When it comes to performing a wheelie on a 29er mountain bike, things can get a bit more challenging. The larger wheel size and often longer frame of a 29er can make the bike feel more unwieldy and harder to lift.
However, with the right technique, practice, and patience, wheelieing a 29er is absolutely achievable.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of learning how to wheelie a 29er mountain bike. We’ll cover everything from understanding your bike, preparing for the wheelie, executing the move, and common mistakes to avoid.
Whether you’re a seasoned biker looking to add a new skill to your repertoire or a beginner just starting out, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and tips you need to master the wheelie on a 29er mountain bike.
Why You Should Learn How To Wheelie a 29er Mountain Bike
Improved Bike Control
Wheelies require a good sense of balance and bike control. By learning to wheelie, you’re essentially improving your ability to handle the bike in various situations, which can be beneficial when tackling challenging trails.
Obstacle Navigation
Wheelies can help you navigate over small obstacles on the trail. By lifting the front wheel, you can smoothly roll over rocks, roots, and other small obstacles without getting stuck or losing momentum.
Enhanced Confidence
Mastering a wheelie can boost your confidence on the bike. This increased confidence can translate into better performance on the trails, as you’ll be less hesitant to tackle difficult sections.
Fun and Satisfaction
Wheelies are fun to do and can add an extra element of enjoyment to your rides. Plus, the sense of achievement you get when you finally nail that perfect wheelie is incredibly satisfying.
Versatility of Skills
Wheelies are a versatile skill that can be used in various cycling disciplines, not just mountain biking. Whether you’re into BMX, road cycling, or even bike touring, being able to wheelie can come in handy.
5 Benefits of Doing a Wheelie with a 29er Mountain Bike
While 29er mountain bikes, with their larger wheel size, may initially seem more challenging for performing wheelies, they actually come with several benefits that can aid in mastering this trick. Here are some of the advantages:
1. Stability
- The larger wheels of a 29er provide more stability once you’re up in the wheelie position. This can make it easier to maintain the wheelie for a longer period of time.
2. Momentum
- Bigger wheels carry momentum better. This means once you get the wheelie started, a 29er can help you keep it going with less effort, as the wheels’ momentum helps keep the bike balanced.
3. Smooth Ride
- The larger wheels of a 29er roll over bumps and uneven surfaces more smoothly. This can be beneficial when you’re performing a wheelie on a surface that isn’t perfectly flat, as the bike will be less likely to get knocked off balance.
4. Learning Curve
- While it might be a bit harder to get the front wheel off the ground with a 29er compared to a bike with smaller wheels, the stability and momentum benefits can actually make it easier to learn to maintain a wheelie once you’re up. This can be particularly beneficial for beginners.
5. Versatility
- Learning to wheelie on a 29er can make it easier to perform the trick on bikes with smaller wheels. If you can wheelie a 29er, you’ll likely find it easier to wheelie a bike with 26″ or 27.5″ wheels.
Is Wheelieing More Difficult on a 29er Mountain Bike
Whether or not it’s more difficult to do a wheelie on a 29er mountain bike as compared to other mountain bikes can depend on a few different factors:
Wheel Size
A 29er has larger wheels than the typical 26″ or 27.5″ mountain bikes. This can mean a larger rotating mass to lift off the ground, which can make a wheelie slightly more challenging.
Geometry and Weight
The geometry and weight of the bike can also affect how easy it is to perform a wheelie. A lighter bike with a shorter wheelbase can typically make it easier to perform a wheelie, while a heavier bike with a longer wheelbase can make it more difficult.
29er bikes tend to have a longer wheelbase due to the larger wheels, which might make wheelies a bit more challenging compared to bikes with smaller wheels.
Rider Skill
Ultimately, the ability to perform a wheelie effectively comes down to rider skill and practice. If you are comfortable on your bike and have spent time practicing, you can likely perform a wheelie on any mountain bike, regardless of wheel size.
So, while it may be slightly more challenging to do a wheelie on a 29er due to its larger wheel size and potentially longer geometry, the difference is likely not significant for a skilled rider. The most important factors are practice, bike control, and balancing skills.
