BMX biking is a thrilling and unique sport that combines adventure and skill. It’s not just about riding a bike, it’s a combination of control, balance and style. If you’re a beginner and have been impressed by BMX tricks and jumps, then this article is for you!
BMX biking can seem a little intimidating at the beginning, but with a few basic tips and a little practice you can easily improve your skills. This sport can be challenging for beginners, but it’s also full of excitement and adrenaline. But the most important thing is that you understand the basics and learn things step-by-step so you can stay safe and confident. In this article, we will share with you 10 essential BMX tips that are perfect for beginners. These tips will teach you how to choose the right BMX bike and gear, master the basic stance and tricks, and build your balance and confidence.
Tip 1: Finding the Ideal BMX Bike and Protective Gear
The first and most important thing to start BMX biking is choosing the right BMX bike and gear. There are different types of BMX bikes available in the market – street, park, race, and dirt bikes. It depends on what type of riding you are interested in. Street BMX bikes are best for those who like to ride in urban areas, whereas park BMX is for people who want to practice tricks at skate parks and ramps. Dirt BMX bikes are for off-road and trails, and race BMX bikes are for speed and racing.
Along with the bike, safety gear is equally important. Wearing a helmet is a must, as BMX is a high-impact sport. Your first priority should be protecting your head. Gloves, knee and elbow pads are also worth investing in. These things help you build balance and confidence, especially if you’re a beginner.
The size of the bike also matters. Make sure the bike’s frame and handlebars are appropriate for your height and riding style so you can easily control it. With the right bike and proper gear, you’ll feel safe and confident, which will make your BMX learning experience even more enjoyable.
Tip 2: Master the Basic Riding Stance
It is very important to master the basic riding stance in BMX biking, as it improves your control and balance. A correct stance gives you stability and makes your moves smoother. It is important for beginners to learn this first so you can ride confidently and perform tricks with ease.
The basic stance requires you to be in a standing position on your pedals. Your knees should be slightly bent, and the weight should be distributed evenly to maintain your center of gravity. This means you are neither standing too straight nor bending too much, you have to maintain a balanced posture.
This stance allows you to move easily on the bike and handle sudden jerks or obstacles. Your arms should be relaxed and the grip tight, but do not over-grip – this will make your handling even better.
To practice the basic stance start on flat ground. Practice balance and small moves in this stance for a while so you feel comfortable. As your control improves, you can gradually try tricks and jumps.
Tip 3: Learn to Balance and Coast
Mastering balance and coasting is an essential skill in BMX biking, especially for beginners. Balance serves as the foundation for your overall riding and tricks. When you can confidently balance on the bike, you can easily try new maneuvers and jumps.
It’s important to first learn coasting, which is a technique where you stop pedaling and just ride at the momentum of the bike. To practice coasting, try a flat area or a slight downhill. Keep the pedals in a neutral position, distribute your weight evenly and let the bike coast smoothly. This will help you get to know the feel and control of the bike.
Try some exercises to improve balance, like riding a straight line or trying to stop in one place on the bike (also called a “track stand”). Focus on your balance while pedaling up a little and controlling the brakes. This will increase your control and confidence, which are needed for the tricks and obstacles on the next levels.
Tip 4: Practice Braking and Stopping Techniques
It is very important for beginners to master braking and stopping techniques in BMX biking, as this is essential for safety and control. BMX bikes usually only have rear brakes, and some bikes have no brakes at all, so you have to rely on your feet and body control as well.
First of all, practice rear brake control. When you apply the brakes, use slow and smooth pressure, try to avoid sudden or hard braking as this can impact balance and cause you to slip. Start on flat ground and practice at slow speeds so you can understand the responsiveness and timing of the brakes.
Having a practice of emergency breaks is also important. This involves applying the brakes with a little more force but shifting your body weight backwards so you don’t flip or skid forward. This skill is especially useful when you’re riding at higher speeds or facing obstacles.
If your bike is brake-less, practice stopping by lightly dragging your feet on the ground or controlling the rear tire. These techniques improve your balance and control and make you more confident in BMX riding.
Tip 5: Start with Basic Tricks: Bunny Hop and Manual
Learning the basic tricks in BMX biking is a fun and rewarding experience for beginners. There are two tricks every BMX rider should know – the bunny hop and the manual. These tricks improve your control, balance and overall skills and form the base for more advanced tricks.
Bunny Hop: The bunny hop is a trick where you lift the bike off the ground without ramps or jumps, using your body and handlebars. To learn it, first lift the front tire up by pulling on your handlebars, and then lift the rear tire by jumping with your feet and body. Practice lifting both tires off the ground in one smooth motion. Go for small jumps and then increase the height. This trick will help you a lot in crossing obstacles and landing on ramps.
Manual: Manual is a balancing trick in which you lift your front tire off the ground and balance the bike on the rear tire only. You do not have to pedal for this, just lift the front tire by shifting the body weight backwards. Balance and control are very important in this trick. Practice manual on a smooth surface and gradually try to hold this position for a longer time.
