MTB Manual Over Obstacles w/Overlooked Move, Video Tutorial

On 04/05/2018

MTB Manual Over Obstacles w/Overlocked Move, Video Tutorial and frame by frame break down

Going up and over obstacles takes a lot more than just a manual. It is all about finesse, not speed (though there is a minimum speed for this, which I found by testing how slow I could do this ). Last week I said, “smooth equals fast and efficient” and I’m saying it again. This is all about being smooth!

Watch the video for the 2-minute tip and check out the frame by frame breakdown below. Please don’t think you will never use this by the size of the wall I’m using, I do the exact same thing on obstacles of six inches or more. I used this wall to graphically demonstrate the technique and show how these two very basic skills can achieve massive results.

As you can see it is a really simple but committed technique using two simple core skills I have been teaching for 19 years on the first day of my famous three-day skills camps, the manual and the weight shift. As a matter of fact, I have had several students work their way up to doing this by the end of my three-day camp.

By committed I mean you can’t try to do this! Either do it or don’t because stalling halfway will end badly! So baby step your way up to this. Find something much smaller and/or less steep to start on. Luckily, connected to this wall is a smaller wall that goes from a curb with just to pavers on top and has one paver increments up to this height, perfect for practicing.

First the manual breakdown. The manual isn’t a pulling or lifting maneuver, it all about pushing your bars forward while pushing your hips back (which pushes your feet forward and powers your arms). There is no need to push down and load your fork either (though it appears I’m doing it a bit here, I taught to start with a push down until about 2010 when Andy Winoradsky (one of my former BetterRide coaches) showed me that is was unnecessary, old habits die hard!) that simply wastes energy and could spell trouble on a loose, slippery or off-camber surface (your front wheel could slide out).

Start Low, centered and hinged with knees bent, elbows out (tutorial on this important descending position: http://betterride.net/blog/2018/mountain-bike-body-position-the-fundamental-movement-video-tutorial/ . Ready to power that handlebar shove with your hips.

Drive your hips back and push your handlebars forward (not up, simply away from you). Notice, my hips are almost over my rear axle and arms are starting to straighten.

My hips are now further back, bars further forward and I’m looking to the top of the wall.

My front wheel is unweighted and leaving the ground, arms nearly straight hips over the rear axle. Notice my heels have dropped and legs have straightened out a bit as they push my hips back and pedals forward.

My legs are much straighter having driven my hips behind the rear axle and pushed my pedals forward. I’m now looking past the wall, where I want to end up (looking to victory!).

Now I’m starting my weight shift. I am going to drive my hips and chest forward and slightly upward to keep my momentum going up and over this wall (instead of straight into it which a manual without the weight shift would do, stalling the rider out).

Look at that weight shift, my head and chest are over my handlebars, my hips have moved 2.5 feet forward and the bike has pivoted beneath me into an almost vertical position. Notice how lightly my rear tire is hitting the curb at the bottom of the wall! This is why the weight shift works, without the weight shift all of my momentum would have slammed straight into the curb, stalling me out and probably pinch flatting my rear tire.

Almost there! Almost done with my weight shift, bike pivoting back towards level and weight almost recentered.

Victory is mine! On top, centered and neutral ready for the next thing the trail throws at me!

I hope this has been a help to you! If it has please let know in the comments below and/or on youtube. If you know someone who could benefit from this please feel free to share it.

Thanks for tuning in, now go practice this!

Comments

18 Comments

Byron on 04/05/2018 at 12:56 pm

AWESOME video, Gene, especially when combined with your video of how to rolll down the same obstacle!!! You make both look so easy, even at slow speed! I can’t wait to practice the component skills (balanced on bike, agressive position, wheel lift and weight transfer) on smaller obstactles and then work my way up. There’s still too much snow on the ground here in MN to ride on my favorite sites, but I can practice on a curb or rock in the meantime. Anyhow, thanks for the posting!
Reply
Gene on 04/05/2018 at 5:35 pm

Hi Byron,

Your welcome! Glad you got a lot out of it. Love how you are going to practice each component of the move. That is how to practice!

