BMX Bicycle Tricks

Freestyle bicycle motocross, or BMX, has become a popular sport over the past couple of decades and the tricks riders are doing on bikes today would certainly shock those bicycle enthusiasts from many years ago. Bicycle tricks are a creative form of expression for BMX competitors, and the tricks you can learn on a bike are limited only by your imagination and basic physics. Below are a few basic tricks that all aspiring BMX freestylers should know.

  1. Manual

    • A manual is simply riding on the back wheel at a moderate speed.
      Bring your bike to a slightly higher than moderate speed, and find your balance on the bike. Lean back and lift up on the handlebars. This should bring the front tire off the ground as you continue to move forward.
      Use your body weight to balance the bike. If you feel the bike leaning back as if it may flip backward, bend your knees and balance the weight. If you feel the front wheel going back to the ground, extend your legs lightly to force more weight toward the back, according to Ugo.com.

    Bunnyhop

    • The bunnyhop gives the appearance that the bike's wheels hop up in the air. Use this move in order to clear an obstacle or just as a random trick as you ride.
      While moving at a moderate speed, transition to a standing position on the pedals and lift up on the handlebars in a pulling motion; then push the handles forward when the bike begins to lift. The push forward will cause the back wheel to hop off the ground as well. The rear wheel should come up as high as the front wheel, and both should land back on the ground at the same time.

    Barhop

    • A barhop can be a dangerous and impressive trick, but the trick itself is still considered a simple one once you get the hang of it.
      Begin riding at a slightly higher than moderate speed. Since you will be leaving the pedals, you want to maintain enough speed coasting to keep the bike going for a bit while you are sitting on the handlebars.
      Once you reach the desired speed and have a straight, clear path in front of you, grasp the handlebars with each hand and hop your feet over the handlebars. Keep your feet flat, and be sure not to kick the handlebars or else there will be a nasty spill.
      Land your feet on the front-wheel pegs as you seat yourself on the front of the handlebars. You will now be able, with practice, to let the handlebars go and guide the bike around with your hips.

    Foot Jam Endo

    • The foot jam endo is an easy-to-learn trick that looks more difficult than it really is.
      Ride the bike at a slow to moderate speed, and jam the front tire by placing one foot between the fork of the chassis and the front tire. This action will cause the bike to come to a quick stop and the inertia will force the back end of the bike to lift off the ground as you stand up. Keep your foot still as the bike stands on its front end. After the stall-out, take your foot off the tire and place it back on the pedal. The rear tire will drop, and you can be on your way, according to Ugo.com.