Why can't I wheelie?
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Why can't I wheelie?
Hi everyone,
I've been riding the trails for about 6 or 7 years now. I can handle basic stuff; I can pick lines, ride small drops, survive rock gardens, and the works. But as hard as I try I can't do a wheelie. I am almost 15, and am a state-level high school track runner, so believe me when I say my legs are pretty strong. Granted, I am a distance runner but nonetheless I should have the power to wheelie. Also, I have a relatively small bike, a Jamis Dakar (size extra small) which I got a few years ago. Does anyone have any advice on how to keep my front wheel up after a few strokes? I can only get about 4 pedal strokes in until my front wheel falls back to the ground. Should I have my rear suspension (air) harder perhaps? Any technique advice? Thanks!
I've been riding the trails for about 6 or 7 years now. I can handle basic stuff; I can pick lines, ride small drops, survive rock gardens, and the works. But as hard as I try I can't do a wheelie. I am almost 15, and am a state-level high school track runner, so believe me when I say my legs are pretty strong. Granted, I am a distance runner but nonetheless I should have the power to wheelie. Also, I have a relatively small bike, a Jamis Dakar (size extra small) which I got a few years ago. Does anyone have any advice on how to keep my front wheel up after a few strokes? I can only get about 4 pedal strokes in until my front wheel falls back to the ground. Should I have my rear suspension (air) harder perhaps? Any technique advice? Thanks!
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You need to quit school, stop all that distace nonsence,clear your mind and take what advice Gastro will give you. If you can't wheelie after that...........it could be that you suck.
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Its not just peddling hard, its a perfect balance between Pulling up with your arms, peddling and balance.
have a full suspension bike makes it a tad harder because the rear shock takes a lot of your energy and tends to absorb the wheelie.
have a full suspension bike makes it a tad harder because the rear shock takes a lot of your energy and tends to absorb the wheelie.
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So it's just a matter of strength and then balance? Then the gym would solve that. But is there any real technique in popping up? Any hints? Thanks!
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I don't think it has anything to do with strength to be honest. Balance yes.
I have seen some of the skinniest kids pull wheelies, proper gearing, technique and balance can make up for skinny legs
I have seen some of the skinniest kids pull wheelies, proper gearing, technique and balance can make up for skinny legs
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you basicly fail at life, i can wheelie my tandem, without the stroker's permision or cooperation.
not really, but this is the internet, i can lie all i want.
not really, but this is the internet, i can lie all i want.
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strength/gym is not the issue. the trick in pulling the wheelie is in shifting your weight backwards quickly while simultaneously applying the right amount of torque to your pedal/rear wheel.
tips:
0. do a search. most of this stuff is already in the forums somewhere.
1. try hit the "sweet spot" on the first pedal stroke
2. pre-loading your front suspension helps
3. start on an "easy" gear, maybe even on a slight uphill incline
4. keeping your arms straight when you pull the wheelie helps
5. pedal once or twice to keep the front up
6. feather the rear brake to keep from falling backwards
7. use your knees/hips to shift weight for sideways balance
8. flat pedals reduce the penalty for failure
9. wear a lid
tips:
0. do a search. most of this stuff is already in the forums somewhere.
1. try hit the "sweet spot" on the first pedal stroke
2. pre-loading your front suspension helps
3. start on an "easy" gear, maybe even on a slight uphill incline
4. keeping your arms straight when you pull the wheelie helps
5. pedal once or twice to keep the front up
6. feather the rear brake to keep from falling backwards
7. use your knees/hips to shift weight for sideways balance
8. flat pedals reduce the penalty for failure
9. wear a lid
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awesome! with no helmet, or lid as referred to above, too
hahahahah
hahahahah
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Tomac Mountain Bikes | Light-Bikes l Magura USA | Industry Nine | Schwalbe Tires | Caffélatex
Last edited by mx_599; 02-10-08 at 07:42 PM.
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If I'm set up for XC racing (higher saddle closer to "road bike" height) it is harder to loft the front up and find the sweet spot for balance.... so I'd say lower your saddle if your out for a unicycle ride :-)
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The real question is, why do you need to do a wheelie?
I am a
A)BMX'er
B)Freerider
C)Show Off
Pick one.
I am a
A)BMX'er
B)Freerider
C)Show Off
Pick one.
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Do you not listen?
I didn't say it was hard, or impossible,it's still quite easy I just said IT HARDER!
So lay off my case.
I never called full suspension nasty either, I like them, just can't afford it now.
My reasoning behind why it MAY make it HARDER is because when you pedal the rear shock could, if to soft, start to bounce a bit and you may loose your balance. if your not good at wheelies
I didn't say it was hard, or impossible,it's still quite easy I just said IT HARDER!
So lay off my case.
I never called full suspension nasty either, I like them, just can't afford it now.
My reasoning behind why it MAY make it HARDER is because when you pedal the rear shock could, if to soft, start to bounce a bit and you may loose your balance. if your not good at wheelies
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Chainstay length could make it hard if it's to long, yes, it would be harder to get up.
To short though, you'd be a bit unstable and if you pull to much your on your back quick.
atleast were trying to help, you just seem to be trying to cause problems.
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Bad advice is helping? FS has nothing to do with how well a person can wheelie.
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At least we're adept at simple grammar.
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OMG, you just don't get it do you?
I didn't say it does, I said it COULD!
because if you have a lower end shock/spring it could bob a bit and throw you off balance.
I didn't say it does, I said it COULD!
because if you have a lower end shock/spring it could bob a bit and throw you off balance.