You’d be surprised how good a curb is for practicing!

Cheers,

Gene
Reply
Gabriel on 04/05/2018 at 8:19 pm

I’ve been pulling up like a jackass for over 20 years now, this made such a difference out on my ride today. Thanks!
Reply
- Gene on 04/05/2018 at 8:52 pm
  
  Hey Gabriel,
  
  Don’t be so hard on yourself, I pulled up for about ten years until a friend taught me this. That is why I started coaching mtb skills in 1999. Most of the skills are not intuitive at all and many go completely against human instinct.
  
  Glad I was a help to you!
  
  Cheers,
  
  Gene
  Reply
Tim G on 04/15/2018 at 4:34 pm

Great manual tip, Gene! I have been struggling with the manual and watching this just brought me to the epiphany of the key mistake I have been making. I am ready to practice proper manual technique!

Thanks a bunch!
Reply
- Gene on 04/16/2018 at 9:30 am
  
  Hi Tim,
  
  You are welcome. Glad to hear my video helped you realize the mistake you have been making. Happy practicing!
  
  Cheers,
  
  Gene
  Reply
Gerard Stanford on 04/11/2019 at 3:54 pm

Gene,

Thank you for your help. I am always trying to grow and get better. You are an inspiration.. 👍
Reply
- Gene on 04/11/2019 at 9:12 pm
  
  Hi Gerard, you’re welcome. Love your attitude, keep growing and getting better!
  
  Cheers,
  
  Gene
  Reply
Anne on 05/20/2019 at 10:47 am

Gene, I’ve been doing my drills, but still struggled with the manual. It’s funny how seeing things at different times will suddenly make something make sense. When we were practicing drops off curbs, I didn’t really understand some of the feedback you were giving me. Somehow, seeing this video and tying it with my drills made it suddenly click–the role of the manual when dropping and the importance of not using the compression. Thanks, hope you’re well!
Reply
- Gene on 05/20/2019 at 3:31 pm
  
  Great to hear Anne! Glad my video helped you figure out this important skill!
  Reply
Pat Hillis on 08/17/2019 at 11:28 am

Thanks for the video Gene! I’ll be trying to manual once again on my 29er xc bike. All the other videos tell me to compress those front shocks. I’m very excited to try your method. I’ve been trying off and on for a few years to manual. Learning to manual at 60.
Reply
- Gene on 08/23/2019 at 5:07 pm
  
  Hi Pat,
  
  You are welcome! Great to hear that you are learning to manual at 60! Compressing the front shock does work it is just unnecessary, adds a small element of danger (if you push down too late or on a slippery surface like a wet root this could throw you off balance) and takes more energy than necessary.
  
  Create your best ride yet,
  
  Gene
  Reply
Kay Christian on 08/23/2019 at 12:36 pm

I’ve been trying to learn how to manual which seems like the foundation skill you need to climb something like this. I don’t seem to be able to get my front wheel off the ground much. Also, it seems like you need a ton of power to clean the last half of that maneuver. Or is it more of a body position advantage?
Reply
- Gene on 08/23/2019 at 5:04 pm
  
  Hi Kay,
  
  A manual done correctly takes very little power. Most people are not driving hard or dynamic enough from the hips. Bike setup can have a pretty big effect on this too. Many people run their handlebars too high and some still run stems longer than 60mm both make this much harder. This is one of the harder things I teach in my camps but I have close to a 100% success rate with my students as teaching in person is much more effective than online as I can explain multiple times, watch and critique you and answer any questions you have (as well make sure your bike is set up correctly to give you the most control).
  
  Love your email address!
  
