If your bike is difficult to control and you’re feeling off balance, you’re going too slow—increase your speed.
Always keep your knees in-line with the pedals—if you turn them outward too much, you will throw off your balance.
Right before pulling the front wheel up, get your feet into position and stop peddling.
Keep your arms vertical throughout the manual. Bend your legs slightly so you can easily extend your buttocks outward and inward to maintain balance. For example, if you feel the bike falling forward, extend your buttocks outward behind you to pull the weight of the bike backward. Practice until you can manual for about 5 to 10 feet (1. 5 to 3. 0 m). Aim to keep your bike about 40 to 45 degrees off the ground.
Keep your arms straight, vertical, and parallel to each other.
Maintain a greater pulling force than your push, but maintain enough of a forward push that you don’t fall backwards. Keep your knees level with the pedals before making your forward thrust. Keep your arms straight with a slight bend in your elbows. As you pedal forward, move the handlebars forward and backward as needed to maintain balance. For example, if the bike begins to fall forward, bend your arms backward and pull the handlebars toward you.
Remember to keep your buttocks on the back of your seat to give yourself balance. [7] X Research source If you’re starting to flip backwards, stop pedaling and let yourself coast in a manual. Tap your rear brake (not the coaster brake on the hub of the rear wheel) to bring your front wheel down slightly. If you start falling forwards, pedal harder and faster.
If you’re going to fall backwards, remove your feet from the pedals and jump backwards onto the ground. Keep hold of the handlebars so your bike doesn’t get away from you.