Post by spyghost on Aug 9, 2017 6:38:25 GMT 8
Since this has been mentioned in a previous thread, why not have it's own
As I have observed, the normal trend here statistically is that the older a person gets, the steeper the learning curve is (pun intended). More below.
The seated wheelie (aka schmuck wheelie), in itself doesn't really have any benefit other than show. What has a real benefit on the trail is the 'power wheelie' (aka standing wheelie, off saddle wheelie, as long as you're not seated). See Fabio Wimber's latest video - he does this 'a lot'.
But to begin with, everyone has to start somewhere so there goes the seated wheelie...
I myself have been practicing this for years and I still end up in a fugly 3 crank rotations and (lol). There's always this psychological hindrance as we get older where in can slam our backs to the ground and hit something hard and render us disabled, etc... etc... TBH, yes it can happen.
Anyway, just sharing my slow progression here...
- Seat height, you can using the normal pedaling position, but a lot say that dropping it down an inch or 2 will be easier (side to side balance and COG over rear wheel)
- Choose a relatively easy gear. in my case a 34t front, i can play between 28-32-37 depending on strength left and inclination
- I find it easier to lift uphill compared to flat as there's this 'tension' and 'engagement' that you need to feel on your legs to the pawls of the hub
- Timing is key - get low and as soon as your push becomes a pull, power down on the pedal from top position (dominant foot). once you lift, hit the rear brake.
- Take it step by step - one stroke, 2 strokes, 3 strokes, rinse, repeat. you may find it tempting to progress to 4 strokes onwards, but forget about it until you perfect this routine
- Learn to trust your back brake - aside from bailing out by jumping rearward, this is your savior and at the same time, a means of controlling your tilt. You don't need a handful, just a very slight one.
A myth that I've busted so far is that you don't need to rely on rebound to pop. In fact you don't even need it at all. Proof? BMX and trials. Once you've performed it yourself, I'm sure you'll agree with this. Wheelie is all about timing of the corresponding power stroke on the pedal to lift the front wheel and sustain it in the air via balancing and braking.
Again, if you see a fool practicing between fugly movements of no hand pedaling and wheelie, that could be me lol
As I have observed, the normal trend here statistically is that the older a person gets, the steeper the learning curve is (pun intended). More below.
The seated wheelie (aka schmuck wheelie), in itself doesn't really have any benefit other than show. What has a real benefit on the trail is the 'power wheelie' (aka standing wheelie, off saddle wheelie, as long as you're not seated). See Fabio Wimber's latest video - he does this 'a lot'.
But to begin with, everyone has to start somewhere so there goes the seated wheelie...
I myself have been practicing this for years and I still end up in a fugly 3 crank rotations and (lol). There's always this psychological hindrance as we get older where in can slam our backs to the ground and hit something hard and render us disabled, etc... etc... TBH, yes it can happen.
Anyway, just sharing my slow progression here...
- Seat height, you can using the normal pedaling position, but a lot say that dropping it down an inch or 2 will be easier (side to side balance and COG over rear wheel)
- Choose a relatively easy gear. in my case a 34t front, i can play between 28-32-37 depending on strength left and inclination
- I find it easier to lift uphill compared to flat as there's this 'tension' and 'engagement' that you need to feel on your legs to the pawls of the hub
- Timing is key - get low and as soon as your push becomes a pull, power down on the pedal from top position (dominant foot). once you lift, hit the rear brake.
- Take it step by step - one stroke, 2 strokes, 3 strokes, rinse, repeat. you may find it tempting to progress to 4 strokes onwards, but forget about it until you perfect this routine
- Learn to trust your back brake - aside from bailing out by jumping rearward, this is your savior and at the same time, a means of controlling your tilt. You don't need a handful, just a very slight one.
A myth that I've busted so far is that you don't need to rely on rebound to pop. In fact you don't even need it at all. Proof? BMX and trials. Once you've performed it yourself, I'm sure you'll agree with this. Wheelie is all about timing of the corresponding power stroke on the pedal to lift the front wheel and sustain it in the air via balancing and braking.
Again, if you see a fool practicing between fugly movements of no hand pedaling and wheelie, that could be me lol