Preparing to Wheelie a 29er Mountain Bike
Safety Gear
- Always prioritize safety when attempting any bike trick, including a wheelie. Wear a helmet to protect your head in case of a fall. Depending on your comfort level, you might also consider wearing knee and elbow pads for additional protection.
Bike Check
- Make sure your bike is in good working condition. Check the tires for proper inflation, ensure the brakes are working correctly, and confirm that the chain is well-lubricated. For a 29er, you might want to lower the saddle slightly to lower your center of gravity, making it easier to lift the front wheel.
Choose the Right Gear
- Start in a low to medium gear. Too high a gear will make it hard to lift the front wheel, while too low a gear might cause you to lift too quickly and lose control. For more details see what is the best gear to wheelie in on a mountain bike.
Find a Suitable Location
- Look for a flat, open space to practice your wheelies. A grassy area can be a good choice as it provides a softer landing if you fall. Avoid areas with traffic, people, or obstacles.
Warm Up
- Before you start, do some light stretching and a quick warm-up ride to prepare your body for the activity. This can help prevent muscle strain or injury.
Mental Preparation
- Approach the task with patience and a positive mindset. Learning to wheelie takes time and practice, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t get it right away.
Step-by-Step Guide to Wheelieing a 29er Mountain Bike
1. Body Position
Proper positioning on your bike is crucial for successfully performing a wheelie. Here’s how to position yourself on a 29er mountain bike for a wheelie:
- Seat Position: Lower your seat slightly from your usual riding position. This lowers your center of gravity, making it easier to lift the front wheel. However, don’t lower it too much, as you still need to be able to pedal effectively.
- Foot Position: Place your dominant foot on the pedal in the 11 o’clock position. This is the foot you’ll use to initiate the pedal stroke that lifts the front wheel.
- Hand Position: Keep a firm but relaxed grip on the handlebars. Your fingers should be covering the brake levers, especially the rear brake. Using the rear brake can help you control the bike if it tips too far back.
- Body Position: Lean your upper body slightly backward as you prepare to lift the front wheel. This shift in weight can help initiate the wheelie. However, make sure not to lean too far back, as you could lose control.
- Eye Position: Look straight ahead, not down at the front wheel. This helps maintain balance and gives you a better sense of your wheelie’s progression.
2. Using the Pedal in Lifting the Front Wheel
The pedals play a crucial role in lifting the front wheel off the ground when performing a wheelie. Here’s how it works:
Pedal Position
Start with your dominant foot on the pedal in the 11 o’clock position. This is the foot you’ll use to initiate the powerful pedal stroke that lifts the front wheel.
Pedal Stroke
As you push down hard with your dominant foot, simultaneously pull up on the handlebars and lean your weight slightly back. This combination of actions should lift the front wheel off the ground. The harder you pedal, the higher the front wheel will lift.
Maintaining the Wheelie
Once the front wheel is off the ground, continue to pedal smoothly to maintain momentum and keep the wheelie going. The goal is to find a balance point where the bike can continue to move forward on one wheel without tipping over.
Control with the Rear Brake
Your rear brake is your safety net while performing a wheelie. If you feel like you’re tipping too far back, lightly apply the rear brake. This will bring the front wheel back down.
Remember, performing a wheelie is about balance and control, not just power. It’s important to start with small, controlled lifts of the front wheel and gradually work your way up as you become more comfortable with the motion.
3. Balancing the Bike While the Front Wheel is in the Air
Balancing the bike while the front wheel is in the air is the most challenging part of performing a wheelie, but with practice, it becomes more intuitive. Here are some tips to help you maintain balance during a wheelie:
- Find Your Balance Point
- The balance point is the position where the bike can maintain a wheelie with minimal effort. It’s usually when the bike is almost vertical, but not quite. Finding this point takes practice and will vary depending on the bike and rider.
- Use Your Rear Brake
- Your rear brake is a crucial tool for maintaining balance during a wheelie. If you feel like you’re tipping too far back, gently apply the rear brake to bring the front wheel back down. With practice, you’ll learn to feather the brake to maintain your balance point.
- Shift Your Weight
- Use your body weight to help control the bike. If you feel like you’re falling to one side, shift your weight slightly to the opposite side to correct it. Similarly, if the front wheel starts to drop, lean back slightly to lift it back up.
