Learn why you need the best bicycle for wheelies and how to buy one.

The fun for wheeling is catchy, it’s endless – ask the enthusiasts. But things can quickly snap out of place if the bike is not up to the artistic cycling challenge.

I repeat this is a challenge and a tricky one for the sake of caution. And so it means that when you are looking for the bicycle to use, there is no room for below-par standards.

Just that you develop a better understanding, a wheelie bicycle requires power, flexibility, and efficiency when operating it.

You want to be safe and confident while spinning and doing the stunts? I guess that’s it and the best bicycle for wheelies will help you hit the pinnacle tricks.

Are you looking for the perfect part of the deal? In this guide, I provide crucial information about these bikes, reviewing different select types and models.

Plus, you get a crisp buying guide to orient your way so that you get a good bicycle. Let’s be on the move.

Check out my most recommended wheelie bikes below.

In a Rush? Here are Our Top Picks

What is the Wheelie Bike?

A wheelie bike is used for performing challenging artistic cycling stunts. While performing a wheelie, the front tire of the bike lifts in the air and you can cycle on the rear wheel alone.

The rider is responsible for managing moves and tricks associated with the cycling. It is important to know how to do it the right way.

Even the most sought-after bike won’t bail your inadequacies out. You have to have the right wheeling skill, or at least you should be training how to do it (you don’t have to be Littleharry15 though).

Remember, it’ll be requiring that you balance off your body mass really well. From seating to hand-positioning on the handlebars to leg and pedal work, there’s no chance to lower the standard.

Benefits of a Best Bike for Wheelies

So, what are all these pronouncements about wheelie bikes, anyway?

To start off, it’s super-important to know that wheeling is an emerging cycling style. It’s newish.

But not in the sense of being the very first time that it’s been done. In fact, and for the burden of proof, the trick can be traced back to 1890, when allegedly, stunt bicyclist Daniel Canary performed it the first time ever.

Wheelie bikes are without a doubt durable assets thanks to the high-quality components they feature. They come with an elaborate, industry-standard drive train, gears, brakes, frame, and so on.

In short, what you have is a solid construction of a bike that lets you do aerobatics without fear. This is because safety is definitely guaranteed.

When you know it’s safe to do an aerial jump, your confidence certainly moves a notch upside. Confidence is a keynote quality in doing successful wheelies and it all comes down to the right wheel bike.

The other thing, especially for kiddos is showing off. I mean it’s obvious and only fair that someone finds satisfaction in doing a unique thing that only a few people know about.

Not only can this create satisfaction but it also goes further across to boost self-esteem. So, basically, the tricks of wheeling may have a quick bearing on your self-improvement.

How about the fun-filled thrills of wheeling on these bikes? It’s such exciting, enlivening, and boosts flexibility.

Different Types of Bicycle for Wheelies

It is imperative to have the right bike for your fun stunts. And this is the reason why knowing which type of bicycle for wheelies matches your profile.

There are plenty of types at your disposal on the market. The different types come in various styles and designs.

Here is a look into a few types of bicycles for wheelies.

1. Best Mountain Bicycle (MTB) for Wheelies

An MTB is made for hard-trail off-road cycling. The mountain bicycle is the right instrument for blasting the toughest of terrain – in the mountain trails.

It features durable components across its entire construction. Mountain bikes are identified with their flat handlebars, and of course, wide, knobbed tires for great traction on the narrow dirt roads.

Plus, the mountain bikes have powerful braking systems and elaborate drive train with lower gear ratios. Hence, they are efficient and more suited for wheeling.

Most of the time, wheelies are performed on tarmacked roads or pavements. But this doesn’t mean MTBs are therefore not in the equation here – they are versatile and can be used anywhere even if they are more suited to hard-trails and mountain terrains.

Schwinn Bonafide Mens Mountain Bike is a solid, lightweight machine that comes with speed, power, and efficiency. It one of the best mountain bikes to wheelie.

About the Schwinn Bonafide Mountain Bike

The Schwinn Bonafide Men’s Mountain Bike truly lives up to its name. This is indeed a bonafide two-wheel beast.

The mountain bike comes with massive 29-inch wheels, featuring double-wall alloy rims and 2.25-inch knobby tires.

While the double-wall rims give it extra strength to sustain your vast weight, its knobby tires offer it incomparable traction and shock absorption.

So, everything about doing wheelie stunts with this bike revolves around its wheels. However, that doesn’t entirely leave out the other features and components.

Schwinn Bonafide comes in an aluminum mountain bike frame to bear your weight and encourage easy maneuvering.