  Create your best ride yet,
  
  Gene
  Reply
  - Jendy Ortega on 03/26/2020 at 3:02 pm
    
    Thanks for the great advice, Gene. I still struggle with my manual and this is mainly due to bad advice I’ve followed from other people. I have experimented different ways of doing it from what I’ve heard before and came to the same conclusion as you. Compressing the suspension or pulling on the handlebars are unnecessary. Thanks again!
    Reply
    - Gene on 09/19/2020 at 9:22 am
      
      Hi Jendy,
      
      You’re welcome! Glad to be of help to you!
      Reply
YANEISY MONTERO on 11/25/2021 at 9:37 pm

Hello Gene,
Awesome video!!! I am new to MTB. I found your videos to be of great help, thank you!!
I have maybe a silly question but when you do a manual like the one demonstrated above, what gear is best to be in?
thanks,
Y
Reply
- Gene on 11/26/2021 at 9:49 am
  
  Hi Yaneisy,
  
  You’re welcome, thanks for letting me know that you got a lot out of my video.
  
  That’s not a silly question, my students often ask me that. The manual is a coasting maneuver so the gearing isn’t important for the manual however, it is important to be in the right gear for after the manual. In this case as I crested the wall I was going pretty slow so I needed to be in a low enough gear to comfortably pedal away.
  
  I hope this answers your question.
  
  Gene
  Reply

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Rider Reviews

Thanks again, you were a great part of my succees for 2005. I had the best year of my life. Part of which at the age of 52, I entered numerous mtn bike races, podiumed 5 times and won the Texas Mountain Bike Racing Association series for my division.

Your instruction, professsionalism and emails went above and beyond all expectations.

Kent Wells
2016

Thanks Coach Gene for your time the last 2 days! Your coaching is spot on! I’m so lucky to have had the chance to spend this time learning from the most passionate mountain biker out there – one who cares about the sport and all the techniques that go into it! Total respect! That’s all I have to say! If anyone is questioning or “thinking” about signing up for his camp- DON’T , just do! Thank you Gene!!!!

Gretchen Wavro

This was by far the best use of both money and time in regards to my mountain bike training.
Its 3 days of my life I will never forget.

Jim, BetterRide Camper

The results are starting to trickle in as I have the time to ride some of my local rides that I track my times on. I’m astonished!

My descending time from the summit of Chimney Gulch to the Beaver Brook cross over dropped from a personal best of 6:51.0 to 5:46.0, for the bottom section it went from a personal best of 13:42.0 to 10:12.2. Considering that I really haven’t had enough time to practice a lot yet, I’m stunned at the improvement. I can also say that I felt more in control than I used to and I cleaned a section I’ve never had the balls to even try before.

Again Gene, I can’t thank you enough. The camp was great. Your ability to break skills down into digestible parts, watch riders and help them refine techniques, your humility and sense of humor make you a world class coach. I’ll be taking your next level two clinic this year and probably a refresher next year.”

Mark Forgy
Expert XC racer, Mountain Bike Fanatic

Just wanted to give you an update and let you know that I am starting to experience the delayed effects of your camp. I knew when the camp ended that I was leaving with some new skills that were helpful immediately. But I also knew there were other skills that were going to take more practice, patience and time. Well, I’m starting to see them.

I’ve been practicing descending the way you instructed us but until the last couple of weeks, I knew I was still faster descending the way I always had – I was just more comfortable that way. But in the last couple of weeks, it all kind of clicked.

I’m not winning any downhill races – yet – but all of a sudden (and it really did seem to happen pretty suddenly) your techniques took over and instead of just using them at low speeds only when I thought about it, I was using them all over the trails and feeling pretty comfortable. Now I find myself only reverting to my old techniques when I come into a corner already off balance. Anyway, thanks, it’s a great feeling – can’t wait to use them on race courses this year!

Sarah Kaufman
Top Pro Endurance Racer

I just wanted to let you know that I’ve had big improvements in my racing this year after taking the betteride course (about 10 minutes improvement from last year). I got 2nd place in the beginner category at Eldora, then placed 15th out of 35 in the Sport category at Winterpark in my first ‘sport race’. I passed people on the downhill for the first time in these two races, and am feeling much more confident on the downhills (I hit 31.5 mph max on a tight singletrack in the Eldora race).

