Mindful BMX

It’s after Christmas, and maybe you got a new BMX and don’t know what to do now. You could get into flatland BMX and discover a whole world of possibility right outside your front door, provided it is dry.

What is flatland BMX?

Flatland BMX is a unique and specialised discipline within the broader world of BMX (Bicycle Motocross) riding. Unlike other forms of BMX, which often involve jumps, ramps, and obstacles, flatland BMX only needs flat, smooth surfaces, such as parking lots, streets, or specially designed flatland riding areas. Riders perform various intricate and highly technical tricks and manoeuvres, showcasing their bike-handling skills, balance, and creativity.

What parts do I need?

Simply put, a bike. The secret to flatland is balance; as soon as you have a bike, you can practice balance. Then you can get pegs and then add a freecoaster (what is a freecoaster is, at the bottom of this article). You don’t need to rush out and buy pegs and a new rear wheel immediately, although many BMXs will now come out the box with a freecoaster and a set of pegs.

On your first day on a BMX, you are better served by just going for a cruise on your bike and getting used to it. Understand how your BMX reacts to your turning, how to stop it, and how to control it. Once you have all these basics, then it is time to start learning tricks.

First tricks

The first tricks are all about getting you comfortable on the bike and will also help if you want to get into street, dirt, or park later.

The first trick is a one-footer. Ride along at a medium pace and lift whichever foot you want to the side. Now, try to do the other foot. Then, finally, take both feet off.

The next trick step is a one-hander. Take your hand off when cruising at a safe speed, keep your head up, and look forward. This should be pretty easy. The next is to take the opposite hand off the bars. Finally, try to take both hands off; start by just relaxing your hands and building from there. Do not look down at your hands but where you want to be; looking down will only take you in that direction.

Getting really comfortable with these basics will make all the future tricks that you want to do that much easier. Don’t try to rush through them; take your time and build a solid foundation for the house of your future riding.

After this, if you have pegs, I suggest moving around the bike. Don’t worry about tricks, trick names, or trick setups. Just get used to standing on your pegs and moving between. Pay attention to what happens to your balance and whether you stay upright or not.

If you have no pegs, or have just played about on the pegs, I would learn to manual. The manual is one of the most basic BMX tricks, but at the same time the most pro of tricks. If you have a great manual, you will have great bike control.

How to manual a BMX

Performing a manual on a BMX bike involves lifting the front wheel off the ground and balancing on the rear wheel while rolling. 

• Before attempting a manual, ensure you are comfortable and confident on your BMX bike—practice riding, turning, and maintaining control at different speeds.
• Select a smooth and open area without obstacles. A flat and open space allows you to focus on the manual without the distraction of navigating around obstacles.
• Make sure your BMX bike is in good condition. Check that your tires are properly inflated, brakes are working, and the bike is generally well-maintained.
• Practice lifting the front wheel off the ground by leaning back and pulling up on the handlebars. Get a feel for the balance point by lifting and holding the front wheel in the air.
• Keep your pedals level, with one foot forward and the other foot backwards. This balanced foot position helps maintain control during the manual.
• Shift your weight towards the rear of the bike. Lean back and extend your arms, allowing your body weight to counterbalance the front wheel lifting off the ground.
• Bend your knees slightly and use your legs to absorb any movements. Your legs act as a suspension, helping you maintain balance during the manual.
• Choose a fixed point in the distance and focus on it. This helps with your balance and prevents you from getting disoriented.
• As you lift the front wheel, you’ll reach a point where the bike balances on the rear wheel. This is the balance point, and finding it may take some practice. Use subtle movements to adjust and maintain the balance.
• Use your rear brake to feather and control the manual. Applying light pressure on the rear brake can help you adjust the height of the front wheel and prevent the bike from tipping too far backwards.
• Start with short manuals to get a feel for the balance. Gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable.
• Wear protective gear, including a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads, especially if you’re learning or attempting longer manuals.
• Commitment is crucial when learning to manual. Be confident, and don’t hesitate to lift the front wheel. Practice regularly to build muscle memory and improve your skills.
• As you become more proficient, you can start practising manuals at different speeds and on various surfaces—experiment with turning and incorporating manuals into other tricks.
• If possible, ride with experienced BMX riders who can provide tips, guidance, and feedback on your technique.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Avoid pulling the handlebars too aggressively, which can cause the bike to loop out. Find a controlled balance point.
• Lack of commitment may prevent you from fully lifting the front wheel. Commit to the motion and trust your ability to find the balance point.
• Utilize the rear brake to control and adjust the manual. It’s a helpful tool for maintaining balance.
• Ensure your weight is centred over the rear wheel. Leaning too far back or forward can lead to loss of balance.
• Always wear appropriate protective gear, especially when learning new skills. Safety should be a priority.

Remember, learning to manual takes practice and patience. It’s a skill that improves over time, so keep refining your technique and enjoy the process of mastering this fundamental BMX technique.

Now, you should have a good pathway into flatland BMX, and in the future, we will run some more tutorials, but these ideas should keep you busy as you learn to control your bike.

What is a freecoaster

A freecoaster is a specialised hub used in BMX. It differs from a traditional cassette hub’s design and functionality, particularly by allowing the rear wheel to coast without engaging the drivetrain. The primary advantage of a freecoaster hub is its ability to roll backwards without the need to pedal backwards.

Key Features and Components:

1. Coasting Mechanism:
   • The defining feature of a freecoaster hub is its coasting mechanism. Unlike a traditional cassette hub, a freecoaster allows the rider to coast backward without pedaling. This is especially beneficial for certain tricks and maneuvers in BMX, such as fakie tricks, where the rider rolls backward.
2. Engagement and Disengagement:
   • Freecoasters have a unique engagement system that disengages the hub’s internal mechanism when the rider is not pedaling. This disengagement is what allows the rider to coast backward without the pedals moving. When the rider pedals forward, the hub engages, transmitting power to the rear wheel.
3. Adjustable Engagement:
   • Many freecoaster hubs have an adjustable clutch or slack mechanism, allowing riders to customize the amount of play or slack in the pedals before the hub engages. This feature caters to the rider’s preference for a more responsive or more relaxed feel.
4. Maintenance:
   • Freecoasters typically require regular maintenance to ensure smooth operation. Riders may need to disassemble the hub, clean, lubricate, and adjust the internals to maintain proper functionality.