I normally manual then wheelie-hop over small trail objects like rocks, small steps and ‘horse barriers’ or whatever they’re called.

However, I’m now really struggling to do this with my new hardtail. Is it because it has a slacker head angle than I’m used to (66 degrees) and therefore is more stable and doesn’t like to manual or because it has 650b wheels or because it has a long top-tube?

I can still hop ok on my Nomad and Jackal, but I’m struggling on my Whyte 905.

Any tips? Cheers.

It’s basically cos you’re not getting your weight back far enough

Wheel size ‘may’ make a difference but longer top tube (if not canceled out by shorter stem : wider bars) will also put your weight further forward

Up there…^^^

It won’t be the head angle but the top tube length can take some getting used to. Bigger wheels are slightly less manoeuvrable and there is more BB drop (relative to rear axle) which I think makes it harder too.

It’s just practise though – you’ll get used to it and be able to hop just as high.