Get Ready to Shred: BMX Bike Tricks for Beginners

BMX biking is an exhilarating and fun activity that involves performing tricks and stunts on a specially designed bike.

It not only helps improve your balance and coordination but also gives you a sense of thrill and excitement.

Ethan StreetStyler says that, “Grinding on rails and ledges adds a street-style edge to BMX. It’s about finding creative lines and executing smooth slides. It’s technical, challenging, and adds that extra element of style to your riding.”

If you’re new to BMX biking and looking to get started with some beginner-level tricks, then this guide is perfect for you.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at some basic BMX bike tricks, along with some intermediate and advanced tricks that you can aspire to learn.

We’ll also provide you with some essential safety tips to ensure that you practice BMX biking safely and enjoyably. So, let’s get started and explore the world of BMX bike tricks for beginners!

Definition of BMX bikes 

BMX bikes are small, sturdy bicycles that are designed for performing tricks and stunts.

The term “BMX” stands for Bicycle Motocross, as these bikes were developed in the 1970s for racing on dirt tracks similar to motocross.

Today, BMX bikes are used not only for racing but also for performing tricks and stunts. Both on the street and in specially designed skate parks.

They have 20-inch wheels, a small frame, and strong components designed to withstand the rigors of BMX riding.

Overview of the guide and its purpose

This guide is designed to provide an overview of BMX bike tricks for beginners.

My goal is to help the readers develop the skills and techniques needed to perform basic BMX tricks.

The guide is divided into several sections, each focusing on a different aspect of BMX biking.

The guide will start by providing a brief introduction to BMX bikes, including their history and design.

It will then move on to cover some basic BMX bike tricks that are suitable for beginners, such as riding stance, balancing, bunny hops, manuals, wheelies, and fakies.

After that, the guide will cover some intermediate-level BMX tricks. It allows 180-degree turns, 360-degree turns, barspins, tail whips, and grinds.

Finally, the guide will touch on some advanced BMX tricks, such as backflips, front flips, flairs, double barspins, and supermans.

Throughout the guide, safety tips and recommendations will be included to help ensure that readers stay safe while practicing BMX bike tricks.

By the end of the guide, readers should have a good understanding of some basic BMX bike tricks and techniques, along with the necessary safety precautions to practice them safely.

Basic BMX Bike Tricks for Beginners

If you’re just starting out with BMX biking, it’s important to focus on developing the foundational skills that will form the basis for more advanced tricks in the future.

Here are some basic BMX bike tricks that are perfect for beginners:

Riding stance

Before you start practicing any tricks, it’s important to get comfortable with your riding stance. 

This means positioning your feet properly on the pedals, keeping your body centered over the bike, and keeping your head up and eyes focused ahead.

Balancing on the bike  

Balance is key to performing any trick on a BMX bike. Practice balancing by riding slowly in a straight line, and then gradually increasing your speed as you get more comfortable.

Bunny hop

A bunny hop involves lifting both wheels of the bike off the ground at the same time. To do this, crouch down and then jump up, pulling the handlebars up with you. As you jump, push down on the pedals to help lift the bike off the ground.

Manual

A manual is similar to a wheelie. But instead of lifting the front wheel off the ground, you lift the back wheel. 

To do this, lean back and shift your weight towards the rear of the bike, keeping your arms straight and your eyes focused ahead.

Wheelie

A wheelie involves lifting the front wheel of the bike off the ground and balancing on the rear wheel. 

To do this, pedal forward and then pull up on the handlebars, shifting your weight back to balance on the rear wheel.

Fakie

A fakie is when you ride backward on the bike. To do this, pedal forward and then brake. Shifting your weight back and keeping your eyes focused behind you.

Intermediate BMX Bike Tricks

If you’ve been practicing basic BMX bike tricks and are ready to take your skills to the next level, here are some intermediate tricks to try:

360

A 360 is a trick where you spin your bike 360 degrees in the air. To do this trick, approach a jump or ramp at a moderate speed.

As you go up the ramp, turn your head and shoulders to the side and spin the handlebars.

Once you’ve completed the spin, bring your head and shoulders back to the center and prepare for landing.