- Pedal Smoothly
- Try to maintain a smooth and consistent pedaling rhythm. This helps keep the bike stable and moving forward. If the front wheel starts to drop, a quick burst of pedaling can help lift it back up.
- Keep Your Arms Flexible
- Keep your arms slightly bent and flexible. This allows you to make small adjustments to your balance by pulling or pushing on the handlebars.
- Look Ahead
- Keep your eyes focused on the path ahead, not on your front wheel. This helps maintain balance and gives you a better sense of your wheelie’s progression.
Remember, learning to balance during a wheelie takes time and practice. Start with short wheelies and gradually try to hold them for longer as you improve. Some riders even figure out how to wheelie a mountain bike during their first time.
4. How to Use the Rear Brake for Control
The rear brake plays a crucial role in controlling a wheelie. It acts as a safety mechanism that can bring the front wheel back down when you’re tipping too far back. Here’s how to use the rear brake for control during a wheelie:
Cover the Brake
Always have one or two fingers covering the rear brake lever while attempting a wheelie. This ensures you can react quickly if you start to tip too far back.
Feather the Brake
“Feathering” the brake means lightly applying it to gently slow down the bike without abruptly stopping it. If you feel like you’re about to tip over backward, feather the rear brake. This will lower the front wheel and help you regain control.
Practice the Brake Touch
Before attempting long wheelies, practice getting a feel for the rear brake. Try lifting the front wheel slightly off the ground and then immediately using the rear brake to bring it back down. This exercise can help you become more comfortable with using the brake for control.
Use the Brake to Maintain Balance
Once you’re comfortable with using the rear brake, you can use it to help maintain your balance during a wheelie. If the bike starts to tip too far back, apply the brake to bring the front wheel down slightly and regain your balance.
Emergency Stop
If you lose control during a wheelie, fully applying the rear brake will bring the front wheel back to the ground. However, be prepared to hop off the back of the bike if you’re tipping too far back to prevent a fall.
Common Mistakes When Wheelieing a 29er Mountain Bike and How to Avoid Them
List of common mistakes when trying to wheelie a 29er mountain bike
Attempting a wheelie on a 29er mountain bike can be challenging, and it’s common to make mistakes when learning. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Not Covering the Rear Brake: The rear brake is your safety net when performing a wheelie. Always keep a finger on the brake lever so you can quickly bring the front wheel down if you start to tip too far back.
Pulling Too Hard on the Handlebars: While it’s necessary to pull on the handlebars to lift the front wheel, pulling too hard can cause you to lose control. The key is to use a combination of a strong pedal stroke and a moderate pull on the handlebars.
Pedaling Too Hard or Too Soft: Finding the right amount of force to apply to the pedals is crucial. Pedaling too hard can cause the bike to tip over backward, while pedaling too softly may not lift the front wheel enough.
Not Shifting Weight Properly: When initiating a wheelie, you need to shift your weight back to help lift the front wheel. However, leaning too far back can cause you to lose balance and control.
Looking Down: It’s important to keep your eyes focused ahead, not on the front wheel. Looking down can throw off your balance and make it harder to maintain the wheelie.
Not Practicing Consistently: Like any skill, learning to wheelie takes consistent practice. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right away. Keep practicing, and you’ll improve over time.
Ignoring Safety Gear: Always wear a helmet when attempting wheelies, and consider additional protective gear like knee and elbow pads. Safety should always be your top priority.
Choosing the Wrong Gear: Starting in too high or too low a gear can make it difficult to initiate and maintain a wheelie. Generally, a lower to medium gear is a good starting point.
Not Using a Flat, Open Space for Practice: Practicing wheelies in a crowded area or on a slope can increase the risk of accidents. Always choose a flat, open space where you have plenty of room to maneuver.
Rushing the Process: It’s important to remember that performing a wheelie is not about speed but balance and control. Trying to rush the process can lead to mistakes and potential accidents.
Not Adjusting the Saddle: Lowering the saddle slightly can lower your center of gravity, making it easier to lift the front wheel. Not adjusting the saddle can make the wheelie more difficult.
