10 Cool Bike Tricks to Master

1. Tabletop

Alright, let’s talk about the Tabletop. This is one of those foundational tricks that looks super cool but is actually pretty achievable once you get the hang of it. Basically, you’re lifting your bike up so that both wheels are off the ground, and then you’re holding it there, parallel to the ground. Think of it like balancing your bike on a table, hence the name. It takes a good amount of balance and core strength, but it’s a great way to get comfortable with controlling your bike in the air.

To get started, you’ll want to find a flat, open space. A grassy area can be good for beginners because it softens any falls. First, get a little momentum going, maybe a slow walking pace. Then, you’ll want to pull up on your handlebars while pushing down with your pedals simultaneously. It’s a coordinated push and pull. The goal is to get both wheels off the ground and find that sweet spot where the bike feels balanced in the air.

Here’s a breakdown of how to approach it:

• Find your balance point: This is key. You’re looking for the spot where the bike stays level without you having to constantly adjust. It’s a feeling you’ll develop with practice.
• Use your body: Shift your weight around. Lean back slightly to keep the front wheel up, and use your legs to keep the rear wheel from dropping too fast. It’s a constant, subtle adjustment.
• Practice makes perfect: Don’t get discouraged if you can’t hold it for long at first. Even a second or two is progress. Try to extend that time gradually. You might find that focusing on keeping your body relaxed helps a lot.

It’s also helpful to think about your body position. Keep your arms slightly bent, not locked straight. This gives you more control and shock absorption. Your legs should be engaged, ready to make those small adjustments. Remember, this trick is all about finding that equilibrium. It might take a few tries, or maybe a few dozen, but that feeling when you finally nail it is totally worth it. It’s a great way to improve your overall bike control, which helps with pretty much every other trick out there. Plus, it just looks awesome. You might want to check out some tips on foam rolling for cyclists to help with any muscle soreness as you practice this and other moves.

2. Bunny Hop

The bunny hop is a fundamental bike trick that lets you lift both wheels off the ground simultaneously. It’s super useful for getting over obstacles like curbs, roots, or small logs without having to stop. Think of it as a way to float your bike over things. It takes a bit of practice, but once you get it, it feels really natural and opens up a lot of possibilities for riding.

How to Bunny Hop

Getting the bunny hop down involves a few key movements that work together. You’ll want to start with some rolling speed, not too fast, just enough to get a little momentum. Then, you kind of compress your body down, bending your arms and knees, almost like you’re getting ready to jump. The real magic happens when you explode upwards with your arms and legs at the same time. This upward burst is what gets the bike off the ground. The timing of this explosive movement is what makes the bunny hop work.

Here’s a breakdown of the steps:

• Prepare: Roll forward at a comfortable speed. Bend your elbows and knees, lowering your body slightly. This preps you for the upward motion.
• Lift the Front: As you start to move upwards, pull back on the handlebars and bring your feet up towards the pedals. This lifts the front wheel off the ground, similar to starting a wheelie.
• Lift the Rear: Once the front wheel is up, shift your weight forward and push the handlebars forward while continuing to pull your legs up. This action lifts the rear wheel off the ground, bringing it up to meet the front.
• Landing: As you come back down, extend your legs and arms slightly to absorb the impact. Try to land both wheels at the same time, keeping your weight centered. Avoid grabbing your brakes right as you land.

It’s a good idea to practice on something small first, like a painted line on the ground or a very small stick. Once you’re comfortable, you can try hopping over slightly bigger things. Learning how to bunny hop is a game-changer for riding.

3. Wheelie

Alright, let’s talk about the wheelie. This is one of those tricks that just looks so cool, right? Getting that front wheel up and cruising on just the back one. It takes some practice, but it’s totally doable. First off, you need to find the right gear. For most bikes, a lower gear, like second or third, is a good starting point. If you’re on a single-speed or a fixed-gear bike, first or second gear is usually the way to go. You can try doing them standing up, which can make it a bit easier to get the front end up, but it might be harder to hold for a long time. For longer wheelies, sitting down is generally better. So, get moving at a slow pace. When you feel ready, pedal hard while pulling up on the handlebars and leaning back a little. If you’re standing and go too high, just hop off onto your feet. If you’re struggling to lift the front wheel, try a lower gear and focus on your timing. You need to combine that hard pedal stroke with leaning back and pulling up on the bars. Don’t let your front wheel drift too far to the side, or you might get thrown off when you land. It’s all about balance and control, so keep practicing!

4. 180/360 Spin

Alright, let’s talk about the 180 and 360 spins. These are pretty classic BMX moves, and they really show off your ability to rotate your whole body and bike in the air. A 180 is a half-turn, and a 360 is a full circle. Doing either of these smoothly looks super impressive.

To get started, you need a decent amount of speed and a solid, balanced posture. As you approach your jump or ramp, start thinking about initiating the spin. This is where your shoulders and hips come into play. You’ll want to use them to get the rotation going. Then, as you pop off the ground, do a bunny hop while simultaneously twisting your body and the bike. Keep your eyes focused on where you want to go – looking through the rotation helps a lot with landing smoothly. It takes practice, but once you nail it, it feels amazing.

