie cool

[@reezone2310]

In mid 80s during my teenage years I'm into bmx n doing lots of wheelie, manuals, j hops n jumps. Went to college in 90s blah2 got married, quit riding for years n now trying to learn how to wheelie with my kids mtb! I felt like a noob! I've lost my bmx mojos!

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

You can get it back! Stick with it.

[@mrsmartypants_1]

Ha ha. Such a common story. Wives wreck a lot of the good stuff in life. Why did we do it ? 😂😂😂

[@trialshawaii]

What’s the secret on the side to side balance? I can back wheel hop from “Keepin’ it Real” but still can’t hold a wheelie.

[@genesisdentalrestorations9705]

So i have picked up on all of those tips so far but do you have any tips on leaning? because i have good posture, i think good angle, and i got the hip part down but every time i'm balanced my bike falls over to the left or right and idk how to counter it or prevent it and I've been practicing for a little over a year, so any tips or suggestions?

[@kalnvv]

Use both of ur arms on exact time not 1 on 1 time and 2 on 2 time if u use on exact u wont fall on side

[@juice9767]

I've been able to do wheelies most of my life from growing up doing BMX, but now I'm riding a All steel Fat Bike with suspension fork, and can't even get one going, Do you think because of the bike I'll need to give up? Or just keep learning the bike? I figure I should definitely have it once getting to the balance point, but I've yet to even see anyone on KZbin doing a wheelie on a all steal fat bike. 🤔

[@mikieson]

"Who's the Master?!!"...."SHO'NU.."....Oh wait..."The Trail BOSS!!"

[@ls66]

Nice last dragon reference! Although I doubt anyone will get it!

[@geoffthomsett9408]

@@ls66 one of the classics……

[@luislam6259]

Ahaha yessss! I was not expecting that. Good job man!

[@kevinbrito647]

Directa yo feetza to daddy greens pizza!

[@TheNinjonny]

He's got the glow!

[@justinwbohner]

Whats the best way to maintain balance, feet, hips, or handlebar inputs?

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

front to back would be a little more pedal or lean back to keep it up and feathering the rear to bring it down, side to side is knees and some steering if your front wheel is spinning to give you some centrifugal force.

[@mattiaseklund610]

How to "hip action" like a boss

[@tjstankus]

San Lee!

[@G_Baci_Supersep]

i do it standing up then i sit down when its in the air is that good?

[@jimhays2772]

Your doing somthing I see with your knees and legs while in the wheelie . Moving your legs around for balanse etc. Are you looking at or feeling the headtube and adjusting there? Wheelies are easy for some but others like me cant find that side to side balance and clearly your doing somthing with your legs moving about making corrections at the handle bar or top of bike to balance while up.

[@xx-----------xx873]

Moving the knees out is something you only really have to do at low speeds to keep balance. Try going faster before going into the wheelie with a lower seat and learn to get up into the wheelie from standing.

[@marjhonlarita8789]

@@xx-----------xx873 is it much easier when I do it standing on the bike?

[@tyburham5430]

It’s all in the hips.

[@slabbyrider8665]

Having tried learning to wheelie and trying multiple techniques I realise that you either have a natural ability and no fear or your the complete opposite and get no where. I'm totally Shyte at wheelies.

[@brettfoster6786]

👍

[@MarioXcore1]

Ok so Jeff so I have a question, when reaching that like weightless point in the wheelie, the “balance point” am I supposed to stay there? Or just before it?

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

In theory, you'd stay there but that's really really difficult so the best bet is to stay just on either side of it, using very little brake and very little pedaling to stay in that spot.

[@MarioXcore1]

@@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss ah I see makes sense, thanks Jeff, 👌👌👍

[@andrei123sk4]

The problem I have is that I can lift my front wheel up but o can’t maintain it,sometimes I just fall back ori o lean to the sides,what should i do?

[@natethegreat9967]

Every time I touch the rear brake it immediately ends the wheelie 😢

[@Foodmeow]

Lean back and remember to use that rear brake!

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Yes!

[@theliquidstate3216]

Something no one ever touches on in these videos is how to steer and change course when doing a wheelie. I constantly go from right to left and I don't know why. I try using my knees, bars etc to leverage but don't really see the results. Can you please touch on this!

[@John-en4vd]

All about the hips moving and shifting your weight about Keep at it and it’ll come naturally Keep trying to change up how you’re doing it trying to go for what works and keeps you up for as long as possible You’ll get there it takes a while. Took me 1 month maybe to get to the point where I could suddenly wheelie

[@xx-----------xx873]

Turn your head and look where you want to go, and also turn the bars. After a while it just clicks.The faster you go, the less of an issue the left-right thing is. Also learn to get up into the wheelie from standing.

[@Lostprovince2319]

I’m great at cycling but wheelies are my downfall and I feel like it has to do a lot with my height no matter what bike I ride on I can never have my seat high or I don’t touch the ground everything is big for me 26 inches and up and if the seats not touching the frame I probably can’t fit 🤷‍♂️💀

[@stephanefraga2599]

What Is It Made Out Of?

[@thereignofthezero225]

How'd you know?

[@METEORA_47]

my problem is,sometime when i push the bike to wheelie,my bike is not balance.its want to fall to the left or right.need more helps 🥴

[@thunderblitz2219]

how can I prevent the axle from bending when wheeling?

[@xx-----------xx873]

Buy a better axle which won't bend under your weight. Still, having your body weight on one axle should be nothing compared to riding your bike on the trail.

[@thezonemtb]

Where's the link to the FB group?

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

oops www.patreon.com/jefflenoskytrailboss

[@citybend103]

I can but i just can't balance side to side, any tips?

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

try lowering your seat a little so you can use your knees to help balance!