Neglecting Bike Maintenance: A well-maintained bike is easier to control. Ensure your tires are properly inflated, your chain is lubricated, and your brakes are working correctly before attempting a wheelie.
Tips and Advice on How to Avoid these Mistakes
Always Cover the Rear Brake: Make it a habit to always have a finger on the rear brake lever when attempting a wheelie. This allows you to quickly react and bring the front wheel down if you start to tip too far back.
Moderate Handlebar Pull: Practice the right amount of force to apply when pulling the handlebars. Remember, it’s a combination of a strong pedal stroke and a moderate pull on the handlebars that lifts the front wheel, not just pulling hard.
Find the Right Pedaling Force: Experiment with different levels of force on the pedals. The right amount will lift the front wheel without causing the bike to tip over backward.
Proper Weight Shift: Practice shifting your weight back to help lift the front wheel, but remember not to lean too far back as it can cause you to lose balance and control.
Keep Your Eyes Ahead: Train yourself to keep your eyes focused on the path ahead, not on the front wheel. This helps maintain balance and gives you a better sense of your wheelie’s progression.
Consistent Practice: Set a regular practice schedule and stick to it. Consistency is key in mastering any skill, including wheelies.
Always Wear Safety Gear: Never attempt a wheelie without a helmet, and consider additional protective gear like knee and elbow pads. Safety should always be your top priority.
Choose the Right Gear: Experiment with different gears to find the one that allows you to initiate and maintain a wheelie most comfortably.
Choose a Suitable Practice Area: Always practice in a flat, open space where you have plenty of room to maneuver and where the risk of accidents is minimized.
Take Your Time: Remember, performing a wheelie is about balance and control, not speed. Take your time to learn and master each step of the process.
Adjust Your Saddle: Lower your saddle slightly from your usual riding position to lower your center of gravity, making it easier to lift the front wheel.
Maintain Your Bike: Regularly check and maintain your bike to ensure it’s in good working condition. This includes checking the tire pressure, lubricating the chain, and ensuring the brakes are working correctly.
What To Do During the Entire Wheelie Process For a 29er Mountain Bike
Before the Wheelie:
- Safety First: Always wear a helmet and other protective gear like knee and elbow pads. Safety should always be your top priority.
- Choose the Right Gear: Start in a lower to medium gear. This will give you the power you need to lift the front wheel without making the bike too hard to control.
- Find a Suitable Location: Choose a flat, open space for practice. Avoid crowded areas or slopes which can increase the risk of accidents.
- Lower Your Saddle: Lower your saddle slightly from your usual riding position. This lowers your center of gravity, making it easier to lift the front wheel.
- Cover the Rear Brake: Always have a finger on the rear brake lever. This allows you to quickly bring the front wheel down if you start to tip too far back.
At the Beginning of the Wheelie:
- Position Your Pedals: Start with your dominant foot on the pedal in the 11 o’clock position. This is the foot you’ll use to initiate the powerful pedal stroke that lifts the front wheel.
- Initiate the Wheelie: As you push down hard with your dominant foot, simultaneously pull up on the handlebars and lean your weight slightly back. This combination of actions should lift the front wheel off the ground.
During the Wheelie:
- Maintain Your Balance: Once the front wheel is off the ground, shift your weight to find your balance point. This is usually when the bike is almost vertical, but not quite.
- Pedal Smoothly: Try to maintain a smooth and consistent pedaling rhythm. This helps keep the bike stable and moving forward.
- Use Your Rear Brake: If you feel like you’re tipping too far back, feather the rear brake. This will lower the front wheel and help you regain control.
- Shift Your Weight: Use your body weight to help control the bike. If you feel like you’re falling to one side, shift your weight slightly to the opposite side to correct it.
At the End of the Wheelie:
- Lower the Front Wheel: To end the wheelie, stop pedaling and gently apply the rear brake. This will bring the front wheel back down to the ground.
- Regain Normal Riding Position: As the front wheel comes down, shift your weight forward and return to your normal riding position.
Remember, mastering a wheelie takes time and practice. Don’t be discouraged by initial failures. Learn from your mistakes, practice regularly, and always prioritize safety. With time and patience, you’ll be able to perform a wheelie on your 29er mountain bike.