Wheelswitch Help?

[m4rko]

I'm not sure what's it called here, I'm reffering to the move were you rest your front wheel on the obstacle and then leap up and place your rear wheel where your front wheel was.

I checked trashzen but what should I concentrate on the most and what is the best height to start learning this technique? I'm practicing on two pallets which are about 1 foot tall, I can pull the move, but as soon as my rear wheel lands I have to add a pedal kick in order to stay on the rear. Any advice what should I do to keep myself in backhop instead of starting pedalkicking?

Thanks

[dave85]

Its usually a bit better if the object is a little higher, say three pallets. Puts you in a more 'vertical' position and you can stay on the backwheel easier. I've found the best way is front brake on, rear brake off, then push down hard and spring the forks and front tyre, gives you a bit more lift. When you get on higher stuff, it also helps to turn the bike to bring your back foot closer to the wall/pallets/whatever, then you can tuck the bike in closer to the object (Y)

[nafan]

Yeah it needs to be quite small (although I can't do it (Y) ) But I have tried if you're having trouble doing it then try to both wheels first then do what everyone else tells you. I don't think I'm strong enough yet but I wana be able to do it for next year when I ride on the rocks at cromer (Y) B)

Good luck mate (Y)

[Krisboats]

a lot of it is in the head movement as well. i couldn't do it at all then i was told to start on a wall about 2 feet high then get my front wheel on. i use both brakes to do them and i have my front foot nearest the wall (i know its wrong but i can't help it).

The basic thing i was missing was "the head flick" as you get used to them you don't do it as much but when i first tried the head flick i did it straight away everytime.

when your front wheel is on the wall you need to crouch down and get your head really far down near your front wheel, when your ready flick your head up really fast and jump straight upwards pulling the bars up then pushing them out in front of you. apparantly its something to do with the added momentum that the head flick gives you, try it you'll see what i mean.

it might really give you neck ache if you go over the top with them and keep doing them over and over again, i sure got neckache but after a while your body will find it easier and you won't get neckache anymore.

hope it helps

[Smo™]

a lot of it is in the head movement as well. i couldn't do it at all then i was told to start on a wall about 2 feet high then get my front wheel on. i use both brakes to do them and i have my front foot nearest the wall (i know its wrong but i can't help it).

The basic thing i was missing was "the head flick" as you get used to them you don't do it as much but when i first tried the head flick i did it straight away everytime.

when your front wheel is on the wall you need to crouch down and get your head really far down near your front wheel, when your ready flick your head up really fast and jump straight upwards pulling the bars up then pushing them out in front of you. apparantly its something to do with the added momentum that the head flick gives you, try it you'll see what i mean.

it might really give you neck ache if you go over the top with them and keep doing them over and over again, i sure got neckache but after a while your body will find it easier and you won't get neckache anymore.

hope it helps

Bizarre.

[rich4130]

I was being taught these today, do it so your non-forward foot is by the wall, have your pedals level, both brakes on, use your foot to keep balance by rubbing it on the wall to begin with, and throw the bars up and tuck.

Seems to work.

[Dan-Walker]

and also try using the compression off your tyre to help spring you up.

[Shaun H]

If it's a relatively thin object try putting the front wheel slightly over the other side, this helps alot with springing the bike forwards as well as up (Y)

[poopipe]

er - i think julien calls them static hops - he taught me to do it on thursday

front wheel on wall (at least a couple of feet high),

back foot next to wall

get yourself balanced

move your weight back a bit, give it a good pedal kick and lean forwards while kicking (this stops you going backwards)

compress your legs when you're on the wall to stay on the back wheel - straight legs means the bikes momentum carries you forwards.

be prepared for a sore arse and possibly some rim/rotor damage

[Luke Drewery]

Its usually a bit better if the object is a little higher, say three pallets. Puts you in a more 'vertical' position and you can stay on the backwheel easier. I've found the best way is front brake on, rear brake off, then push down hard and spring the forks and front tyre, gives you a bit more lift. When you get on higher stuff, it also helps to turn the bike to bring your back foot closer to the wall/pallets/whatever, then you can tuck the bike in closer to the object :P

Ditto, I have been practicing these the last few weeks and can get them quite high now, so my bike is steep on the object. Its actually easier on higher objects because your bike is already in the right position. ;)

[cookie456_the2nd]

You just need to really use your arms and legs. I find that if i crouch right down and just hop up and push the bike out and up with my arms it really helps.

Also how long is your bike? I found that as soon as i moved to my levelboss (long) from my old onza (v. short), it was alot easier to wheelswap. Could also go higher because i could get my front wheel on higher objects.

All comes with practice.