Wheelie Bikes

What makes a wheelie bike

Almost any bike can be wheelied. A wheelie bike is arranged for it: where your weight sits over the rear axle, how the rear brake feels, where the bars put your hands. Our wheelie mountain bikes use a hardtail layout with 29-inch wheels, gears, a suspension fork and a wide bar on a short stem. The C3 takes the big BMX route: the same 29-inch wheels with a rigid fork and a tall BMX bar.

Which wheelie bike is right for you?

Start with the riding you want to do, not the spec sheet.

• Long wheelies, swerves and fast ride-outs: the C100 V3, a 29-inch wheelie mountain bike with suspension, hydraulic discs and 10 gears. The one most riders start on.
• The same riding with higher-spec parts: the C100 Pro, with a RockShox fork and Shimano SLX 11-speed.
• Combos, surfing and pegs: the C3, a 29-inch big BMX with a rigid chromoly fork and a tall BMX bar.
• A compact, technical build on smaller wheels: the X1 frame, sold as a frame only, for 26 or 27.5-inch wheels.
• Street and park tricks: a 20-inch BMX like the C1. See BMX Bikes.

Wheel size, brakes and gears in plain terms

Wheel size. 29-inch wheels roll over kerbs and rough tarmac more easily and hold their speed, which suits long road wheelies and ride-outs. 26 and 27.5-inch wheels spin up quicker and make a shorter, more flickable bike for technical riding.

Rear brake. The rear brake is how you stop a wheelie going past the balance point. Hydraulic discs, like the Shimano MT200 on the C100 V3 and C3, need less lever effort and give finer control than cable brakes.

Gears. Gears let you pick a ratio that is easy to lift from and still quick enough for a ride-out. Every Collective 29-inch complete bike has them.

Setup. Our complete bikes come in one size, designed for riders from around 5ft upwards. Run the saddle low for wheelies, set the bar so your arms stay relaxed, and have the bike built and checked by a mechanic before you ride.

The range

C100 V3

The bike most riders start on, in a long list of colourways. Heat-treated 6061-T6 aluminium frame with a reinforced rear triangle, because the back of a wheelie bike carries the load. A low 780mm standover so you can move around it and step off the back. Shimano MT200 hydraulic discs front and rear, Shimano Deore 10-speed, a 100mm suspension fork with lockout, 740mm bar, 50mm stem and Kenda Kwick Nine 29 x 2.1in street tyres. Shop the C100.

C100 Pro

The C100 taken up a level: RockShox Judy Silver fork with 100mm travel and lockout, Shimano SLX 11-speed, Shimano Deore hydraulic disc brakes, Maxxis Grifter 29 x 2.50 tyres, and a Collective bar, stem, pedals and seat. Shop the C100 Pro.

C3

A 29-inch big BMX for combos, surfing and pegs. Heat-treated 6061-T6 aluminium frame, full chromoly rigid fork, a 31-inch-wide bar with 7 inches of rise, Shimano CUES 10-speed, Shimano MT200 hydraulic brakes and Maxxis Hookworm 29 x 2.5in tyres. Pegs mount to the removable dropouts, not the axle. Shop the C3.

X1 frame (frame only)

For a compact technical build on 26 or 27.5-inch wheels, with removable dropouts and integrated peg mounts. Developed with riders in the UK, USA and Colombia, and sold as a frame. More in Bike Frames.

Wheelie mountain bike or big BMX?

Both roll on 29-inch wheels. The C100 V3 is lower and further forward with suspension, made for speed, long wheelies and swerves. The C3 is upright with a rigid fork, made for combos, surfing and pegs. If you replay slow, technical clips, you will probably prefer the C3. Still deciding? Read The 2026 Wheelie Bike Buying Guide.

FAQ

What is the best wheelie bike for a beginner?

It depends on the riding. Most riders learning long wheelies start on the C100 V3: 29-inch wheels, a low standover and a hydraulic rear brake help you find and hold the balance point. If you mainly want tricks on pegs, start on the C3. Our buying guide compares Collective bikes with models from SE Bikes, Mafia and Throne.

Can I put pegs on a C100 V3?

Not on the standard rear wheel, which is quick-release. Fit a W2 wheelset or a Hub 2 rear hub with its 10mm through axle and it’s peg-ready.

What size wheelie bike do I need?

The C100 V3 and C3 are made in one size, designed for riders from around 5ft upwards. Set the saddle and bar to suit the rider.

Are hydraulic brakes better for wheelies?

Not essential to learn, but a well-maintained hydraulic disc gives lighter lever effort and finer control, which is exactly what you use to catch a wheelie going past the balance point.

Do you deliver outside the UK?

Yes. We deliver across the UK mainland (next working day or standard 3–5 working days), to the USA mainland (3–10 working days) and to the rest of the world (up to 10 working days). Orders shipped outside the UK may pick up import taxes or duties on arrival, paid by the buyer. Full details on Delivery and Returns.