BMX KNOWLEDGE FROM RIDERS
Wheelie Bikes & Bike Life Explained
Wheelie bikes have become a huge part of Bike Life culture, with riders using larger BMX-inspired bikes for wheelies, combos, cruising and street riding.
If you're a parent trying to work out what your child means when they ask for an SE Bike, Mafia Bike or wheelie bike, this guide is for you too.
We'll explain what a wheelie bike is, how it differs from a traditional BMX, the common wheel sizes and what to look for before buying.
Wheelie Bikes Quick Guide
Wheelie bike: A bike designed or commonly used for wheelies, Bike Life riding, cruising and tricks.
Bike Life: A riding culture centred around wheelies, combos, swerves, street riding and riding with other riders.
Wheel sizes: Popular sizes include 24", 26", 27.5" and 29", with other sizes also available.
Single speed: One gear ratio with no gears to change.
Geared: Multiple gears, giving the rider more choice for hills, acceleration and cruising.
Rear brake: Particularly important for controlling wheelies and bringing the front wheel back down.
Popular brands: SE Bikes and Mafia Bikes are two of the best-known names in the wheelie and Bike Life scene.
What Is a Wheelie Bike?
A wheelie bike is generally a larger-wheeled bike designed or chosen for Bike Life riding, where wheelies and rear-wheel balance are a major part of the riding style.
They take plenty of influence from BMX, but they're normally larger than a traditional 20" freestyle BMX and are designed to feel comfortable when cruising as well as riding on the back wheel.
You'll see different styles within the category. Some are simple single-speed BMX-inspired cruisers, while others use gears, disc brakes and components more commonly associated with mountain bikes.
Wheelie Bike vs BMX Bike
Traditional freestyle BMX bikes are normally built around 20" wheels and are designed for skateparks, street riding, ramps, trails and BMX tricks.
Wheelie bikes are commonly built around larger wheels and a longer overall bike. Their geometry, saddle position, gearing and brakes can also be better suited to extended wheelies, combos and cruising.
There's plenty of crossover between the two. Many wheelie bikes use BMX-style parts and design ideas, and BMX riders often ride larger cruisers too.
If you're buying for someone else, it's worth finding out whether they actually want a traditional BMX or a larger wheelie/Bike Life bike before ordering.
What Size Wheelie Bike Do I Need?
Unlike traditional BMX bikes, wheelie bikes come in a wide range of wheel sizes. Common options include 24", 26", 27.5" and 29", while some models are even larger.
Wheel size isn't simply an age rating. Rider height, experience, the type of riding and personal preference all matter.
A smaller wheel can make the bike feel more compact and manageable, while larger wheels generally give the bike a bigger, more stable feel and are popular for cruising and Bike Life riding.
If you're buying for a child or teenager and aren't sure which size to choose, ask us before ordering. We can help narrow it down from the rider's height, experience and the type of bike they're asking for.
Why Is the Rear Brake So Important?
The rear brake is one of the most important controls on a wheelie bike.
When learning to wheelie, the rider can use the rear brake to help control the balance point and bring the front wheel back down if the bike comes too far backwards.
Brake systems vary between bikes. You'll find models using rim brakes, mechanical disc brakes and hydraulic disc brakes, so always check the specification of the individual bike.
SHOP HYDRAULIC BRAKES ā | READ BMX BRAKES EXPLAINED ā
Single Speed or Gears?
Wheelie bikes can be either single speed or geared.
A single-speed bike keeps things simple and gives a direct BMX-style feel. There's no derailleur or shifter to worry about, which also means fewer drivetrain parts.
A geared wheelie bike gives the rider several gear ratios to choose from. This can make the bike more versatile for hills, longer rides, acceleration and different riding situations.
Neither system is automatically better. The right choice depends on where and how the bike will be ridden.
SE Bikes
SE Bikes is one of the biggest names associated with modern Bike Life riding and produces a wide range of larger BMX-inspired bikes.
The range includes different wheel sizes and both single-speed and geared models. Bikes such as the So Cal Flyer, Blocks Flyer, Big Flyer, Fast Ripper and Colossal Ripper cover everything from smaller 24" bikes through to large-wheel Bike Life machines.
Because the specifications and sizes vary considerably between models, don't choose an SE Bike purely by colour or appearance. Check the wheel size, brakes, gearing and overall specification first.
Mafia Bikes
Mafia Bikes is another well-known name in the UK wheelie scene, with bikes aimed at wheelies, Bike Life and street riding.
The Mafia Bomma range is particularly associated with wheelie riding and is available across different wheel sizes and specifications.
Specifications vary between models, so it's important to compare the actual bike rather than assuming every Mafia wheelie bike is the same.
What Should Parents Check Before Buying?
If you've been sent a picture or model name and told "I want this bike", don't panic. There are a few useful things to check before spending the money.
1. Is it a BMX or a wheelie bike?
They're related, but they're not necessarily intended for the same type of riding.
2. What wheel size does the rider need?
Don't choose purely from age. Height and the bike itself matter.
3. Single speed or geared?
Find out which version the rider actually wants.
4. What brake system does it have?
The rear brake is particularly important for wheelie riding.
5. Is it the exact model they asked for?
Bikes that look similar can have quite different specifications.
If you're still unsure, send Waller BMX the bike you're looking at along with the rider's height and what they'll be using it for. We'll help you make sense of it.
SE Bikes vs Mafia Bikes
There's no simple answer to which brand is "better" because both make different bikes at different sizes, specifications and price points.
Rather than choosing purely by brand, compare the wheel size, frame, brakes, gearing, components and intended riding style of the actual models you're considering.
SE Bikes has a particularly broad range of BMX-inspired Bike Life bikes, while Mafia has produced several bikes specifically focused around the wheelie scene, including the Bomma range.
If you're comparing two specific bikes, contact us and we'll help explain the important differences without drowning you in bike jargon.
SHOP SE BIKES ā | SHOP MAFIA BIKES ā | SHOP ALL WHEELIE BIKES ā
Shop Wheelie & Bike Life Bikes
Shop SE Bikes, Mafia Bikes or browse our complete Wheelie Bikes & Bike Life Bikes range. Not sure which size or model to choose? Contact Waller BMX and we'll help.