One of the best childhood memories is learning how to ride a bicycle and feeling the freedom that comes with driving a vehicle other than your skateboard. But, if you’re looking for the best bike for wheelies, then at some point in your cycling journey you discovered that there are certain limitations to riding your bicycle and that you can’t pop wheelies on any type of bicycle.
The good news is that there are plenty of cheap wheelie bikes for sale, and we’re going to profile some of the best ones on the market.
Make no mistake, we tested these bicycles and we put them through the wringer to make sure that they resemble the bikes of our childhood. But with added features that make them the best bicycle for wheelies.
Best Bicycle to Wheelie
Your search for the best bike for wheelies ends here. Below we bring you our review of good wheelie bikes based on thorough research and testing.
1. Mongoose Dolomite Fat Tire Mountain Bike
One of the best wheelie bikes, here we have the Mongoose Dolomite which is made from a durable and lightweight steel frame that measures 17 inches.
This goes along with 26-inch wheels that help to facilitate a smooth and comfortable ride through rough terrain. These are 4-inch thick tires that can tackle any environment.
This is one of the highly functional fat tire wheelie bikes that allows you to switch between 7 different speeds whether you’re climbing uphill or going through flat terrain. We especially like the twist shifters because we found that they make it that much easier to shift gears on the go and the adjustable threadless headset is designed for cyclists of different heights. We should also note that this bicycle sports lightweight alloy rims.
This is in addition to beach cruiser pedals and disc brakes that make stopping the bicycle super effortless. Not only is this safe and easy to ride but it’s easy to assemble and can be ridden by people of a height of up to 6 feet high.
2. SAVADECK Carbon Fiber Mountain Bike
The SAVADECK Mountain Bike is the best mountain bike for wheelies for those who want to utilize their bicycle for more than just riding down the freeway.
It’s made from a T800 carbon fiber frame which is strong but lightweight, a lockout suspension fork that offers good suspension travel and unparalleled safety, and a Shimano M2000 Derailleur System for easy maneuvering.
This includes a front and back Shimano ALTUS FD-M2000 Derailleur for your safety. Speaking of which, this bike will come to a stop at a dime thanks to its easy-to-control disc brake system.
3. Royce Union RTT Men’s 21-Speed Mountain Bike
The best bike to learn to wheelie is the RTT from Royce Union which is known for its amazing construction quality.
That’s because it’s made from high-quality aluminum which is durable as it’s lightweight. It sports a suspension fork-fitted front wheel that allows you to effortlessly glide through rough terrain.
Other great features of this bicycle include a powerful braking system and 21 different speeds to choose from. It comes with all the tools needed to install it no matter what your experience level is. Just ensure that the bicycle you choose is compatible with your height.
Otherwise, you have the bike’s smooth gear and padded saddle to thank for enjoying comfortable rides. The wheels are made from machined aluminum as well which makes it that much easier to stop the bike on a dime as soon as you put your foot on the linear alloy brakes. This really is one of the best dirt bikes to wheelie and we thoroughly enjoyed riding it.
4. Max4out Mountain Bike with High Carbon Steel Frame
When looking for good bikes for wheelies, we can never leave behind the versatile Max4out Mountain Bike.
This is a great bike for inexperienced cyclists. This is because it’s super easy to assemble as it comes 85% installed already. It even comes with free installation gear including welding technology for your convenience and the lightweight frame can be effortlessly assembled.
It’s easy to change the gears on this bicycle and you can change between 21 different speeds. We can’t even describe just how easy it is to navigate hilly terrain with this bicycle and we had so much fun with it in this regard. It comes with all-terrain tires which means that it can handle any type of surface and we have experienced its stability and traction capabilities for ourselves.
To ensure comfort and safety, this bicycle has an adjustable seat with a quick-release mechanism, making it suitable for cyclists of different heights.
5. Huffy Hardtail Mountain Bike
The Huffy Hardtail Mountain Bike is another model that deserves the distinction of the best bike to do wheelies in based on its performance alone.
It has a number of features that enable this performance, of course, such as a sleek and durable steel frame, an adjustable seat with quick-release features, and a high-quality suspension fork to guarantee a smooth ride no matter where you find yourself at the end of your journey.
However, this Huffy bicycle really stands out when you look at things like 21 different speeds to shift from and a gear system that’s guard protected to ensure longevity.
The 26-inch tires aren’t only large enough to handle different types of terrain but they perfectly complement the stitched saddle which is just as strong.
6. Schwinn Bonafide Men’s Mountain Bike
Next in our list of the best bike for wheelies we have the Schwinn Bonafide Mountain Bike. This incredibly popular bike is particularly common among mountain cyclists. If you enjoy doing stunts and tricks then you’ll love this bicycle. It comes in a beautiful black and red color scheme, which looks rad on the road.
It comes with a 17-inch frame which is made from strong and lightweight aluminum. Also featured is a Schwinn suspension fork which is designed to absorb shocks when going through bumpy trails and roads so that you can enjoy a smooth riding experience.
