How To Manual
As a mountain bike coach, one of the most common questions I get asked is how to manual a mountain bike. The manual is a key skill that can help you clear obstacles, maintain speed, and flow through technical terrain. In this post, I'll share some tips on how to learn and perfect the manual.
First off, let's define what a manual is. A manual is essentially a wheelie without pedaling. It involves lifting the front wheel off the ground and balancing on the rear wheel while coasting forward. The key to a good manual is maintaining balance and control, which requires a combination of technique, body position, and practice.
Body Position: Start with the proper body position. Stand on the pedals, with your weight evenly distributed between your feet. Keep your arms straight, but not locked, and your elbows slightly bent. Your head should be up, looking ahead, and your hips back. This will create a stable base and help you balance the bike.
Speed and Gearing: To manual, you need to be going at a moderate speed. Too slow, and you won't have enough momentum to lift the front wheel. Too fast, and you'll lose control. Start by pedaling in comfortable gear and gradually increase your speed until you feel comfortable lifting the front wheel.
Initiate the Manual: To initiate the manual, shift your weight back, pushing into the ground forcing the bike away from you. As you pull up, push your hips back to help balance the bike. Focus on lifting the front wheel with a smooth, controlled motion, rather than jerking it up. This will help you maintain balance and control.
Balance and Control: Once you're in the manual position, focus on maintaining balance and control. Use your hips to steer the bike and make small adjustments to keep the bike level. Keep your arms straight and use your legs to absorb bumps and maintain stability. Look ahead and keep your weight centered over the rear wheel.
Practice: Like any skill, the manual takes practice to master. Start with short manuals, and gradually increase the distance and duration as you gain confidence and control. Practice on different terrain, such as flat ground, uphill, and downhill. As you improve, you can start to incorporate manuals into your riding, such as clearing obstacles and maintaining speed through corners.
In summary, learning to manual a mountain bike is a challenging but rewarding skill that can help you become a more confident and capable rider. By following these tips and practicing regularly, you can improve your balance, control, and flow on the bike.
If you're struggling with the manual or any other mountain bike skills, don't hesitate to reach out to us for guidance and feedback. A skilled coach can help you identify and correct any issues and provide tailored advice to help you reach your goals. Happy riding!