Tip 6: Build Confidence on Small Ramps and Obstacles
Building confidence on small ramps and obstacles is the next step for beginners in BMX biking. This practice improves your balance, control, and overall riding skills and prepares you for bigger challenges.
First, start with small ramps or slopes. Skate parks or BMX parks have beginner-friendly ramps that are perfect for practicing. To start, practice getting on and off the ramp slowly so you get a feel for the bike and the momentum. While riding on the ramps, keep shifting your body weight forward and backward so you can maintain control.
After that, try riding on small obstacles like wooden planks or low curbs. Balance and speed control are very important on these obstacles. Try on flat surfaces first and gradually increase the height and difficulty. Maintain a steady speed and focus while riding over obstacles and if necessary, you can also use your previously practiced bunny hop.
These exercises prepare you for rough terrains and uneven surfaces and boost your confidence. As your control and comfort level improve, you will be able to try bigger ramps and complex obstacles.
Tip 7: Learn Cornering and Turning Techniques
Learning cornering and turning techniques is also very important in BMX biking, especially when you have to face tight corners and sharp turns. These techniques improve your control and speed, and are very useful when racing or riding on trails.
Learn to adjust your body weight first when turning. Whenever you are making a turn, lean your weight slightly to the side and tilt the bike in the same direction. Keep your outer foot lower on the pedal and your inner foot slightly higher to maintain your balance. This will allow you to turn more smoothly and safely.
Speed control is also very important in cornering. Apply the brake lightly before entering the corner, and then regain control of the pedals as you exit the corner. Practicing this will improve your turning and cornering flow.
Tip 8: Get Familiar with Bike Maintenance Basics
BMX biking is only fun when your bike is well maintained. Understanding bike maintenance basics will help you a lot in the long term. If you do regular check-ups of your bike, not only will your rides be smooth, but safety will also be ensured.
First of all, it is important to check the tire pressure. It is important to keep BMX tires at the correct pressure, as if the pressure is low, the tire can get easily punctured and control may also be compromised. After every ride, inspect the brakes as well. Ensure that the rear brake is working properly and don’t forget to check the brake pads for wear and tear. If the brake response is slow, pad replacement may be needed.
Take care of the chain and gears too. It is important to grease the chain and protect it from rust. If the chain is loose, it can cause discomfort while handling the bike. Clean and lubricate the gears regularly to keep them shifting smoothly.
If you are having an issue with any part of the bike, do not forget to tighten the bolts and screws, especially those of the handlebar and seat post.
Tip 9: Practice Falling Safely and Embrace Mistakes
Falling safely and embracing mistakes is very important in BMX biking, as it is a sport where falling is a part of it. Every beginner will fall at some point, but if you fall correctly, injuries can be minimized.
First of all, it is very important to practice the falling technique. If you are falling, keep your arms and hands relaxed and don’t use them to protect your body. Use the rolling technique – When you are falling, roll your body and make contact with the ground to absorb the shock. This protects you from serious injuries.
Learning from mistakes is also very important. When you try a trick or maneuver and fail, instead of being afraid of it, try to understand the mistake. Every mistake makes you a better rider. You must understand that progress happens step-by-step and there is no need to be afraid of falling.
Tip 10: Join a BMX Community or Find a Mentor
Joining a BMX community or mentor can greatly accelerate your learning process. When you spend time with a BMX group or experienced rider, you get to learn new tips, tricks and techniques that you wouldn’t be able to figure out on your own.
First of all, start meeting new people by hanging out at local BMX groups or skateparks. There are also many online BMX communities these days where you can interact with other riders, exchange tips and track your progress. These communities can give you motivation and support when you feel like you’re a bit stuck or your progress is slow.
Your learning process can be even faster if you have the mentor of an experienced rider. The mentor will guide you step-by-step, point out your mistakes and teach you the correct techniques. From your mentor you can learn not only the theory of riding but also practical skills that will help you become a professional BMX rider.
Conclusion
BMX biking is an exciting and challenging sport that can only be mastered with practice and dedication. Top 10 BMX tips for beginners we’ve discussed in this article are aimed at helping you become a safe, confident, and skilled rider. Choosing the right bike and gear, mastering the basic riding stance, and focusing on skills like balance and coasting will give you a strong foundation. As you learn basic tricks like bunny hop and manual, you’ll boost your confidence and tackle ramps and obstacles with ease.
Every beginner is afraid of falling, but you have to learn to fall safely and embrace mistakes because this is part of your growth. And most importantly, joining a community or mentor gives you continuous opportunities to learn and improve.
The real fun of BMX biking is when you step out of your comfort zone, face new challenges, and push your limits. With regular practice and the right approach, you can achieve your goals in BMX biking. So, pick up your bike, implement the tips, and start your journey into the world of BMX!