This being a Schwinn bike you get high-quality components such as a 24-speed Shimano EZ fire trigger shifter. It’s complemented by Shimano derailleurs which are on both the rear and front of the bike. Again, this contributes to ensuring a smooth ride.
You’ll be glad to know that this bicycle will come to an instant stop thanks to its mechanical disc brakes and 2.25-inch monster tire wheels that make it suitable for use on any type of terrain or condition. Lastly, the Schwinn Bonafide also features Schwinn double-wall alloy rims and cranks which make this a low-maintenance investment that’s durable and long-lasting.
7. Diamondback Bicycles Mountain Bike
The Diamondback Bicycles is stylish as it’s functional. It comes in chic colors like red, raw carbon matte, green, and matte sand. It’s constructed from an aluminum frame, which is super durable and it’s available in a wide variety of sizes.
The bike has a lot of great features such as the level link design rear suspension that actually works, safe and effective Shimano XT M8000 Hydraulic rear and front disc brakes, and a great pair of back wheels. Then you’ve got a 148x12mm Boost Maxle Dropout which provides back support while riding the bike and you can rest assured of this bike’s frame since it’s made from powerful aluminum.
Also, worth mentioning is the bike’s KS LEV Si dropper post. It comes complete with a southpaw remote which will make it that much easier for you to maneuver your bicycle when going up and downhill, while the race face turbine cinch cranks and Shimano XT 11-speed drivetrain allow you to effortlessly shift gears and enjoy an amazing performance.
All in all, it’s a beautiful bicycle that’s enjoyable to ride. It’s one of the best bikes to wheelie that you could own. The best part is that it’s made for doing wheelies, as you can see in the features that it has. And the best part is that it’s backed by a five-year warranty!
8. Schwinn Store High Timber Mountain Bike
Easily the easiest bike to wheelie, there’s a lot to like about the Schwinn High Timber Bicycle. If you plan on popping wheelies in the mountainside, then this is the bicycle for you.
The best mountain bikes for wheelies come with 7-speed twist shifters and a quality back detailer as would be expected from any Schwinn bike.
This is one of the most well-known bike manufacturers after all. The gears are easy to change whenever you want to and there are brakes on the front and the back for your safety.
The wheels themselves are constructed from durable yet lightweight alloy which is what makes them suitable for different types of terrain. You won’t regret buying this sturdy bicycle when you find yourself in rough terrain.
How to Get the Best Bike for Wheelies
At this point, you should know what the best bike for wheelies for you is. But, we must say that it wasn’t all smooth sailing to come up with this list.
We had to really put these good bikes to wheelie through their paces, using a string criterion which we’ll share with you below.
Here’s what you need to consider in order to choose the best bike for wheelies for you.
Material
Different materials are utilized to make the frame of a bike. This includes titanium, carbon, aluminum, and steel.
Experts have a lot to say about what their favorite options are. We’re not going to say which one is right or wrong, but we will say that it’s great to test your bicycle before you pick a bike.
At the end of the day, the materials that your bicycle is made from matter a great deal. For the most part, cheaper bikes are typically made from cheap materials.
Steel frame bikes that are good for wheelies are the most popular because steel is a durable and lightweight material. It offers a comfortable and smooth riding experience, plus it’s super easy to repair.
However, if you’re working with a relatively low budget then you can always opt for titanium and carbon bikes. Both are quite expensive which makes their bikes pricier.
Carbon bikes, as would be expected, are lightweight, resistant to corrosion, and can absorb vibrations from different types of terrains effortlessly.
Titanium is a material that’s similar to steel and aluminum in that it’s resistant to rust and scratching and it feels comfortable to ride.
Brakes
Bike brake systems have come a long way since bikes were first invented. There are two bike brakes to choose from generally – hydraulic brakes and mechanical disc brakes.
Your other options are direct pull, linear pull, and V-brakes. Bikes with traditional rims typically take longer to stop in general but there are certain advantages such as reduced gripping power in muddy or wet conditions.
Disc brakes come highly recommended for trail bikes, in particular, because they’re attached to the middle of the bicycle and they work similarly to car brakes. They also last longer because they don’t get affected by muddy conditions, as is the case with rims.
They’re not as affected by muddy conditions and you get the most out of your bike’s braking power. Also, they will protect the longevity of your brakes overall.
Bikes that are fitted with hydraulic disc brakes are usually very reliable and offer amazing modulation and stopping power. So, you end up with a low-maintenance and long-lasting bicycle overall.
Handlebars
A road bicycle wheelie comes with a riser and level handlebars. Level handlebars have a lower casing plan and are super lightweight.
They’re popular among long-separation bikers, whereas riser bars are higher and easier to reach.
Pedals
We advise going for a bicycle with pedals that have straps and toe clips to guarantee the best support while riding your bike.
There should be enough space on the pedals to enable comfortable and reliable management of the bike on different types of terrain.
Wheels
If you’re riding a mountain bike then you need to make sure that it’s made with reliable and durable wheels. For the best results, we recommend off-road wheels.
Of course, things like your riding method, the territory you’re riding on and your weight will contribute to the longevity of your off-road tires.
If you’re going to tackle thorny and rough terrain, then you’ll want to fit your bike wheels with additional protection to make sure that they last for as long as they’re meant to.