Plus, it features a Schwinn suspension fork that helps the tires to absorb shock and enable you to have a much smoother ride.

Schwinn Bonafide features an impressive 21-speed Shimano derailleur with EZ fire-trigger shifters. The gearing assembly provides you with smooth gear changes in a variety of outdoors.

Even better, its dual mechanical disc brakes come to your immediate rescue when you take an emergency stop. Its Schwinn alloy crank, on the other hand, offers you steady gearing with little maintenance.

The bonus is that this best mountain bike for doing wheelies comes with an unbelievable 5-year warranty.

Highlight Features

• Aluminum frame
• 29-inch wheels
• Double-wall rims
• Knobby tires
• Front suspension
• Dual mechanical disc brakes
• 24-speed Shimano derailleur

Another great bike for wheelies is Diamondback Bicycles Hook, which is versatile, well balanced, light and durable with great suspension system and excellent build quality.

About the Diamond Bicycles Hook Hardtail Mountain Bike

The Diamond Bicycles Hook Hardtail Mountain Bike is another impressive two-wheel outdoor machine that’s truly designed for wheelies.

It comes in a super-strong aluminum frame with a low-slung progressive geometry for artistic trail riding.

Mark you; you don’t have to worry about the bumpy road as the bike features a rugged bump-soaking suspension fork.

Its SRAM single-ring 1×8 drivetrain allows you to move on challenging terrains smoothly. The drivetrain also offers the bike complete simplicity.

For crisp stopping and safe slowing down, the bike features dual mechanical Tektro disc brakes.

With its 27.5 inch wheels, this bike smoothly goes over bumps to give you the best wheelie experience.

Diamond Bicycles Hook moves precisely and steadily on tight trails, and so its wheelie performance is just remarkable.

Its frame is compatible with inner routed dropper posts, something you don’t get from most hardtail mountain bikes.

Its low-slung frame geometry makes it a perfect unisex choice, but it generally suits adults. Overall, this best wheelie bicycle has the build of the best trail bike ever.

It’s quick and safe on cycling trails, but more importantly, it’s solid to withstand artistic stunts.

Highlight Features

• Aluminum frame
• 8-speed rear derailleur
• 5-inch wheels
• Tektro disc brakes
• Suspension fork
• Low-slung frame

2. Best BMX Bicycle for Wheelies

Those of you wondering if it is possible to wheelie on a BMX bike the answer is yes. And just like the mountain bike above, a BMX is engineered for the off-road trail.

Actually, BMX bicycles are more oriented for stunt or aerobatic cycling. They are what I would prefer calling, naturals in this specific field.

Perhaps, you are more aware of their usage in competitive or freestyle racing. The reason is enough to prove that they are arguably the authentic wheelie bikes.

Into the construction, BMX bikes are smaller but sturdier. Also, they have a simple frame, thick fat tires that would make navigation easier in rough terrain.

These bikes, however, feature a few gears. Some models even come without any gears at all while most might include just one gear.

The idea is to have as few moving parts as possible. This includes a reduced braking system.

My recommended choice is the Redline BMX Race Cruiser.

About the Redline BMX Race Cruiser

It’s not often that you find a simple bike to do wheelies with. One such rare cycle is the Redline BMX Race Cruiser.

This best BMX bike for wheelies is everything you expect from a top-selling BMX ride. It comes in a chrome-steel frame that bears colossal weight, despite its small size.

It also has a chrome steel fork that gives strength to the legs while also soaking up the bumps.

Its updated BMX geometry makes it also the best pick for all-around-the-neighborhood cruising and not just hitting the local trails.

Redline PL 26 BMX is also perfect for racing, and one element that comes in handy in such a case is its linear-pull braking system.

Like most BMX bikes, Redline PL 26 BMX features retro decals that give it an authentic BMX style. It comes with simple pedals that make it maneuver easier.

Its seat has a retro Kashimax-style saddle that’s unique. The only downside is that the bike seat lacks a cover.

Interestingly, it’s not just the free pedals and the retro-style frame that makes Redline PL 26 BMX easy to ride. Its wide-riser chrome handlebar allows you to perform stunts in the most ergonomic posture.

Its aluminum hub and double-wall rims give it extra strength, while the flip-flop hub allows you to mount a rear cog.

Generally, Redline PL 26 BMX is a unisex pick that suits all adventurous adults.

Highlight Features

• Chrome-steel frame
• Chrome-steel fork
• Double-wall rims
• Aluminum hub
• Retro decal styling
• Flip-flop hub
• Wide-riser handlebar

3. Best Road Wheelie Bikes

Road bikes are also good bikes for wheelies. All you need to own is the right skill set to do the stunt correctly.

