How to Hold a Manual Trick on a BMX Bike

Even though a manual looks very similar to a wheelie, it is in fact a difficult trick that takes skill, strength and a host of BMX skills. Holding the manual is the single most important part of the trick, since it allows you to defy gravity with very subtle movement. To improving your holding skills on the BMX manual follow these steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Pop the manual with solid speed so you have enough forward motion to keep it going. Lean your hips back on the bike so your butt almost touches the back wheel. Keep your arms straight out with only a small bend in your elbows.
2. Look ahead as you're holding the manual so you maintain proper body position on the BMX bike. Your body will follow your gaze, so direct your eyes where you want your body and your bike to go.
3. Squeeze the brakes or increase the bend in your knees for a split second if you feel the front end of your bike start to rise up too far. Use little jerks on the pedals (as you keep your weight back) to extend the momentum if you feel the front end start to lower too early.
4. Use your arms to push forward on the handlebars or pull back as your holding skills improve. Make sure that the arm movements are slight since there is a risk of over-compensating with the use of your arms on the trick.

Tips & Warnings

• The key to holding a manual trick is minimizing movement. Any time you need to adjust in mid-trick, keep motion to nano-increments to maintain forward momentum.