How to Wheelie on a Bike

If you're gonna learn a trick on your bike, you might as well learn it right. For most, it’s never a bad idea to start with a wheelie. No matter your level of expertise or skill, it never hurts to understand the technique behind one of the most well-known bicycle tricks.

Luckily, we've has teamed up with Sam @shredlifewithsam and Simply MTB to give you some inside information on how to perfect this careful maneuver.

Breaking Drills 

Starting off walking alongside your bike while in a wheelie position with your hands on the breaks helps you dial in the exact amount of pressure to offset your balance. It takes time to find the sweet spot so breaking drills are never a bad idea.

Start out taking five or so solid pedal strokes up to a marked distance of about 20 feet or so. As you approach the marked location, only try to use your back brake to stop as quickly as possible. Gradually increase the pressure on your back brake until coming to a full stop before the 20 feet is up. Try your best to avoid skidding and lowering your center of gravity and leaning back for more control.

Loop Outs

Now, return to the same area you practiced stopping and begin practicing loop-outs. It's no secret that leaning back too far, shooting the bike from underneath you, and landing on your feet can be frightening. This practice, however, will help you understand how to safely adjust your weight to the correct position while balancing on the back wheel of the bike.

How to Wheelie

After getting comfortable with a few breaking drills and loop-outs, try your hand at a few seated wheelies. For the best results, try adjusting your seat to a middle-length height while pedaling in one gear easier than normal pedaling. Do your best to push down and compress your body while equally distributing weight to each arm lifting up.

The majority of power here comes from the legs rebounding or the arms lifting straight up. Now, standing up, make a conscious choice to keep your chest back and strait centered over the tire in the balance point. Always keep your focus on your point of travel rather than looking down. Use your arms to re-correct your power and balance if you feel you're leaning towards one side or another. Lightly feather and always keep your fingers on the rear brake and you should have it. Let us know how you did!

Hopefully, your next time out in the saddle this comes in handy. For more bike hacks, gear recommendations, and tour updates visit the Thread + Spoke journal or our Instagram for @shredlifewithsam 's wheelie tutorial. 

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