Is it easier to manual or wheelie?

Question

is it easier to manual or wheelie (on a hardtail mountain bike)

Answer 1

A wheelie is definitely easier, for most.  A manual requires a good balance position on the bike and excellent balance skills.  A wheelie should be reasonably possible for anyone in a lower gear with a reasonably lightweight bike. Push and pull (push on the pedal on one side hard while pulling back with your arms).  Keep your finger on the rear brake; if you start to loop out (flip over backwards) tap the brake and it will bring the front end down.

Answer 2

Def easier to wheelie...you get pop from pedalling

Answer 3

A wheelie is far easier on a mountain bike frame.....on most any bike, really.  The pressure you put on the pedals while doing it gives you a lot of stability and can make up for problems with your balance.  

Riding a manual takes a lot of practice and a higher skill level....and doing it on most mountain bike frames is much harder than on jump/street frames or bmx frames.  This has a lot to do with the frame geometry (the length of the chainstays is a big factor....shorter is better for this).  Also, on a 26" wheel, the balance point on the rear wheel is harder to get to and harder to hold than it is on a 20".  

You can do it, though....it just takes a lot of practice and it's harder to get it down.   Wear shin guards, consider some elbow pads, and for sure put on your helmet.  Use flat pedals instead of clipless while you're learning...much safer in case you loop out and fall over backwards on pavement...at least that way you have more time to bail or land on your feet.