Jonathan Jones

Tonight was the first night of practice cyclocross races. The cornering techniques I learned in you camp last weekend rock on the cross bike. I was able to carry speed through the corners and off cambers that I could only dream of last year!

I actually found myself cranking up the speed before the corners instead of braking. Nobody else is using this technique. I found my self keeping pace with stronger riders just on cornering skill alone. Imagine after I’ve a had a few weeks to practice.

I had best time of my life on a mountain bike at your camp, and look forward to doing another one next spring.

Chris Cornelison
September 24, 2010

I took your Neshaminy clinic in June. I wanted to fill you in on my race results. I raced all season in the Midatlantic Super Series in Women’s Sport. I won the overall championship! I am so happy that I won! I will be moving up to Elite next year.

I’ve been doing the drills you taught for 20 minutes, twice a week. I almost always preride my race courses. I work on hard sections to figure out the best lines. Since the clinic, I have noticed that my balance has improved tremendously.

So, Gene… thank you for the clinic. I still tell all my riding buddies about it. Especially how you break down the mechanics of everything that you teach. I let them know how you explain the physics behind the techniques. I tell them that the learning environment you provide is the perfect way to learn something, practice it, and really get it. I’d love to do a refresher course.

Angie Wallace
September 15, 2009

Attending Gene’s camp in Sedona was one of the best decisions that I’ve ever made. You can read skills articles and watch the youtube videos all day, but these will never engrain the skills needed to become a good mountain biker.

Gene’s course teaches you all of the primary skills, and then he drills them into you. You repeat these drills under his watchful eye until the become engrained. It’s been about 9 months since I attended the course and I still hear Gene correcting me if I’m going about an obstacle or turn in the wrong position.

I still make every ride a learning experience because of what he taught, and my riding has improved immensely as a result. Thanks Gene!

Steven Peyton
August, 2018

Just wanted to show you what your lessons made me do this past weekend! If you click on the photo or link to the photo album look through the album and on the 2nd page, bottom row, there’s a great shot of me doing what you taught me to do with my elbows-totally Brian Lopes style.

I was impressed to see myself doing that-a big change in my riding style and I know it’ll make me faster in the long run.

So thanks and I may have some time coming up where I can make it to one of your camps-I’ll let you know.

Amanda Riley, Kenda, Titus, Hayes Team
Winners of 2008, 24 hours of Old Pubelo

Thanks again for holding the camp last weekend. I was finally able to get out and ride yesterday on the falcon trail (loop that goes around the Air Force Academy). There are two sections that I have had problems with in the past. One is a tight turn with two drop offs that are oddly spaced and the landing slopes off into some bushes. I’ve ridden the trail a dozen times and walked that section most times. Once I tried it and endo‘ed into the bushes. When I rode it yesterday, I cleared it with confidence.

I kept repeating to myself “Do or Do Not – There Is No Try” I relaxed, saw the line I wanted to take, found my balance and went through the section very controlled – it was great!

The next section is a steep switchback climb with a ton of sand. I have never made that turn, although I have tried to every time I’ve ridden the trail. This time I approached the switchback using the techniques and strategy you taught us. The result – made it! No problem!

The last thing I noticed is that the whole ride was smoother. I focused primarily on the vision techniques – and body position skills. The ride felt slower than what I normally ride, but it was actually six minutes faster! Absolutely amazing!
Brad
Oct. 8, 2008 (5 days after his 3-day coaching session)

My son took your camp in winter park at age 14. He is 16 and just completed the Laramie Epic (30 miles) last weekend. He placed 2 in the age bracket 0-29. He continues to use your techniques and tips. Smooth is fast! Your worksheets are worn out and weathered from continued use! Worth it….you bet!!!

