What bike for learning to wheelie etc. on?

As a kid I rode mountain bikes that were far too big and never had a BMX, I blame this for my distinct lack of skill on a bike.

My mission for 2009 is to improve, starting with learning to wheelie, other than to get stuck in, is there anything I can do to make it easier? I was thinking the geometry of my Cotic Soul may not be learner friendly, and maybe buying/building something else to play about on would be better.

Or do I just need to find a skills course?

Cotic soul would be fine, put that saddle at an inbetween hieght, i.e. not fully slammed but not full xc extension. Then jsut lean back and pedal. Cover your back brake and away you go.

Manuals are more useful though

what david said, but I’d put the seat a bit lower than half way, more like a third, to lower the CoG.

A couple of hours on a carpark should have you on your way. Try to sit nice and still, don’t lean forward – sit your weight down on the seat. Use the rear brake to catch anything and feel for where the balance point is.

One word FLATTIES

5 speed Raliegh Arena with upturned drops is the ultimate wheelie machine.

I’ve spent a few lonely hours so far on this, but not really getting it. I generally flip off the back before registering that I have to operate the brake ;-(

I can’t do it either normally. Managed a wheelie twice last year for some 3 seconds either time. Even worse with a bunny hop 🙁

You still got your inbred Ian? That’d be perfect. Otherwise I’d recommend an wheelie-tastic big-front-end-bike like a compo, that’d pull wheelies without you even trying.

Yep still got the inbred. I often get caught out when I first ride it after swapping from the superlight with a long stem and titchy bars to the inbred with its huge risers and short stem. Stamp on the pedals, pull on the bars, land on your arse 🙂

Good to hear that not everyone on this forum is a wheelieing, hopping god on a bike.

I couldn’t agree more with dropoff… DON’T LEARN WITH SPD’S… IT HURTS!!!

Keep at it – it takes a long time and lots of practice – I’ve been trying for a year now and still a long way off being able to balance on the bike (Which just happens to be a soul).

BTW – Very happy with what I can do but always more to do.

“IanMunro – Member
5 speed Raliegh Arena with upturned drops is the ultimate wheelie machine.”

hahaha, that’s exactly how i learnt to wheelie too!
sadly i seem to have lost the knack though…

This seems to be the right place for this: I’m rubbish at wheelies too. And if my wheels ever leave the ground I often seem to lose me pedals.