For a little extra flair, you could try adding a tweak, like a table or a bar grab, while you’re in the air. Landing with your rear wheel just a bit before your front wheel can also give it a nice, flowing finish. It’s all about making the trick your own and showing off your style. If you’re looking to improve your aerial control, practicing the 180 nose drop can be a good stepping stone.

5. Peg Grind

Alright, let’s talk about the peg grind. This is where you use those little foot peg extensions on your bike to slide along rails or ledges. It looks super cool, and honestly, it’s a great way to get a feel for balancing your bike on something other than the ground. The double peg grind, where you get both pegs on the obstacle, is a classic for a reason. It really helps you build up that control and balance you need for other tricks.

So, how do you actually do it? First off, you need to approach whatever you’re grinding on – a rail, a ledge, whatever – at a decent speed. Don’t go too slow, or you won’t have enough momentum. You want to be going pretty straight too. Then, you do a bunny hop, just like you would to get over something, but instead of clearing it, you aim to land with both your pegs on top of the rail or ledge. While you’re sliding, try to keep your weight shifted a little bit forward. This helps keep you stable. When you get to the end of the obstacle, you’ll want to be ready to land, usually with your back wheel touching down first.

Want to add some flair? Try exiting the grind in a fakie (riding backward) or transitioning straight into a manual. That kind of stuff makes it look really smooth and shows you’ve got the whole sequence down. Mastering hands-free cycling involves shifting your weight back, engaging your core for stability, and keeping your gaze forward. Start by practicing one-handed riding, then progress to lifting both hands. Continuous pedaling maintains momentum, crucial for balance. Trust your body and practice consistently to build confidence and control your bike with your core and hips.

6. Fakie

Riding fakie, or backwards, is a pretty fundamental skill in BMX, and honestly, it’s not as scary as it sounds. It’s super useful for linking tricks together, like when you do a half-cab out of a fakie manual. You’ll be surprised how often you end up rolling backward after a trick or dropping off something, so knowing how to handle it is key.

So, how do you actually do it? Well, after you’ve done a trick or come off an obstacle and you’re rolling backward, the main thing is to keep your balance. Try to look forward, even though you’re going the other way. You can use backpedaling to help control your speed. When you’re ready to go forward again, you’ll do a ‘half-cab,’ which is basically a 180-degree turn to get you rolling the right way. Practicing riding backwards towards a wall can help you get the feel for it. Let the wall stop your front wheel, lean forward to lift the back wheel, and then push off. This momentum will send you backward, and you can pedal in reverse to stay balanced. It’s all about getting comfortable with the backward motion.

Here are a few tips to help you nail the fakie:

• Look ahead: Keep your eyes focused in the direction you want to go, not down at your feet.
• Control your speed: Use gentle backpedaling to slow down or speed up.
• Practice the half-cab: This is the move that gets you back to riding forward smoothly.

Style Tip: If you really want to impress, try holding the fakie for a bit longer before you half-cab. It shows you’ve got total control and confidence on your bike. It’s a great way to improve your cycling fitness and overall bike handling skills.

7. Trackstand

So, you want to stop without putting your feet down? That’s the trackstand for you. It’s a pretty neat trick that makes you look like you’ve got total control over your bike, even when you’re just hanging out. It’s not super easy at first, but with some practice, you’ll get the hang of it.

How to Do a Trackstand

First off, find a spot that’s not too busy. A slight uphill slope can actually help you out when you’re starting. You want to roll up to a slow stop, then stand up out of your saddle. Get your pedals level, like you’re about to start pedaling. Now, here’s the tricky part: turn your handlebars just a little bit. This is what helps you keep your balance. You’ll also want to gently push down on the pedal that’s in front. If you feel yourself rolling back too much, a light touch on your back brake can help. Don’t worry about staying perfectly still right away. It’s actually better to practice rocking back and forth a little. This movement is key to finding your balance and staying upright. Think of it like a slow-motion dance with your bike. For more tips, check out our full guide on how to do a trackstand.

Tips for Success

• Find the right spot: A slight incline makes it easier to start. A smooth, flat surface is also good for practicing balance.
• Use your body: Standing up and shifting your weight is important. Don’t be afraid to move around on the bike.
• Gentle movements: Small adjustments to the handlebars and pedals are better than big, jerky movements. Feathering the brakes can also help you maintain balance.
• Practice makes perfect: Like any skill, the more you practice the trackstand, the better you’ll get at holding it for longer periods.

8. Manual

Alright, let’s talk about the manual. This is one of those tricks that looks super simple when someone else does it, but man, it takes some practice to get right. Think of it like a wheelie, but without pedaling. You’re basically balancing on your back wheel, using your body weight to keep it up. It’s all about finding that sweet spot where the bike feels balanced.

