Here we will provide you with an easy-to-follow introduction to the rules of BMX freestyle. We’ll delve into its fascinating history, the different types of bikes and run down of tricks practised by BMX freestyle enthusiasts. So, gear up and get ready to discover the thrilling world of BMX freestyle!
Types of BMXing
There are three major types of BMX done around the world. These include:
BMX Racing: In BMX racing, riders compete on a dirt track filled with jumps, banked turns, and other obstacles. The objective is to complete the track as quickly as possible.
BMX Freestyle: In BMX Freestyle, riders perform tricks and stunts on a specially designed park or street course. Points are awarded for creativity, difficulty, and execution.
BMX Vert: In BMX Vert, riders perform tricks and stunts on a halfpipe ramp. Points are awarded for height, difficulty, and execution.
This article will focus purely on BMX Freestyle, but if you want to know more about any others, follow the links on each paragraph!
BMX Freestyle Explained Simply!
BMX freestyle is one of the most popular disciplines of BMX. Riders perform a variety of tricks and stunts on specially designed park or street courses. These courses typically include ramps, quarter pipes, rails, and other obstacles. These allow riders to perform aerial manoeuvres and technical tricks. BMX freestyle is judged based on the creativity, difficulty, and execution of the rider’s tricks. The judges score rider’s runs and the person with the highest score wins!
There are several categories of BMX freestyle, including park, street, dirt, and flatland. Each category has its own unique set of obstacles and requires different skills and techniques. For example, park riding involves performing tricks on ramps and other features while street riding is focused on grinding rails and other urban obstacles.
History of BMX Freestyle
BMX, short for Bicycle Motocross, originated in the late 1960s and early 1970s in Southern California, United States. Initially, it was a racing sport that emulated motocross, using modified bicycles for off-road competitions. Over time, riders began experimenting with new tricks and stunts, transforming BMX into a freestyle discipline. The birth of BMX freestyle can be attributed to a group of riders known as “The Bicycle Stuntmen” who performed daring tricks and jumps at various events and shows.
In the 1980s, BMX freestyle gained mainstream attention with the formation of dedicated freestyle BMX teams and the advent of professional competitions. The sport’s popularity skyrocketed, and it became a global phenomenon, captivating audiences with its high-flying acrobatics and technical manoeuvres. Today, BMX freestyle is recognised as an official discipline and has been featured in prestigious events like the X Games and the Olympic Games.
The Union Cyclist Internationale (UCI), formed in 1900, is the International governing body for all cycling sports and oversees international competition.
Types of BMX Bikes
BMX freestyle requires specialised bikes designed to withstand the demands of high-impact tricks and jumps. These bikes are built for durability, agility, and manoeuvrability.
Here are the three main types of BMX bikes used in freestyle:
Park BMX Bikes: Park bikes are specifically designed for skatepark riding. They have a lightweight frame, shorter wheelbase, and steeper head tube angle. This allows for quick handling and increased manoeuvrability on ramps, bowls, and street obstacles. Park bikes often feature a gyro system, which enables the handlebars to rotate freely without tangling the brake cables, facilitating complex bar spins and tail whips.
Street BMX Bikes: Street bikes are designed for urban riding, emphasising durability and versatility. They feature a stronger, slightly heavier frame to withstand the rigors of street tricks, and jumps. Street bikes often have pegs attached to the axles, which allow riders to perform grinding manoeuvres on ledges, rails, and other surfaces.
Dirt Jump BMX Bikes: Dirt jump bikes are tailored for flying through the air and landing on dirt jumps and trails. They are characterised by a robust frame, longer wheelbase, and a more relaxed head tube angle for stability during jumps. Dirt jump bikes typically have a rear brake only or no brakes at all. Stopping power is not a main concern in this discipline.
Don’t forget! If you want to have a go at freestyle, a helmet is vital and lifesaving. Check out one we recommend here!
Freestyle competitions
Scoring in BMX freestyle is typically based on a point system. Judges award points for each trick based on its difficulty, execution, and style. Each judge will score the rider out of a maximum number of points, and the scores are then averaged to determine the rider’s overall score for the run.
In addition to the tricks themselves, judges will also consider the rider’s flow, creativity, and overall style. A rider who can link together several difficult tricks in a smooth and creative way will generally score higher than a rider who performs a few big tricks but has a disjointed and awkward run.
The rider with the highest overall score at the end of the competition is the winner.
Popular BMX freestyle tricks include:
Tail whip: A trick where the rider kicks the back end of the bike around 360 degrees while in the air.
Bar spin: A trick where the rider spins the handlebars 360 degrees while in the air.
Flair: A trick where the rider performs a backflip while rotating 180 degrees.
360: A trick where the rider spins 360 degrees while in the air.
Manual: A trick where the rider balances on the back wheel of the bike while riding without pedaling. (Commonly referred to as a wheelie)
Grind: A trick where the rider slides along an obstacle, such as a rail or ledge, with the pegs or wheels of the bike.
These are only a few of the tricks performed in freestyle BMX. As you delve deeper into this captivating sport, you’ll discover an array of tricks, styles, and disciplines that push the boundaries of what’s possible on two wheels.
With its rich history and diverse bike types, BMX freestyle offers a thrilling experience for riders and spectators alike. So, whether you’re seeking an adrenaline rush or a new form of self-expression, BMX freestyle is sure to captivate your imagination and ignite your passion for extreme sports.
Found this helpful? Check out the other BMX disciplines and our full range of sports at our A-Z.
