Mountain bikes are great for off-road biking. However, did you know it’s also the best bike for wheelies? It might surprise you, but the durability, tire size, and gear shifters make mountain bikes the go-to choice for wheelies.
Now that you have planned you want to perform wheelies purchasing a mountain bike can be overwhelming. There are hundreds of options on the market, which makes it challenging to pick one. So, I have narrowed the options for you today with the 10 best mountain bikes for wheelies. No matter your budget or skill, there are options for everyone on the list.
How to buy the best mountain bikes for wheelies?
Mountain bikes are typically used for outdoor adventures on bumpy roads. But looking at the characteristics of a mountain bike, you might wonder, are mountain bikes good for wheelies? Yes, they are, but you must also look for certain qualities in a particular mountain bike. Bikes that are good for wheelies have these features onboard.
Bike Frame
Mountain bikes naturally have a solid frame due to extreme riding. This same characteristic comes very handy for wheelie too. The whole weight shifts to the other side when you perform a wheelie. A durable frame must withstand that extra weight. You should look for a steel or aluminum frame for your mountain bike. If you end up falling while performing wheelies, a durable frame can hold up that fall too.
Braking System
A braking system is crucial for wheelies. When performing a wheelie, you depend on your rear wheel brake. If that brake is not strong enough, you won’t be able to stop where necessary. As a result, you can fall into an accident. Also, you might try wheelies when riding downhill too. At that high speed, a sound braking system is crucial for controlling the pace.
Weight
A lightweight bike has lots of benefits. They are easier to control, accelerate, pedal, and fun to ride. A lightweight frame makes it easier to lift the bike on one frame. Especially for beginners, this lightweight can be the key to convenient wheelie performance. In terms of lightweight construction, aluminum is the best material.
Adjustability
Wheelies need perfect adaptation of the bike with your height. Often, the bike you have purchased doesn’t match your size perfectly. In those cases, adjustable handles and seats can be convenient. You can adjust them according to your need. Also, ensure these adjustments are toolless so they can be adjusted quickly.
Tire setup
Having a proper tire setup is one of the preconditions for wheelies. The height, width, rim, and tire pressure are part of that tire setup. First, you have to pick the tire according to your size. There are alloy rims that are durable and lightweight to reduce the overall weight of the tire setup. The width gives stability to the tire; keep that in mind. Lastly, set the tire pressure according to your wheelie speed. The faster you want your wheelies, the higher the air pressure should be.
Suspension
Mountain bikes already have a unique suspension system that allows them to roll freely on bumpy roads. Though wheelies don’t involve bumps, they are good to have when you return on both tires from the single tire. As the suspension reduces the impact, it becomes easier to control the bike after you finish wheelies.
Comfort
Comfort might seem unrelated to wheelies, but they are deeply connected. Here, comfort means the combination of a comfortable seat, handle grip, and pedal grip. Without a comfortable seat, you cannot sit properly on the seat, resulting in falling from the bike. Also, uncomfortable seats stress your lower back. As for the grippy handlebar and pedals, they are essential for riding and navigating your bike comfortably.
Replacement Parts
When you are performing wheelies with a mountain bike, it can cause the bike to wear off. The best way to avoid this is to ensure your bike supports replacement parts and that replacement parts are widely available on the market. Otherwise, a bike without replacement parts support won’t serve you very long.
SAVADECK Carbon Mountain Bike
If you have been in the mountain biking scene for a long time, you should know SAVADECK is synonymous with premium-ness in the industry. Their mountain bikes are not only suitable for extreme riding, but you can use them for comfortable wheelie performance.
My Impression
Here I am going to introduce you to the SAVADECK Carbon, one of the most premium bikes from the brand. Every part used for this bike speaks for the quality. The frame is made of TORAY T8000 carbon fiber. This material provides necessary strength while maintaining lightweight.
Suspension is significant for a comfortable wheelie experience. SAVADECK Carbon has a suspension with 100mm travel. So, no matter how intense your wheelies are, you are always covered.
Lastly, a double hydraulic brake offers instant stoppage whenever you want. The brakes alongside CST tires offer a top-notch wheelie experience.
Standout Features
- String carbon fiber frame
- Dual hydraulic brake
- Equipped with CST tires
- Premium Shimano parts
Schwinn Bonafide Men’s Mountain Bike
Quality mountain bikes don’t come cheap. The first product on the list gave you a pretty good idea of how costly mountain bikes can be. However, Schwinn Bonafide is one of the best bikes for doing wheelies; other brands should look for a balanced price tag.
My Impression
The first thing anyone will notice about Schwinn Bonafide is its simplicity. I like the fact that Schwinn focused more on functionality above all. The aluminum frame might not be the most lightweight but holds well in the durability department. Even at this affordable price, it’s impressive to see a dual disc brake on both tires.
