Mountain Biking - What is a "manual"?

Is that even the correct term? I heard it in both an mtb video about a rhythm section and also in a MX vid. What's involved in doing it and when/why does a rider do it? Thanks.

Manual: Balancing on either front or rear wheel while in motion. It's just a matter of timing, body placement and knowing where your point of balance is.

It's like riding a wheelie, but without pedaling. If you youtube it, you can find lots of videos. You can find videos on almost every biking technique/trick.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxOH6IQPCQY

And why is it called a "manual"? Because it's not automatic? Doesn't make sense.

I think because you're not using power(pedaling) to maintain the wheelie. You're doing it "manually" by moving your hips/weight around as needed. I could be completely wrong, though.

You really have to practice the living hell out of all these technical tricks to learn them. I do it before and after trail rides, especially if I'm waiting on a buddy. You can also take your MTB out for a fitness ride around your neighborhood and squeeze in some practice.

After you learn, then some routine practice and using them on the trail will keep the skill up.

^ Truth. I can't manual to save my life. I also haven't spent hours practicing, though. I Have spent hours riding my bike and find myself naturally doing "track stands" on the trails when climbing and stopping against a rock or something and hopping the side of the bike over to continue. Anyone know if there much benefit to being able to manual for someone who does mostly AM/light DH and no racing or anything like that. I don't see where I would really use the skillmuch, but that could just be because I don't use it now?

Knowing what it is now, I can see that it's an acquired skill. I watched some vids of guys using it to go thru sections with multiple bumps where having the front wheel down might slow you down. I saw one where a guy pumped the bike thru multiple bumps--pretty impressive.

3speed: I need to learn what you described, stalling and swinging the rear around. I've seen vids of guys going around tight switchbacks doing it where I'd probably be dismounting or dabbing a foot.

You really have to practice the living hell out of all these technical tricks to learn them. I do it before and after trail rides, especially if I'm waiting on a buddy. You can also take your MTB out for a fitness ride around your neighborhood and squeeze in some practice.

After you learn, then some routine practice and using them on the trail will keep the skill up. Great points, ColinL. I usually ride then just split for home--doh!

A bit late now, but I think this is a trick best mastered while you are still a kid :)

I know an older guy, 50+ (no offense 50+ers ;)), one day I passed his house on a bmx and he started chatting about his youth, he hadn't sat on a bmx for 30 years. Took my bike, could track stand indefinitely, wheelie as far as he liked and manual on and off a kerb...

Knowing what it is now, I can see that it's an acquired skill. I watched some vids of guys using it to go thru sections with multiple bumps where having the front wheel down might slow you down. I saw one where a guy pumped the bike thru multiple bumps--pretty impressive.

3speed: I need to learn what you described, stalling and swinging the rear around. I've seen vids of guys going around tight switchbacks doing it where I'd probably be dismounting or dabbing a foot.
1. you can pump down the back side of a hill / jump with both wheels on the ground, of course. it does give you some speed (watch a BMX race :)) and it's good to practice the timing of it.

2. I can't do this either, yet, but I think you need to practice trackstanding and bunnyhopping. If you can combine those skills, you should be able to hop around and rotate your bike by twisting your shoulders and hips. You need the trackstanding practice to maintain your balance when barely moving or entirely stopped.

The term "manual" came from skateboarding. The BMX guys emulated the look of the skate trick by not pedaling.

Here's someone who has mastered it:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVAR8MGJtPM

[QUOTE=Svr;15002547]The term "manual" came from skateboarding. The BMX guys emulated the look of the skate trick by not pedaling.

Here's someone who has mastered it: [QUOTE]

That lance mcguire video was pretty neat. I'm not new to riding, but i am new to learning how to do tricks proper. ;D I have done some wheelies before, but i didn't dedicate enough time to more focused efforts. I am waiting for my mountain bike to get back from the shop, but in the meantime i am going to work on the basics some more.

thanks for the info