To get started, you want to have some decent speed, but not so much that you get freaked out. Stand up on your pedals, with your feet level. Then, you’re going to kind of compress your weight down, like you’re getting ready to jump, but instead, you push through your pedals with your heels down. At the same time, you’re going to push your hips back. This is what lifts the front wheel. The key is to keep your arms straight and your chest somewhat parallel to the top tube of your bike frame. It might only come up a little bit at first, and that’s totally fine. Just keep trying. Riding down a very gentle slope can actually help you get the feel for it. The goal is to hold it for as long as you can, and that balance point will come with time. It’s a great way to improve your overall bike control and feel. Mastering the Bunny Hop first can really help with the body control needed for this trick.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the steps:

• Get a comfortable rolling speed.
• Stand up on the pedals, feet level.
• Compress your weight down.
• Push through the pedals with heels down while sending your hips back.
• Keep arms straight and chest parallel to the top tube.
• Adjust your hips forward or backward to maintain balance.

9. No-Footed Can Can

Alright, let’s talk about the No-Footed Can Can. This trick is pretty wild, and honestly, it looks way cooler than it feels when you’re first learning it. Basically, you’re in the air, and you swing one leg over the bike’s top tube, then back to the pedal. It’s a move that really shows off your confidence and control when you’re airborne. Plus, it’s a good stepping stone if you want to get into more complicated tricks that involve taking your feet off the pedals. You’ll start to get a better feel for how the bike moves when you’re not actively holding on with both feet, which is super important for air awareness and timing.

Here’s a breakdown of why people dig this trick:

• It looks awesome: Let’s be real, seeing someone swing a leg over their bike mid-air is just plain cool. It adds a lot of visual flair to your jumps.
• Builds air sense: You have to really feel the bike and know where it is in the air to pull this off without messing up your balance. It helps you get more comfortable with being off-balance.
• Gateway trick: Once you nail this, you can start thinking about other tricks where you take your feet off or do other body movements while flying. It’s a solid foundation.

Getting the timing right is the main challenge here. You need to get the leg swing coordinated with the jump itself. It’s not something you’ll probably get on the first try, but stick with it. Practicing things like proper bike maintenance can help ensure your bike is in good shape for learning new tricks.

10. Bar Spin

The bar spin is a pretty wild trick where you actually let go of your handlebars and spin them around the steering column while you’re in the air. It sounds crazy, and honestly, it kind of is when you first try it. You’re basically letting the bike do its own thing for a second while you’re still attached to it. It’s a real crowd-pleaser and definitely shows you’ve got some serious air time skills.

How to Do a Bar Spin

Getting this one dialed takes practice, for sure. You’ll want to start with a decent jump or ramp that gives you enough air time. As you leave the lip, you need to get a good feel for the bike’s balance. Then, you’ll push one handlebar away from you, letting it spin forward. The key is to keep your body centered over the bike. Once the bar has spun around, you reach out and grab it again. It’s a bit like catching a frisbee, but way more intense.

Tips for Success

• Start Small: Don’t try to go for a full 360 bar spin right away. Get comfortable just spinning the bar 180 degrees first.
• Commit: Hesitation is your enemy here. Once you push the bar, you’ve got to commit to the grab.
• Practice Your Grab: Make sure you can grab the bar smoothly without messing up your bike’s balance.
• Watch Others: Seeing how experienced riders do it can give you a better idea of the timing and body movements involved. It’s a great way to learn about spin class techniques.

Common Mistakes

• Letting Go Too Early: If you push the bar before you’re truly airborne, you’ll lose control.
• Not Committing to the Grab: If you hesitate to grab the bar back, you’ll likely end up bailing.
• Losing Balance: Trying to spin the bar too fast or not keeping your body centered can throw you off balance.

Keep Practicing and Have Fun!

So, you’ve learned about some cool bike tricks. It takes practice, for sure. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t nail them right away. Remember to wear your safety gear, find a good spot to practice, and keep those sessions short and sweet. The most important thing is to enjoy the ride and have fun with it. As you get better, you’ll find your own style and maybe even come up with your own moves. Happy riding!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best ways to start learning bike tricks?

Start by practicing in a safe, open area. Always wear a helmet and protective gear. Begin with easier tricks like the bunny hop and gradually work your way up to more complex ones. Short, regular practice sessions help you improve faster.

Can I learn these tricks on any type of bike?

Yes, many basic tricks like wheelies, bunny hops, and trackstands can be learned on most types of bikes, including mountain bikes, BMX bikes, and even some road bikes. However, some tricks are easier on bikes designed for tricks.

What safety precautions should I take when learning new tricks?

It’s important to wear safety gear like a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads. Practicing in an open space, away from traffic and obstacles, is also crucial to minimize the risk of injury if you fall.

Should I learn basic tricks before trying advanced ones?

Focus on mastering the basics first. Tricks like the bunny hop and wheelie build essential skills. Once you can do those smoothly, you’ll find it easier to learn more advanced moves like spins or grinds.

How long does it usually take to master a bike trick?

Consistency is key! Practice regularly, even if it’s just for a short time each day. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get a trick right away. Keep trying, and celebrate small improvements along the way.

What is ‘style’ in bike tricks, and how can I add it?

Style makes tricks look cooler and shows your personality. You can develop style by practicing tricks smoothly, adding small variations like head turns or subtle movements, and combining different tricks together.