Wheelies often require shifting gears. So, Schwinn has installed a 24-speed drivetrain to make the gear shifting as seamless as possible. The bike ships with dissembled parts that are easy to put together following the manual.
Standout features
- Equipped with a 24-speed gear
- Wide 2.5-inch knobby tires
- Double wall alloy rims
- Strong suspension
Redfire 26-Inch Mountain Bike
Redfire is known for manufacturing the best mountain bikes for wheelies in the budget segment. So, for beginners looking to perform wheelies, I have brought the perfect mountain bike from Redfire.
The manufacturer has done an excellent job of building an affordable mountain bike without compromising its affordability.
My Impression
This bike is made of steel, which was expected given the lower price tag. The heaviness can be a little problematic, but this frame can take the fall of intense wheelie sessions for beginners.
Redfire has done a brilliant job with the brake cables. The cables are routed through the farm internally. So, they are protected from water and dirt while you ride.
The dual disc brake is nothing out of this world; it does a decent job of stopping the bike when necessary.
Standout features
- Internally routed cables
- Durable steel frame
- Comfortable gear shift with 21-speed drivetrain
- Quick wheel release
Diamondback Bicycles Tess 24 Youth Girls Mountain Bike
There are few good bikes for wheelies on the market for girls and kids. So, I have added this excellent mountain bike with the perfect height and feature set to make it easier for kids to perform wheelies.
My Impression
As expected, this Diamondback has a slightly unorthodox shape and size compared to a traditional mountain bike. However, if you are a female rider or looking for a shorter bike, this 24″ wheel bike is the perfect fit. Though it’s a kid bike, Diamondback made no compromise in the construction.
This mountain bike features a high tensile steel frame perfectly designed for kids. The Hl Zoom 40Mm travel fork gives you the perfect suspension no matter where you ride. The liner brakes offer good braking performance, and it also features reach adjustability according to the rider’s height.
Standout Features
- High tensile steel frame
- Adjustable liner brakes
- 21-speed drivetrain for smooth gear shifting
- 40 mm travel form for consistent suspension
Mongoose Dolomite Men’s Fat Tire Mountain Bike
Fat tire mountain bike might not be on top of your choice for the best wheelies bicycle title. But this Mongoose Dolomite fat tire mountain bike is the perfect choice for riders looking for extra stability.
My Impression
Mongoose Dolomite has the perfect steel frame to withstand your wheelies sessions and outdoor door adventures. However, the feature that makes this bike stand out is the fat tires. The tires of this bike are 4″ wide. Therefore, the tires are more balanced and stable, perfect for anyone looking to learn wheelie.
The front and the rear wheels have decent disc brakes to stop the bike at your will. Anyone between 5’6″ to 6″ in height can comfortably ride this bike. Mountain bikes don’t often provide color options, but Mongoose Dolomite is an exception, with three color options.
Standout features
- 4″ wide tires
- Lightweight rims reduce the weight
- Limited lifetime warranty
- All-terrain knobby tires
Huffy Hardtail Mountain Bike
Huffy Hardtail is one of the best bikes for wheelies that won’t break your bank. Props to Huffy; they have manufactured this bike with high-quality parts. So whether it’s adventure riding or wheelies, Huffy Hardtail is always ready for action.
My Impression
The beautiful color was the first thing that caught my attention about this excellent bike. The glossy denim blue looks magnificent. On top of that, there are other colors you can choose from. Moreover, Huffy provides different tire size options and drivetrains to make this bike usable for a broader user base.
The bike features a 21-speed drive train which means you can navigate through any surface by adjusting the speed. The largest base model has 26-inch wheels with a 17-inch frame. So, no matter how tall you are, you can ride this bike comfortably. Additionally, the adjustable seat provides more reach if you need any.
Standout Features
- It comes with a 21-speed or 7-speed drivetrain
- Equipped with grippy knobby tires
- Various frame and tire sizes are available
Mongoose Maxim Girls Mountain Bike
Mongoose is one of the most recognized names in the mountain bike industry. So, it was expected Mongoose to deliver some of the best mountain bikes for wheelies for kids and girls, and they delivered. This Mongoose Maxim bike can be an excellent gift for your kick start their journey as a biker.
My Impression
I loved the Lavender color this mountain bike comes in. This color on the durable aluminum frame looks just stunning. The aluminum frame also makes the mountain bike considerably lighter than budget mountain bikes’ conventional steel frame. The assembly was straightforward, and I put this bike together within half an hour.
The awesomeness doesn’t stop there, as the 21-speed gear shifter allows you to change gears fluently during a wheelie. Thou I would prefer a disc brake, the liner brakes are also decent for the price. They do an excellent job in terms of braking.
Like most other budget mountain bikes, I also have some complaints about seat comfortability. However, even if you change the seat later, Mongoose Maxi offers a great deal for kids and lady bikers.
