DIY MTB Manual Machine

This week I build something to help me learn how to manual a mountain bike! I've been wanting to learn how to manual for about a year and I thought it's finally time for me to learn....with some help.

Step 1: Tools and Materials

Tools:

Miter Saw: https://thd.co/2AM0D8H

Drill (Tool Only): https://amzn.to/2D4DhMG

Batteries: https://amzn.to/2G4NUmA

Kreg Jig: https://amzn.to/2G4NUmA

Materials:

- 2 1/2" Screws

- 3x 2x4x8s

- 1x 2x6x8

Step 2: Measure Your Bike

The first step was to measure the length of the bike to know what size to cut my 2x6 to. My bike is about 6ft long so I thought I'd leave it 8 ft long and use the extra 2 feet to keep it from tipping back.

Step 3: Cut Some 2x4s

I started off by cutting one of my 2x4s into 4 2ft lengths.

Step 4: Mark the Center

Then I marked the center of the 2x6 and the 2x4 pieces.

Step 5: Screw Down Outriggers

I screwed a pair of 2x4s at either end of my 2x6, making sure to line up my center marks.

Step 6: Cut More 2x4s

I then cut 4 more 2ft lengths of 2x4 to make my wheel retention system.

Step 7: Pocket Holes

I then attached those together with pocket holes to make a couple of Ls.

Step 8: Attach Ls to Base

Using my table I lined up the L with the edge of the 2x6 and then screwed them on through the bottom. Then I repeated the same on the other side, making sure the Ls were parallel.

Step 9: Tie the Ls Together

I cut a 5.5" piece of 2x4 and used it to tie together the top of the Ls.

Step 10: Tire Stop Block

I cut a tiny piece of 2x4 to screw in about an inch and a half before the tire to keep it from rolling too far forward.

Step 11: Backplate

You can really use whatever you want to do this, I just used this 5.5" piece of 2x4 to keep the tire from rolling back too far.

Step 12: Cut Even More 2x4s

I measured out a couple of 2.5" lengths of 2x4 to use as additional outriggers to keep the manual machine stable.

Step 13: Screw on the Outriggers

I screwed these on right underneath where the back wheel of the bike goes.

Step 14: You're Done, Now Go Practice!

That's it your manual machine is done, now go practice! Additionally, you could add a strap to the front of it to keep your wheel from going to high, but I chose not to do that.

Comments

[gjcook]

HI, Great instructions, can you tell me if you wood was actually 2x4 and 2x6. ive found in the local stores that the finished wood is actually narrower. you mentioned your gap was about 2.4? which means 2 + 2 ( the two sides ) plsu 2.4 is 6.4 wide ( was your bad board wider than 6? or was the gap smaller .. thanks

[briankohles]

2x4 & 2x6 is the nominal size. 2x4 is 1.5x2.5 actual & 2x6 is 1.5x5.5.

So that would leave a gap of 2.5" between the two 2x4's mounted to a 2x6

[72LCJ]

Very similiar to a practice gate I built for bmx racing.....good job!

[DaG7]

hello would I be able to buy from you the pre cut woods? I do not have any tool that is required to create it.

[SmudgeMartens]

How wide is the mountain bike tire used in the instructions? How much wider than the rear tire should the L's be attached to the base; I realize that side-to-side movement must be minimized. How tight should the rear tire be when placed in the rear wheel base? -Cheers

[Make And Repeat]

I just had the Ls touching the side of the tire, the tire is technically a 2.4" tire but the width varies based on the width of the rim it's on, my gap I believe was right around 2.4 or 2.5" and I just made sure that it slid in snugly with really no room to move side to side. I hope that helped!