How to Do a Wheelie on a Bike

Here's a basic bike trick that'll impress the kids down the street.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Helmets (optional)
• Thick Gloves

1. Sit on the bike.

2. Get going about 5 mph.

3. Stand on the pedals.

4. Lean back slightly over the rear wheel.

5. Pedaling evenly, pull sharply up on the handlebars.

6. As the front wheel rises, balance your weight and the strength of your pedaling to maintain wheelie.

Tips & Warnings

• This is easier on a BMX-style bike, because of the lower center of gravity. It is very difficult on a road bike.
• Wear a fitted helmet when maneuvering on the bike. Also wear kneepads, elbowpads and gloves for further safety.
• Be careful not to flip over onto your back.

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[livetoride]

on 7/21/2007 dont lean back!!!!!!!!! when just starting you want to do the opposit kinda crouch over the bars. and as you yank up through yourself back this will give you extra lift

on 8/8/2006 I always found that popping the wheelie (lifting the front wheel) was the hardest part, but it's actually the easiest. What I do is I stand up on the pedals, left pedal forward, both pedals at the the same level. Then I lean forward while pushing a bit harder than usual on the left pedal. Once my left pedal gets to vertical position, I push myself back up, while pushing even harder on the right pedal. Then I pedal more or less to balance myself.

on 8/8/2006 Wheelies are so much easier if you understand that your body is always balanced and centered exactly over your axle. Forget about your bike angle elevation and concentrate on the center of balance over your axle. It does not matter what kind of wheelie you do, your body will always assume the same approximate position over the axle. If you practice with bongo boards, or other balance related toys, it will make you that much better and quicker to understanding Body English, which is the essence of truly understanding wheelies. Try to do that yoga V sitting thing, where you do vertical toe touches over your head, because it's a similar fight to stay perfectly balanced on your butt. Just try to apply the same control, but quicker in your reaction to counterbalance looping out or dropping forward. When practicing, try to start your wheelie exactly the same way every time, it helps quicken muscle memory if you are consistent and smooth. Hope this helps.

on 6/30/2006 When I pop a wheelie I like to roll while setting my pedals up so that I can release all my pressure on my left pedal.

on 6/30/2006 Go as slow as you possibly can without losing balance. If you're using a mountain bike, have the gears set at 2,1 (front gear, back gear). Sit down. Pull up hard and pedal really fast. You will eventually do a wheelie.
These are harder, but they look much smoother. These will also take some practice and you will probably fall! But, don't give up!