This video is not a ‘how to manual’ video. It’s a ‘how to build a manual-ing machine’ video. With a bit of wood and an afternoon the manual will be yours!

You will need

  • 1 x 2″x4″x8″
  • 1 x 2″x6″x10″
  • 1 x 1″x6″x8″
  • Box of 3″ Drywall screws
  • Box (or hand full) of 2″ drywall screws
  • Small bottle of wood glue if you want it to last forever
  • Drill / screw gun
  • Drill bits for pre drilling screws
  • Measuring tape
  • Square – not absolutely necessary
  • Saw

The idea of this contraption is that it’s a safe (relatively) and intuitive way to learn how to find your bike’s balance point. And once found, teach your body how to keep the bike is the perma-tipping zone required for manualling.

What’s a manual? Coasting with your front wheel in the air. Or a wheelie without pedalling.

Maybe you’ve watched our How to manual on a mountain bike video several million times but you just can’t crack it. Maybe you just want to make it as easy as possible? Maybe you just like making stuff? Maybe you just have a pile of 2″x4″ wood lying around that you need to get rid of?

Video description

Mr Tonka: “This video is a rough DIY for making a tool that will help you get comfortable with the balance point of your manual. This is not a “how to manual” video.”