Q&A for How to Wheelie on a BMX Bike

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Question

When I do a wheelie for some reason my bike starts leaning to the right. How do I keep it straight?

Tyler MacDonald

Community Answer

Keep your knees in-line with the pedals to prevent this. Also be sure to keep the handlebars straight.

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Question

I can lift the bike but can't carry on

Tyler MacDonald

Community Answer

Keep practicing. It takes a while to pull the bike back with enough force and create enough torque to continue pushing forward. Also: only attempt wheelies when you are completely comfortable with manuals.

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Question

I can't keep my wheelie going for longer than a parking space, I've taken this article's advice, but still can't do it. What can I do to improve?

Community Answer

if you lean back more then you think you should while in a wheelie, then you don't have to pedal as much and you can sit and use your back brake very gently to bring you down or up.

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Question

Is it better if my tires are flat?

Community Answer

No, that could actually be more dangerous and difficult.

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Question

I can do a wheelie for 2 pedals but then my bike goes back down? Why?

Community Answer

Sit down the wheelie slower. Don't just pedal as fast as you can, but slowly, and use your back brake to come down.

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Question

Can I wheelie with 24" tires?

Community Answer

Absolutely. You can ride wheelies on 24" and 26" BMX bikes, as well as 26" and 29" mountain bikes, using the same principles.

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Question

What do I do if an object gets my way?

Community Answer

Immediately stop to avoid hitting the object.

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Question

I tried this, but I still cannot do a wheelie. My bike does not lift up. What do I do?

Community Answer

It's possible your bike is too heavy; you need a lighter bike. You can buy a new, lighter bike, if possible.

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Question

I keep crashing/almost crashing when I do a wheelie because I have the tendency to land when the front wheel isn't straight. How can I get more control and land correctly?

Community Answer

Pull your front brake, but let go before you hit the ground, and go slow so if you do crash it won't hurt as much.

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Question

Should I pedal during a wheelie?

Community Answer

It's possible to do, but most people don't pedal while doing a wheelie.

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Question

How do I keep my wheel from going right back down when I pull it up?

Community Answer

Keep peddling, and make sure you have your weight in the right position so you can stay up for longer.

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Question

How do I do it without falling off the bicycle?

Community Answer

It depends how you are falling, if you are going backwards, then don't push forward. Instead, try to pedal straight and restrict your movement if you are falling left or right.

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Question

How do I get over the fear of falling off?

Community Answer

Practice falling. If you are about to fall off your bike, jump off and grab your handle bars and let the bike stand in a vertical position. That way you can stay safe if you are falling. If you search up videos on wheelies, you are sure to find videos on how to fall.

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Question

I keep falling when I try to do a wheelie. What am I doing wrong?

Community Answer

Just pull your bike up more and try leaning back farther.

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Question

How do I do a wheelie on a BMX bike if I don't have brakes?

Community Answer

You don't. Get new brakes if you want to do a wheelie. You need the back brake to stop you from falling backwards. (You don't need a front brake.)

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Question

Is it better if I use bigger wheels to do a wheelie?

Community Answer

Smaller tires are recommended. Bigger tires are heavier, so they bog down. But it is possible.

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Question

Can I do this with no brakes?

Community Answer

Yes you can. However, be aware that it will be difficult to control your movement to avoid falling while doing wheelies. As such, you're more liable to fall.

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Question

If I have a mini rocker, is that too light to do a wheelie with?

Community Answer

No, doing it with a bike lighter than a BMX won't be a problem.

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Question

Why do I have to use my brakes when doing a wheelie, and do I have to pedal doing a wheelie?

Community Answer

You need to use the back brake when you are about to fall off the back. The back brake keeps you balanced when you do a wheelie, to maintain it. And you don’t have to pedal but pedalling is advised to keep a wheelie going.

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Question

I can lift the bike up, but when I do that, it just drops back down. When I try to do a manual, the wheel just drops back down again. Does anyone know what I should do?

Community Answer

Lean back more, so that you won't drop down so quickly. To lean back, you need to lift your handlebars more and lean backwards like you are going to fall off.

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