How to Wheelie a Freestyle Bike

The wheelie is one of the most popular maneuvers bike riders seek to master. A wheelie brings the front wheel of the bike off of the ground, forcing the biker to ride only on the back wheel. In addition to looking cool, wheelies also are helpful in some riding situations. Freestyle, or BMX, bikes are meant for performing tricks; therefore, they are the perfect bike to learn this trick on. Performing a wheelie on a freestyle bike is tricky; however, it can be learned with practice and patience.

Things You'll Need

  • Freestyle bike
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Instructions

    • 1

      Pedal slowly on flat surface. Your bike must be in motion to perform a wheelie.

    • 2

      Use your hands and arms to pull the handlebars hard up to your chest. Pedal forcefully one rotation at the same time you pull on the handlebars. The force from pedaling will help bring the handlebars up.

    • 3

      Shift your weight toward the back of the bike so the front portion of the bike is lighter, making it easier to lift it up.

    • 4

      Continue to pedal once the wheel is off of the ground. Keep your weight balanced between the front and back of the bike--it might take a few tries to figure out exactly how your bike requires you to do this. If you put too much weight toward the back, you will fall backwards. If too much weight is toward the front, the wheel will hit the ground. Slowly shift your weight toward the opposite end of the bike when you feel an imbalance occur--an over-correction could result in ending the trick or even crashing the bike.

    • 5

      Gradually stop pedaling when you are ready to land. Use your hands and arms to gently push the handlebars back down toward the ground.