Standout features
- Lightweight yet durable aluminum frame
- Linear brake for easy stoppage
- SRAM twist 21-speed shifters
- Alloy rim for added lightweight durability
Hiland Aluminum Mountain Bike
Mid-budget mountain bikes always have some compromise to reduce their price. However, this mountain bike from Hiland I brought today has the perfect combination of premium features without compromise.
My Impression
As I said, the Hiland bike gives you a premium vibe right out of the box. The bike shifts preassemble, and the rest of the assembly is pretty easy too. Once assembled, you’ll love the beautiful black and yellow color tone. The frame is made out of aluminum. It might not be as durable as steel, but the lightweight construction is an excellent help for wheelies.
Next is the addition of a dual hydraulic disc brake that the bike quickly without any difficulty. The 27-speed drivetrain allows the rider to play with a wide range of speeds. Finally, this Highland bike is equipped with premium XC tires. These tires are known for their grippy, tube protection, and longevity.
Standout features
- Lockout adjustable suspension
- Equipped with high-quality XC tires
- Dual powerful hydraulic brakes
- Lightweight aluminum frame
Mongoose Status Mountain Bike
At this point, it’s pretty evident how good Mongoose is with mountain bikes. They try to bring something new with every product. That trend continues with Mongoose’s status mountain bike.
My Impression
Right out of the box, this mountain bike seems pretty standard. Anyone with prior knowledge of any bikes can quickly assemble this preassembled bike. However, you’ll love the experience once you ride the bike. Mongoose status is made with a very lightweight hydroformed aluminum tubing.
The 26′ wheels allow for comfortable riding for taller adults. Unfortunately, this time Mongoose cut corners with the braking system with V-brakes. However, using the brake, I am satisfied with its performance.
Knobby tires with suspension forks make the bike roll very smoothly. Your wheelie experience will be top-notch regardless of the surface or bumps on the rod.
Standout features
- Durable hydroformed aluminum frame
- 21-speed gear shift for variable speed change
- V-brake at the front and rear
Schwinn High Timber Youth/Adult Mountain Bike
The last option on this list is from Schwinn again. Like the previous Schwinn bike on this list, this one also has the perfect combination of performance and affordability. This bike is worth trying if you are looking for the best mountain bike for wheelies for a reasonable price.
My Impression
One unique aspect of the Schwinn High Timber mountain bike is its options. You can choose colors, size, brakes, and, most importantly, the frame material. Whether you choose the steel or aluminum frame will make a huge difference.
Apart from that frame, every material used for the bike is high quality. For example, Schwinn used high-quality knobby tires with a lightweight alloy rim. So, no matter the terrain, the stability and grip stay the same. In addition, the twist shifter along with the alloy crank makes the gear shift consistent and accurate.
Standout features
- Lightweight aluminum frame
- Twist shifter with rear derailleur for the steady gear shift
- Knobby tires with alloy rims
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of bike is suitable for wheelies?
You can do wheelies with any bike, period. However, if we are talking about convenience and ease, BMX bikes and mountain bikes are the two most suitable types for wheelies. While mountain bikes have characteristics that make them fit, BMX bikes are mainly made for wheelies and other kinds of park performance. Read Also: BMX Bike VS Mountain Bike, and Are BMX Bikes Hard to Ride?
What makes mountain bikes suitable for wheelies?
As I mentioned earlier, mountain bikes are not meant for wheelies. However, the adjustability and construction make it one of the best choices for wheelies alongside BMX bikes. Mountain bikes have more extensive wheels, excellent braking, and durable frame. All these features are a must-have for a bike if you want to perform a wheelie. Read also: How To Make Your Bike Faster?
Is wheelie dangerous on a mountain bike?
Wheelies are not dangerous on mountain bikes as long as you have the proper safety measures and the bike is calibrated correctly. Don’t forget to wear protective gear to save yourselves when performing wheelies. Then, check the brakes so that you can stop whenever necessary. Lastly, you need to adjust the handlebar and seat height so you don’t fall from the bike.
Does wheelie affect bike health?
Using your bikes extensively certainly takes a toll on the bike’s health. However, there is no specific damage that’s done from wheelies. As long as your bike has the durable frame, suspension, and the correct tire setup, it should perfectly hold up to wheelies.
How can I perform a wheelie on a mountain bike?
The first step of performing a wheelie on the mountain bike is to adjust the seat and handlebar. Set this eta at the lowest position, and then bring the handlebar as close as possible to the seat. After pedaling for some time, lean back and pedal up when the bike can move independently. At this point, your body and the bike weight will shift to the rear wheel, lifting the front of the bike in the air.
Conclusion
That’s a wrap for today. I hope my article will help you pick the best mountain bikes for wheelies. Mountain bikes are not meant for wheelies, but it has certain qualities that make them the best bike for wheelies. Just keep the factors I mentioned in the buying guide in mind, and you’ll be able to narrow down the options.
Also, everyone has a different skill level, height, and budget. So consider those factors, too, and you’ll find the best wheelie bike for yourself on the list.