Sheila Palmer
July 2019

Your camp gave me the confidence to go out and try a few races this summer. My first race was in the beginner 40 to 45 age class in the “Point to Point” cross country race in Winter Park. While I certainly did not break any records – I at least had a respectable finish and more importantly had a total blast.

My second race was a Super D (much more my style in that there is MUCH less uphill cranking) at Winter Park where I got a second place finish in my age group. 3rd race was a Mountain States Cup Super D race in Copper where I came in tenth. Again no records but still having a total blast.

My friends the same age as me think I am crazy doing this stuff but I think they are crazy to be sitting on their arses. Again, thank you for giving me the confidence to go out there and try some racing and hopefully in the near future I will be in another one of your camps!

Will Edgington
September, 2009

Thanks for the e-mail. By the way, after completing your camp in Arizona, I dropped 5 minutes off my previous best lap time at the 12 hours of Temecula mountain bike race (59 to 54 minutes). Obviously, this was a significant breakthrough.

I’ve also noticed that by being a smoother and more efficient rider and by decoupling my body from the bike, I exert less energy and travel faster. “Looking to victory” works like a charm. Most importantly, the basic skills I was exposed to in your camp (and continue to develop) have made mountain biking more enjoyable.

Keith
January 2008

I’ve been wanting to pass on a personal success story. I participated in my first mountain bike race in Copper Harbor, MI. I placed 6th in my age group (over 6 min. behind 3rd place) on a very technical course. Considering the field, I was happy with the results.

My goal after the BetterRide camp was to be in the top 3 in the same race with a similar field. With my new found skills I placed 1st this time with 2nd place over 7 min. behind. I tore it up! Thanks, I’m always telling people that no matter how much they think they know how to ride a mountain bike, they owe it to themselves to attend one of your camps. A year later I still practice my skills every time I’m out.

BTW, a while back you suggested some reading material. I chose Body, Mind Mastery by Dan Millman. (in audio book form). Not only do I feel it helped my mountain bike skills with things like, how tension is counter productive and how the “opponent is not the enemy, but instead the teacher” it also helped me in my own personal life. Good recommendation!
Keep up the good job.

Rich Schmit
April 2011

Gene and fellow BetterRiders!
I have been smiling all day long today, thinking about our rad weekend together! I taught 4 of my kids how to do wheelies today and they thought I was super cool for a solid 5 minutes until they had it completely mastered and were smoking past my on their rear wheels.

Thank you forever, Gene, for sharing your passion and deciding to teach. An empowering, motivating, completely exhilarating weekend. I feel like a little kid on Christmas morning with my new toy. It was a total honor to cross paths with you all!

Currently standing on one leg while I brush my teeth and dictate this email…
Jen

Friends took the 3 day a while ago and really enjoyed it.

I didn’t think I was ready for that but I hired him privately for most of a day. Best experience going. It helped my skiing also. Eyes, eyes and balance via movement on the bike.

Steamboat in the rain…..

John Rostenbur

MTB Skills Camp in Fraser, CO. It was amazing. Phenomenal skills coach, Coach Gene Hamilton, literally broke down the fundamentals of mountain biking in 3 days. Super fun fellow campers. Enjoyed every bit.

Now I need to practice and strengthen some new neural circuits. If you want to improve your MTB skills, no matter your level, take a course from Better Ride.
Patricia George

Thank you, Gene! I thoroughly enjoyed your skills camp. One of the most effective learning environments I have experienced to date. Now it is all about due diligence!

I am interested in a “day with Gene in Moab” and future course offerings.

Ryan Bertram

Gene, The first thing I did was buy some cones. My drive way is pretty steep so can do switch backs there. My pedal wheelies are coming along. Yesterday I had a bit of a breakthrough ride with my vision. On a ride with some small drop offs I realized by using the vision technique I was more balanced, more comfortable and jumped further without trying.

That was the best clinic I have ever done. Thanks for the reading list. I’ve read a number of those books but I now have more to read.

Don Leet