Road bikes come with a lightweight frame and you can easily note the narrow tires. The handlebars are drop-style.

Both these features make road bikes suited to tarmac road cycling. And that’s why the bikes are common with competitive racing on paved streets and roads.

Besides being able to do stunt riding, the modern versions are designed for high efficiency, fast movements, and impeccable cycling. They are also comfier and compact in the footprint, allowing for easy weight balance and effortless stunts.

Effectively, it’s super-important to understand that you will need a good bunch of practice to master the art of wheeling expertly on road bikes.

Schwinn Phocus Drop Bar Road Bike is a valuable option for both men and women cyclists.

About the Schwinn Phocus Drop Bar Road Bicycle

If you are a road bike fan and want one for wheelies, your best bet is the Schwinn Phocus 1400 and 1600 Drop Bar Road Bicycle.

This best bicycle for riding wheelies comes in a robust aluminum step-over frame to suit both genders. It enjoys a bump-soaking carbon fiber fork that assures you of a bumpy-free ride.

Thanks to its powerful Shimano Claris 16-speed derailleur and micro shifters, you can move smoothly on different roads.

Besides, its alloy crank offers you an extensive gear range, which is critical in performing wheelies.

The bike relishes double-wall alloy rims that give the wheels extra reinforcement to make it perfect for complicated stunts.

And with its dual-pivot caliper brake coming in handy, Schwinn Phocus 1400 and 1600’s stopping power is unchallenged.

Overall, the bike’s design and specs make it perfect for competitive racing. Its lighter but sturdy frame promotes its hassle-free maneuver while its drop handlebar puts you in a comfortable, aerodynamic position.

And more, its thin high-pressure tires roll smoothly and quickly on various grounds.

Its saddle is richly comfortable and comes with a quick-release height adjuster to allow you to find your fit. And to ensure you don’t lose grip of the pedals, it comes with straps and toe clips.

Highlight Features

• Drop handlebar
• Double-wall rims
• Step-over frame
• Toe strap and clip
• 16-speed Shimano gear set
• Narrow, high-pressure tires
• Adjustable seat post

4. Best Triathlon Bike for Wheelies

Triathlon or tri bikes are simply a variation of road bikes. But, here is the difference, tri bikes have steeper seat positioning and are more aerodynamically oriented thanks to the deep carbon fiber wheels and the aero bars.

What this means is that the rider’s body is further inclined forwards. Tri bikes may not be the best bicycle for wheelies but they still would perform at the same level as road bikes – again it’s your skill which sets your success on the go.

 SAVADECK Carbon Road Bike comes as an extremely lightweight option thanks to the carbon fiber frame it’s constructed on. The bicycle seat tube and seat are aerodynamically built and great for beginners.

About the SAVADECK Carbon Road Bike

The SAVADECK Carbon Road Bike is just as impressive as the Schwinn Phocus 1400 and 1600.

This best road bike for wheelies has the build to conquer the streets and local trails. It features a carbon fiber frame that’s lightweight for easy maneuver and, at the same time, strong to tolerate the outdoor ruggedness.

So, the frame plays a critical role in performing wheelies.

With its 18-speed derailleur, you can move from gear level to gear level smoothly as you conquer the ascents.

And with its double v cantilever brake, the bike promises crisp stopping. It enjoys double suspension to soak up the bumps and promote a smoother ride.

Its seat is aerodynamic to promote fast cycling. Plus, it enjoys a proper internal cable routing to facilitate complete airflow.

On the other hand, its tapered head tube improves the torsion’s rigidity to allow you to handle the bike much better.

Overall, this bike is fully-assembled to suit beginners. With its free pedals, pedaling on challenging terrains is much simpler.

Its tires have fast-rolling, hardwearing, and anti-grill properties, guaranteeing the best wheelie experience.

Highlight Features

• Carbon fiber frame
• 18-speed derailleur
• Double-v cantilever brake
• Double suspension
• Aerodynamic seat
• Tapered head tube
• Free pedals
• Fast-rolling tires

How Can You Do a Wheelie on Your Bicycle?

As a cyclist, you probably know one or two things about wheelies and wheeling. But, there’s no offense if you don’t have a clue how to do the wheelie on your bicycle.

If you are in this category of people, well, things are changing. You have to embrace modern cycling tricks that define the nous of a true cycling buff.

Need to learn the tricks? With the best wheelie bike, only the sky is the limit. Here is a quick process on how to learn to do a wheelie.

• Ensure that your bike is in perfect condition.