[@N1ghtMare2315]

Im currently trying to learn wheelies, my problem is the bike keeps wanting to go to the left everytime i lift the wheel it really frustrates me because i dont know how to deal with it

[@tobyeglesfield4403]

Some things that might help, are pointing your elbows out a bit as you lean forward before you lean back for the lift, and also having your knees spread a little. Another thing is to think about your leading foot position - make sure it's at 12 o'clock before you push it down. Other things might be you're using too much pedal and not enough front to back weight transfer during the lift. Maybe get a video of you doing it a few times from the front or back and watch that.

[@ElRednaxela]

I keep falling off to the left or right, not sure how to use my knees to balance sideways

[@tobyeglesfield4403]

For me it's more about shifting my hips side to side to subtly counter the lean of the bike and getting these counter movements in early, before the bike gets too far leant to one side. The knee thing can be helpful but I'm not sure it helps without the hips thing as it's not enough on its own for me. One thing you can try is getting your legs a little wide when you do your lift, and also when you're in the wheelie - this makes it a bit easier.

[@michaeloc99]

I keep falling left and right and don't know how to balance left and right any tips?

[@hpzzz]

Try starting with more speed, it can help you feel more stable

[@mirzunayedali1724]

What's the purpose of your knee going outwards at 4:43?

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

It counterbalances you so that you can steer the bike.

[@briancave6621]

Subscribe and liked.

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Awesome, thank you!

[@sebastianquintero2072]

Do i stand up or keep seated?

[@coopersharp2921]

Seated helps get to thw balance point easier

[@kristophstjames4143]

clipless pedals make it much more sketchy

[@graysquirreltreeservice7299]

😁🚴‍♂️🚴‍♀️👍👍👍

[@Onewheelupfilmz]

I’ve been wheeling for 9 years and never have been able to learn. I can get up but then I keep leaning to the side. That is my only problem and never been able to learn.

[@jeffngo79]

So what is the difference between a wheelie and a manual because to some people it looks the same and it looks like you do the same

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

a wheelie is a sitting down wheelie where you raise your wheel by leaning back or pedaling, a manual is a standing wheelie where you use your hips to find the balance point and try to use your brakes as little as possible and no pedaling.

[@xx-----------xx873]

Not really. A wheelie is seated with your brake, a manual is with your body weight at the back. A manual is somewhat useful, a wheelie isn't.

[@jeffngo79]

So which one is easier

[@xx-----------xx873]

@@jeffngo79 Wheelie by far, but a wheelie down a road isn't going to help you on the trail. Learn to wheelie first, and follow some tutorials.

[@paullacey2999]

My bike weighs the same as the Millenium Falcon,so wheelies arent fun..

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

hahaha

[@hlamar5918]

I was thinking about quoting until I saw this

[@nathannederhiser3496]

Does anyone know why I am falling sideways

[@coopersharp2921]

I know I may be a month late, but In my own wheelie progression, I learned that starting a wheelie with more speed helps keep it stable. When you go faster, your pedal strokes should be smoother, preventing from a large balance shift. Also, if you try to get to the balance point with one pedal, it makes it hard to control, so try to get up almost to the balance point with one pedal, and on thw second pedal tpu should ease into the balance point.

[@merxs5824]

Does your weight matter ?

[@B1KER]

He get's all the ladies with his hip action...

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

LOL my secrets revealed!

[@midwestexplorer]

Do you remember how many concussions you have had?

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

3? I don't recommend them

[@mrenthusiast2391]

So.... where's the 2nd half of the video... how to maintain balance when you are up there...?

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Pedals or lean back to keep the wheel up, brake to bring it down. Look to the horizon to help keep yourself going straight and eventually learn to steer by counter balancing with your knees.

[@jblakegriffin]

Your wheelies are great but that hip action could use some work. LOL

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

burrrrrrnnnnn. lol

[@kurtshetler9719]

If you practice intentionally looping out, aren't you just going to train yourself to loop out?

[@jamesturner9858]

What if we don’t have Facebook!

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Ummmm

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Set up an account with an alias

[@jamesturner9858]

@@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss 🤣..... when’s your next clinic or lessons at mountain creek

[@barrymiller3385]

Hmmm...... do bosses really wheelie! 🤔

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

of course!

[@nick9033]

Ain’t nothing more embarrassing then landing flat on your back during a wheelie attempt I swear.

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

The. Worst. I've done it as a kid and it sucks.

[@JOB1925pk]

60yrs old and can still ride a wheelie a country mile...but can't ride a unicycle!!!

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

soooo... stick to wheelies!! lol. That's awesome!

[@amandabarber8845]

... And then dude wheelies off into the sunset.

[@TheLettich17]

I feel dirty

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

lol. close your eyes.

[@pamelastorch2935]

The hideous high bank temporarily back because turnip finallly order at a poor fear. flashy, equable grain

[@MrTallatron]

What?

[@TheBsavage]

Wouldn't you want to wheelie like a stuntman instead of a "boss?" I don't think my boss can wheelie. You really need to think about what you're sayhing before you re-use a lame cliche.

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

LOL. Fair enough

[@AkatarawaJapan]

I always try to wheelie like a boss who can wheelie. If the boss can’t wheelie then I wheelie like the boss’s friend who can wheelie. Bosses always have at least one friend who can wheelie.

[@TheBsavage]

@@AkatarawaJapan Okay. I'm "buying what you're selling." I embrace your relationships that lead to superior wheelies. Normally I salute with "rock on." I don't know how one wishes a fellow e-biker well. Maybe "keep pushing the juice down those windings," or "Tesla is king," or "keep your electrons flowing & your wheels spinning?" I guess I'm going with that last one. That and "keep the tires filled & the cops in the donut shops." Ride on.