Remember learning to ride a bike? Afternoons in the driveway or a paved lot, knees and elbows scraped bloody. The task was daunting, but once accomplished, the skill became unforgettable (there’s a saying about that). But learning to ride a bike didn’t stop when the training wheels came off — the ability to pedal two wheels revealed the potential for a host of childhood macho tricks like no-handers and bunny hops, but none of them were so coveted as the wheelie.
The wheelie is tricky, and maybe you never mastered it as a kid. That’s okay — you’re never too old for some good ol’ fashioned showboating. But maybe the high-risk trial-and-error method of younger days isn’t the right line to walk this time around. Maybe you need a more thoughtful approach.
A step-by-step breakdown by one-wheeling legend and lululemon Elite Ambassador Ryan Leech should do the trick. Leech has been a pro mountain biker for over 20 years and has been coaching since age 16. He’s been featured in numerous mountain biking films and has appeared in the ring of Cirque du Soleil. He’s even integrated the mindfulness of yoga (yeah, he’s a certified instructor in that, too) into his coaching style. Leech specializes in wheelies and has created a 30-day online course that all but guarantees wheelie success. Below, you’ll find the main points to get you started.
Prepare
Mentally. “Why do you want to learn how to wheelie? Come up with some strong reasons because learning requires serious dedication and patience.”
Mechanically. “Make sure your rear brake works well, you’re using flat pedals, approximately a one-to-one gear ratio and your saddle is just below regular riding height.”