You see, wheeling is a dangerous game. You can easily fall off and hurt your parts, which means a faulty bike is a good catalyst for falling off.

• Before going for the stunts, check the components of the bike. Be sure that things are in totally perfect condition.
• Set your seat in a middle position to ensure proper balance and minimize backward falls.
• Start practicing with lower gears, like 1-1. Don’t blast off, you are just starting your journey.
• Practice in a large field or park for convenience.
• First, cycle at a slower speed – something slightly above the walking pace – and pull off a wheelie
• To do a wheelie, cycle your stronger foot to hit the 2 o’clock position on the pedal. In that position, it’ll be easy to push down the pedal for acceleration.
• Now it is the time to use the strong foot to promptly push down hard on the pedal. And lean backward. At the same time, you should lift the front wheel off the ground.
• That’s it.

Buying Guide for the Best Bicycle for Wheelies

There are pertinent things that you need to look for when buying the best bike to do wheelies. They include:

• Drive Train

Having a reliable, elaborate drive train is very important. Because it is a drivetrain that absorbs most abuses of riding.

This is the “engine” of the bicycle. The gear system is housed here – plus, the crankset is part of the drivetrain.

These parts must be of great quality and therefore durable to outlast the rigors of riding. Also, the drivetrain should make it easy for the transitioning of gear levels.

Shimano drivetrain systems are the indisputable choice for your bicycle. They come with power, convenience, and efficiency.

• Tires

Tires are essential parts of bikes. Wheelies are even easier when these tires are well-made from the word go.

It is obvious that tires hold all the weight of a bicycle. Make sure that the tires on your selected bike are sturdy enough to stand the test of time.

By the way, although the handlebars help you control the whole bicycle, it’s actually the tires or wheels that hold everything under control.

The tires should offer a stable grip on the ground. Your best choice of tires has to be all-terrain types.

• The Rear Braking System

Actually, wheelies are performed around the rear tires of the bicycle. So you want to be dead-on sure about the quality of the brakes in that setup.

Just keep in mind that you will be needing these brakes like never before. Don’t go for cheaper options of breaking mechanisms – the best bet is the disc brake set up that offers power and effectiveness.  That said and done, ensure they are simple to use and control.

FAQs

What Bike is Best for Wheelie?

After considering the drivetrain capability, tire sturdiness, and brake power, here are the five best bikes for a wheelie:

1. Schwinn Bonafide Mens Bike: Best Mountain Bike for Wheelies
2. Diamondback Bicycles Hook: Alternative Mountain Bike for Wheelies
3. Redline PL 26 BMX Race Cruiser: Best BMX for Wheelies
4. Schwinn Phocus 1400 and 1600: Best Road Bike for Wheelies
5. SAVADECK Carbon Road Bike: Best Triathlon Bike for Wheelies

Do Wheelies Damage Your Bicycle?

It’s possible to damage or even wreck your bicycle when doing wheelies. The most vulnerable parts are the wheels, and that’s why you shouldn’t do wheelies with just any bike.

The wheels of a wheelie bike should be built for the off-road. So, they should be sturdy to hold your weight and that of the bike frame.

Also, check the handlebar to ensure they are equally sturdy.  With the perfect bike for wheelies, however, you don’t have such concerns.

How Can I Make My Wheelie Better?

Here are the tips to improve your wheelie biking experience:

• Switch to low or medium gear and then start at a rolling speed
• Turn the bike’s crank to the 11 o’clock position
• Take a back lean – as if you are resting on a rocking chair – and continue cycling
• Twist your upper body and shift its weight over the handlebar

Are BMX Bikes Good for Wheelies?

BMX bikes are probably the best wheelie bikes out there. They are historically known as the go-for bike when you want to perform artistic stunts.

So, yes, BMX bikes are pretty good for wheelies. Whether it’s a 24-inch or a 26-inch BMX, you can perform wheelies with it. What matters is your stunt execution capability.

Can You Wheelie a Road Bike?

If you are a skilled wheelie artist, yes, you can do the stunts with a road bike. You should note, however, that not all roadie bikes are best for the tricks.

Your bike should be robust in build, especially the wheels, frame, and handlebar. That will ensure you don’t damage the bike when performing wheelies.

In Conclusion

Looking for the best bicycle for wheelies may be somewhat a daunting piece of work. But you don’t have to take yourself through such pressure and stress of the mind.

With this guide, I just hope you found the perfect info you really wanted regarding the bikes for wheelies. And I also enlisted specific models in here for your effortless selection.

Remember, the bike has to be efficient and deliver impeccable performance. Therefore, consider a reliable drivetrain and gear sets, tires, and the rear braking system.