Seats
Obviously, you must ensure that your bike seat is comfortable. To make sure that this is the case, you must test the bicycle and make sure that the seat is as comfy as expected.
It’s important to keep in mind that one of the best ways to test your bicycle is to take it for a spin more than just a few times to get an idea of its pace.
Again, comfort is key here because you want your muscles, joints, and back to be protected while riding your bicycle.
Suspension
Most off-road bikes feature suspension but if you happen to get an unbending bike, then you should absolutely make sure that your bicycle has a certain level of suspension. It’s perfect for trail riding.
That’s because it enables your bike tires to travel up and down effortlessly. You’ll also see that this ensures a safer ride.
Most cyclists find that having a suspension framework on their bicycle is a great way to ensure a smooth and safe ride.
Price
It’s worth noting that wheelies bikes are usually pricier than your average bicycle, especially when it comes to maintenance and repairs. Expect to pay about a few hundred bucks give or take a few features.
Things like disc brakes, derailleurs, and cassettes all can and will affect the bike’s price. The bicycle you pick will depend on your needs and preferences when it comes to features.
The most important thing is to make sure that your wheelie bike is made from durable components so that it can handle difficult terrain. When it comes to good wheelie bikes, the last thing you want to do is to cheapskate.
If you want to get an affordable bike, then rather buy online instead of at a physical store because then you’re more likely to get a good deal.
Types of Wheelie Bikes
It’s also important when shopping for the perfect wheelie bike to think about the type of terrain that you’ll be riding it on.
Are you going to be going against lots of rocks, or tarmac road, and pavement?
For the most part, road bikes are designed for pavement terrain, whereas mountain bikes are made for rugged terrain and specialty or hybrid bikes are designed for pavements.
Road Bikes
Road bikes are great for wheelies because they’re easy to use and super lightweight.
Racing bikes are perfect for doing wheelies because they’re designed to enable the rider to go super-fast, they’re lightweight and allow you to turn effortlessly.
Cyclocross Bikes
Cyclocross bikes are a unique type of bicycle that’s durable and lightweight. They’re perfect for doing wheelies because they’re made to easily handle rough terrain and different conditions.
You can ride them on pavements, grass, dirt trails, and hills. They’re made with unique tires that are designed to help you handle different types of terrain with ease.
Endurance Bikes
Next, you have endurance bikes which are made from high-quality materials and can perform a wide variety of tricks. You can ride with your head up so they’re ideal for wheelies.
We’ve found that they’re super easy and comfortable to ride thanks to the geometry of the frame which is designed to reduce the amount of stress experienced by your neck and back.
Mountain Bikes
Mountain bikes are absolutely great for wheelies because they come with shock absorbers and an amazing braking system. This allows you to perform a wide variety of tricks safely and effectively.
You can ride this type of bike for wheelies on rough terrain, over roots, dirt, and rocks without feeling the impact.
This is the type of bike to get if you want to effortlessly learn how to perform tricks and show off to your friends and family.
It can handle riders of different weight classes, and it’s a lot of fun!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to do a wheelie on a bike?
A wheelie is a bike trick where you use the bike’s handlebars to lift off the front half of the frame and then push forward using the bike’s back wheels.
Sure, it sounds simple in theory but it’s actually really tough to execute unless you have a lot of practice. If you want to learn how to do wheelies, try this out.
Ride your bicycle slowly and smoothly. Make sure that you’re riding on a wide and flat obstacle-free path or surface. Then, bend your upper body and shift your weight over the handlebars while keeping your hands on the handlebars.
Press down on the paddles to slow down and get your balance before you use your handlebars to lift the front wheels off the ground.
Lean back immediately and pedal while letting go of the handlebars. It will take a lot of practice for you to learn to do this, but you’ll do well over time.
Do wheelies damage your bike?
When a wheelie is done right, then it won’t damage your bicycle but wheelies can be problematic.
But, it’s possible to damage your bicycle if you don’t do the wheelie right.
That’s why it’s important to get your practice in early and often to prevent damaging your bike. Otherwise, you could end up damaging your bicycle chains, friction blades, and clutch.
Are wheelies easy?
This one is difficult to answer but for the most part, wheelies are fairly easy to practice and master over time.
However, some people might have a hard time with them due to maybe their body type and athletic ability. So, it might be easy or difficult depending on the above characteristics.
Are wheelies safe?
Like any other bike stunt, a wheelie can be dangerous when not executed right. To avoid bodily injury, be sure to wear some knee pads and a helmet to avoid injury.
Conclusion
And that’s how you find the best bike for wheelies! In our opinion, the Mongoose Dolomite Fat Tire Mountain Bike takes the cake for being one of the most durable, lightweight, and easy to use bikes. It features 26-inch wheels, 4-inch tires, and there are 7 different speeds to choose from.
It’s suitable for different types of terrain and it’s even better for going uphill. We like how easy it is to shift gears thanks to the twist shifters, and it’s got lightweight alloy rims so you know that it’s effortless.
The best part is that it’s also really easy to assemble and it’s designed to prioritize safety.