Tailwhip

A tailwhip involves spinning the back end of your bike around while in the air.

To do this trick, approach a ramp or jump at a moderate speed, and as you go up the ramp, kick your foot off the pedal and spin the bike around with your other foot.

Once the bike has completed the spin, bring your foot back onto the pedal and prepare for landing.

Tabletop

A tabletop is a trick where you level your bike out in the air, parallel to the ground.

Approach a jump or ramp at a steady speed to perform this trick, then level out the bike and kick your feet out to the sides as you ascend the ramp.

Hold the tabletop for a moment before bringing your feet back onto the pedals and preparing for landing.

X-up

An X-up is a trick where you cross your arms in an “X” shape while in the air.

To perform this move, move up a ramp or jump at a medium speed while crossing your arms in front of your torso, one arm over the other. Before uncrossing your arms and getting ready to land, hold the X position for a time.

No-handed 180

A no-handed 180 involves spinning your bike 180 degrees while removing your hands from the handlebars.

Approach a ramp or jump at a steady speed to perform this feat, then ascend the ramp.

Pull your hands from the handlebars and turn the bike 180 degrees. Reposition your hands on the handlebars and get ready to land when the bike has finished spinning.

Advanced BMX Bike Tricks 

Here are some advanced BMX bike tricks to take into consideration if you’ve been practicing BMX bike stunts for some time and want to develop your abilities:

Backflip

A backflip involves flipping the bike backward while in the air.

To do this, approach a ramp or jump at a high speed, and then lean back and pull up on the handlebars as you reach the top.

Kick your legs out and let the bike flip backward as you tuck your head towards your chest, and then extend your legs to land.

Front flip

A front flip is similar to a backflip, but instead of flipping backward, you flip forward.

Approach a ramp or jump at a high speed, lean forward, and pull up on the handlebars.

Then tuck your head towards your chest, and kick your legs out as you reach the top of the jump. Extend your legs to land.

Flair

A flair involves flipping the bike 180 degrees while also performing a backflip.

To do this, ride fast up to a quarter-pipe ramp, lean back, and pull up on the handlebars as you reach the top.

Begin flipping backward as you approach the ramp’s lip, and then twist the bike 180 degrees as you flip.

Double barspin

A double barspin involves spinning the handlebars around twice while in the air. Approach a jump or ramp at a high speed, and then throw the bars around twice as you jump.

Superman

A superman involves extending your body out horizontally in the air while holding onto the handlebars.

Approach the ramp or leap, throw your body forward as you jump, and extend your arms and legs behind you while hanging on to the handlebars to do this.

Safety Tips 

Bmx biking may be a thrilling and enjoyable sport. But it’s important to prioritize safety when practicing tricks. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

• Always wear a helmet, gloves, and other protective gear such as knee and elbow pads. This will help protect you from injury if you fall or crash.
• Avoid attempting stunts that are too difficult for you to master. Start with basic tricks and work your way up. Giving yourself time to master each skill before moving on to more advanced tricks.
• Choose a safe location to practice, such as a skatepark or BMX track. Avoid practicing tricks on public streets or other areas where you may be at risk of colliding with cars or pedestrians.
• Before practicing any tricks, check your bike to make sure it’s in good working condition. Check the brakes, tires, and other components to make sure everything is functioning.
• Riding with a friend or group can be more fun and can also provide an extra layer of safety. Make sure to communicate with your riding partner and establish clear boundaries when practicing tricks.
• Avoid distractions and stay focused on the task at hand when practicing tricks. Keep your eyes on the road or ramp, and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Final Thought

BMX bike tricks can be a thrilling and exciting activity for riders of all skill levels.

Whether you’re just starting out or you’re an experienced rider looking to learn more advanced tricks, it’s important to prioritize safety and take the necessary precautions to prevent injury.

By following the tips and tricks outlined in this guide, you can improve your skills, learn new tricks, and have a fun and rewarding experience on your BMX bike.

Remember to always wear protective gear. You must exercise in a secure setting. 

Never attempt anything that feels beyond your skill level or comfort zone.

With dedication and practice, you can master BMX bike tricks and take your riding to the next level. So grab your bike, hit the ramps, and have fun!