How to Manual on a Mountain Bike

Along with the bunny hop, the manual is one of the techniques every mountain biker should master. In urban environments and on the trails, the manual is a useful way to ride over bumpy obstacles and control your descent down slopes. It takes sharp balance to do, but with practice anyone can learn it.

Instructions

1. Find a flat area where you can ride your mountain bike without running into obstacles. Neighborhood streets work the best because traffic is light and the pavement is smooth.

2. Ride forward and build up moderate speed. Going too slow makes balancing difficult, but going too fast increases your chance of wiping out.

3. Pull the handlebars up and lean back to raise the front wheel off of the ground. This movement should be even and controlled. Avoid jerking the handlebars suddenly, which can toss off the back of the bike.

4. Adjust your center of gravity so it's balanced just behind the seat. Find the point where the bike balances itself and rides evenly forward.

5. Apply the rear brake to control the backward motion of the bike. In a traditional wheelie, you'd pump the pedals to keep the front wheel up. The manual uses the rear brake for this control.

6. Ride the manual for as long as you can without pedaling. Once you pedal, the manual's over and you've entered a wheelie.

Tips & Warnings

• Maximize your ride's distance by manualing downhill.

• Don't manual on a mountain without wearing a helmet. Pads are a good idea, too.