Mountain Biking Technique: How to Manual

Manuals aren’t just a fun way to show off—they can also increase your speed and efficiency on the trail. In this REI Expert Advice video, downhill mountain bike champion and certified instructor Kat Sweet, discusses the two main parts of the manual: getting the front wheel in the air and finding the balance point to keep it there. Check out REI’s selection of mountain bikes at rei.com/c/mountain-bikes. Transcript Hi, I'm Kat Sweet, professional coach, jumper, downhiller. I live and breathe mountain biking. Manuals aren't just a fun way to show off; they can increase your speed and efficiency on the trail. They're smoother and quicker then using a normal wheel lift to get over obstacles, need to have help you carry speed through pumpy sections like doubles. There are two parts to the manual: getting the front wheel in the air and finding the balance to keep it there. The key to both parts is using your body weight. When it comes to getting the wheel up, you want to preload and punch. The preload part is pretty straightforward. Push your weight down to preload the bike and build up some rebounding energy. As soon as you low over the seat, it's time for the punch. As quick as you can, push your feet and arms forward and throw your weight back. You want to keep your arms straight so it's just your weight that brings the wheel up. If you try to lift the bars with just your arms, you'll drop your chest forward and force the wheel down. Your hips should make a 90-degree angle over your seat. Keep that angle clean so all your weight is moving down, and then straight back. The key to balancing a manual and holding that wheel in the air is your hips. You want to keep them low and over the back wheel, and you can move them forward and back to stay in balance. Be sure to keep your finger on the rear brake. If you get too far back, all it takes is one tap on the brake and your wheel's back down. Remember that manuals are all about using your weight. Once you're comfortable getting the wheel up, you can focus on timing. Start small with a line on the ground and try to time your manual show you get your wheel up over the line. Then try it over a small stick. Once you've got the timing nailed, you can take it tot trail.