Why BMX bikes suit tricks
Most trick riding is done on BMX bikes, and for good reasons. The design choices all push in the same direction: small, strong and easy to throw around.
- Compact frame and small wheels. A short frame with small wheels keeps the bike light to handle and close to the rider, which helps with balance moves and lifting the bike.
- Strength. Frames and parts are built to take repeated hard landings and knocks.
- Simple controls. A single gear and few extras mean fewer things to snag, bend or go wrong.
- Upright, roomy riding position. Wide handlebars and a low saddle give room to move your body around the bike.
None of this makes a BMX a safe bike for tricks. It is simply well matched to them. Helmets, pads, gloves and sturdy shoes remain important, and tricks are best learned in small steps in a flat, traffic-free place.
Choosing a size
Fit matters more on a trick bike than many beginners expect, because you will move around it constantly. Frames and bars are made in several sizes, usually described by the length of the top tube. A rider who is a good fit can stand over the bike, reach the bars with a slight bend in the elbows and move forwards and back without feeling cramped.
Too small a bike feels twitchy and puts the knees close to the bars. Too large a bike is heavy to lift and harder to control. Rather than rely on a number, try a few bikes in a shop if you can and ask the staff, or a qualified fitter, for advice. Our pages on frame size choice and on bike size for freestyle tricks go into this further.
Children grow quickly, so check fit regularly and avoid buying a bike far too big to grow into, since that often makes learning harder.
Pegs
Pegs are short metal or plastic cylinders that bolt onto the axles. Riders stand on them or slide along ledges and rails. They are useful for grinds and some balance tricks, but they are not essential for a beginner.
Points to keep in mind:
- Pegs add weight and can catch your shin or calf. Many riders start without them.
- They must be fitted securely, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions and have a bike shop check your work if you are unsure.
- Grinding is usually done at skateparks or designated spots. Pegs can damage private property and surfaces, so check where it is allowed.
Gyros and brakes
Many BMX bikes used for tricks have a gyro, sometimes called a detangler. It is a part at the headset that lets the handlebars spin freely beyond a full turn without twisting the brake cable. This matters for tricks where the bars rotate, but a beginner who is not doing bar spins does not need one.
On brakes, a rear brake is common on BMX bikes, and some riders run front and rear. Some freestyle riders choose to remove brakes completely, but that is a choice for experienced riders in controlled places such as a skatepark. It is not appropriate on public roads, where it is unsafe and often illegal. For beginners, keeping a working rear brake, and a front one if the bike has it, gives you a way to control speed.
Brake setup depends on the parts on your bike. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and take it to a bike shop for adjustments and repairs.
Other setup details
- Tyres. Pressure and tread affect grip and feel. Follow the figure printed on the tyre sidewall, and avoid guessing.
- Pedals. Flat pedals with grip are standard. Strapped or clipless pedals are not usually recommended when learning, because a foot stuck to the pedal can make falls worse.
- Bars and grips. Check that grips do not slide and bar ends are capped.
- Bolts. Because of the knocks, check axle nuts, stem bolts and bar clamps often. A quick pre-session check helps, as described in our bounce test explanation.
First tricks riders usually learn
Learn the basics first: pedalling, braking, steering and keeping an eye on where you are going. Then, in a flat, safe place and with protection on:
- Rolling and balancing at low speed. Slow-speed riding is a base for everything else.
- A track stand. Balancing while almost stationary trains the fine control used in many tricks.
- A small bunny hop. Lifting both wheels a little off the ground, building up from tiny heights. The idea behind bunny hop basics is to get the front up first and the rear second. Practise over nothing before any obstacle.
- Simple turns and pivots. Controlled circles and tight turns at low speed.
- A manual or wheelie attempt, with care. Both involve lifting the front wheel and a risk of falling backwards. Learn them gradually with instruction if you can, and keep pads on.
Tricks like tailwhips, backflips and spins in the air are for trained riders at skills parks with qualified instruction. They should not be attempted from a description.
Looking after the bike
Hard use shows quickly on a BMX. Wipe it down, keep the chain tight and clean, and look for cracks, bends or loose parts after hard impacts. If you notice anything bent, stop riding and have a shop inspect it. Fitting a bike properly and keeping it in good condition are two of the most helpful things you can do for safe progress.
Every rider learns at their own pace, and no setup guarantees success or a fall-free session.