Why protection comes first
Freestyle riding involves balance on the edge of control, so falls are a normal part of learning. Protective gear does not stop you falling and does not make a risky trick safe. What it can do is reduce the chance or severity of some injuries. Treat it as one layer alongside sensible progression, a good bike and a safe place to ride.
This page is general information, not medical or engineering advice. Follow each product’s manufacturer instructions, and ask staff in a bike shop if you are unsure about fit.
Helmets
A helmet is the most important item. Points to consider:
- Fit. It should sit level on the head, snug but comfortable, with the straps adjusted so it does not shift when you shake your head. Manufacturer instructions explain how to set it up properly. See our notes on bike helmet fit tips for more.
- Type. Many freestyle riders use a helmet designed for skate or BMX use, often with more coverage at the back and sides than a road helmet. Whatever you choose, check that it is made for the kind of riding you do.
- Condition. Helmets are designed for a single serious impact. If you have taken a hard knock to the head or the helmet has been dropped hard, replace it. The same goes for visible cracks or damage. Our page on helmet replacement after impact goes into this. Manufacturers also usually set a recommended lifespan.
- Children. Make sure a child’s helmet is sized for the child, not bought to be grown into.
A full-face helmet offers extra protection for the face and jaw and is common for dirt and park riding. Whether you need one depends on the riding you do.
Pads, guards and gloves
- Knee and elbow pads. Common for park and street riding, where falls onto hard surfaces are likely. Look for a snug fit that stays in place when you move, and does not restrict your pedalling.
- Wrist guards. Falling onto an outstretched hand is a frequent way to injure a wrist, and some riders choose guards for this reason.
- Shin guards. Useful if you use pegs or flat pedals with pins, where a slipped foot can scrape the lower leg.
- Gloves. They protect palms in falls and help with grip. Look for a pair that fit without bunching.
- Other protection. Some riders wear padded shorts, back protectors or neck braces for higher-risk riding. These are specialist items, and advice from a shop or instructor is worth getting.
Comfort matters, because gear that is uncomfortable tends to end up in a bag. Try items on before buying where possible. Our guide to choosing protective gear for bike skills covers how to think about this.
Shoes
Flat pedals are the norm for freestyle, so shoes need good grip. Flat, closed-toe shoes with a firm sole and enough grip tread to hold the pedal pins are common choices. Avoid sandals, loose laces and shoes with very soft soles. For beginners, strapped or clip-in pedals are generally not recommended, because being attached to the bike can make falls worse.
Clothing
Close-fitting layers keep fabric from catching in the chain or on parts of the bike. Long sleeves and trousers give some protection from scrapes, and are worth wearing when pads do not cover your limbs. Wear clothes you can move freely in.
Learning to fall more safely
You will fall, so it is worth practising how. No technique is risk-free, but a few general principles are commonly taught:
- Try to stay relaxed rather than stiff. Locked arms can transfer force into wrists and shoulders.
- Tuck your chin and protect your head.
- Where you can, let go of the bike and roll or slide rather than stopping abruptly.
- Avoid putting a hand down to catch yourself on a hard surface.
Practising on grass or other soft ground at very low speed is a gentle way to get used to the idea, as the page on how to practise falling on soft ground describes. Learning to bail out of a trick safely is also helpful, because deciding to abort early is often better than committing to a bad attempt.
After any fall, check yourself first. If you hit your head or feel unwell, stop riding and get medical advice. Then inspect the bike, because a bent part can cause the next crash. A post-crash bike check looks at the bars, forks, wheels and brakes.
Checking the bike before each session
Freestyle puts heavy loads on parts, so a short routine is worth building into every session. A reasonable order is:
- Tyres. Look for cuts and check that they are firm. Follow the pressure range on the tyre sidewall.
- Brakes. Squeeze the levers and make sure the bike slows when pushed. Never practise with brakes you do not trust.
- Bars and stem. Hold the front wheel between your knees and twist the bars gently. Nothing should move.
- Wheels and axles. Check that the wheels are secure and spin freely. Quick releases and axle nuts should be tight, per the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Cranks and pedals. Look for loose or wobbly parts.
- Chain. It should be clean and in place, not rusty.
- A bounce test. Lift the bike a little and drop it on its wheels; listen for rattles that suggest something is loose.
If anything looks wrong, fix it or take it to a bike shop before riding. Cracks, bends or damaged forks and frames are a reason to stop riding the bike entirely until a professional has looked at it.
Gear is not a licence to go further
Padding can create a false sense of security. Tricks like flips and tailwhips remain for trained riders at skills parks with qualified instruction, whatever you are wearing. Keep to small steps in a flat, traffic-free place, and increase difficulty slowly. No equipment guarantees you will avoid injury.