For beginners, a manual on a bmx bike is when you balance on your back wheel and use momentum to move, not like a wheelie while your pedaling. To do a manual you will want to be riding at a good speed (you can test out to see the right amount of speed that you need).

While you are riding along, you will want to have your arms relaxed then you need to pull up the bars while leaning back (not too far, because you could loop out). Keep your arms locked straight out in front of you. You will need to get your butt behind the seat because that is where your center of gravity is and that is how you stay balanced. You can also use your legs to keep going by using momentum this is called pumping.

Some of the common problems for manuals are not being able to get the front end up. The reason you are probably not getting the front end up is because you are mainly using your arms. About 80% of a manual is done by using your entire body weight and legs your arms are just used to get the front end up so your weight transfers to the back tire.

Another common problem is the bike leaning to the side and you end up putting your foot down. The reason you are leaning like this is because you are not even with the top tube of the bike and you are not looking in front of you.

Some people also have a problem with flipping the bike over (which is usually called “looping out”), this usually happens due to them leaning back to much. Remember you want to stay right behind the seat and just above the tire and also, try not to lean back super fast pull up while leaning back in one smooth motion.

By: Christian Honer