Are you unsure about what some of the BMX terms and abbreviations mean?
If you are looking for a BMX dictionary that explains these terms in plain English, you have come to the right place.
I created the most extensive BMX glossary, which lists and explains the most common and even less commonly used terms.
This is the best place for anyone who is new to BMX to familiarize themselves with the BMX lingo.
And if there is something that you don’t find explained here, feel free to contact me here.
#
1020 Hi-Tensile Steel
A common and affordable steel used in entry-level BMX bikes. It’s durable but heavier and less strong compared to Chromoly.
180, 360, 540, 720, 900, 1080
Rotational BMX tricks where the rider spins in increments of 180 degrees. The numbers represent the degrees spun, with 180 being half a turn and 1080 a full three turns. (Learn how to 180 and how to 360 on a BMX.)
2-Piece/3-Piece (Cranks)
Crank designs: 2-piece cranks have a single axle attached to one crank arm, while 3-piece cranks have separate crank arms and axle, offering more customization and durability.
2-Piece/4-Piece (Bars)
Handlebar designs: 2-piece bars are made from two welded metal tubes, while 4-piece bars offer a stiffer, often more stylish, construction using four pieces.
4130 CrMo Steel
Chromoly steel, a stronger, lighter steel alloy used in higher-end BMX bikes and parts, known for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio.
6061 Aluminium
A common aluminum alloy used in BMX parts, offering good strength and lightweight properties, often found in mid-to-high-range components.
6061-T6 Aluminum
6061 aluminum that has been heat-treated to enhance strength and durability, commonly used in high-performance BMX parts.
7075 Aluminium
An even stronger aluminum alloy than 6061, often used for premium BMX components like sprockets due to its excellent strength and lightness.
8-spline / 48-spline (Crank)
The number of splines (teeth) on the crank spindle. 8-spline is simpler and found on entry-level bikes, while 48-spline offers more precision and strength, popular in higher-end setups.
A
Aero Rims
Aerodynamic BMX rims designed to reduce air resistance, usually thinner and sleeker, used for brakeless riding.
Axle
The rod that passes through the BMX hub, connecting the wheels to the frame and forks, crucial for rotation and stability. Front axles are 10mm and rear axles 14mm in size/diameter.
Abubaca
A trick where the rider stalls on the rear tire, usually on a ledge/sub box or ramp/coping, then hops back into the ramp.
B
Backsweep
The angle at which the BMX handlebars bend back toward the rider. More backsweep can make the bars feel more comfortable for certain hand positions.
Bank
An inclined yet straight (not curved) surface or ramp used in BMX riding, great for transitioning between tricks or gaining speed.
Barspin
A trick where the rider spins the handlebars 360 degrees while in the air, a popular and stylish stunt in BMX. (Learn how to barspin.)
Bars (Handlebar)
The part of the BMX bike you grip to steer and control. They come in various styles and sizes to suit different riding preferences.
Bar End
Caps that go on the ends of the handlebars, protecting both the rider and the bars from damage during falls.
Bead
The edge of the tire that locks into the rim, holding the tire in place. It can be wire or folding bead, with folding being lighter and more flexible.
Bottom Bracket (BB)
The component where the BMX cranks are mounted, containing bearings that allow the cranks to rotate smoothly. (See the most common bottom bracket types.)
Bottom Bracket Height
The distance from the ground to the center of the bottom bracket. It affects how low or high the bike feels during riding. (More stability if bottom bracket height is low and better grind clearance if it’s high.)
Box Jump
A ramp with a flat top, used for jumping tricks where riders get serious airtime.
Brakes
The system that slows or stops the bike. BMX bikes can have different brake setups, or none at all, depending on riding style.
Brake Lever
The part on the handlebars that you squeeze to engage the brakes. The shape and size can affect braking feel and control.
Brake Shoe
The pad that presses against the rim or rotor to slow down the bike. Different materials offer varying levels of grip and durability.
BMX
Short for Bicycle Motocross, a sport that involves racing or freestyle, performing tricks on a specially designed bike. (Check a more in-depth overview of what BMX stands for.)
Bunnyhop
A fundamental BMX trick where the rider lifts both wheels off the ground simultaneously to clear obstacles or set up tricks. (Learn how to bunny hop.)
Burly
Slang for a bike or rider that’s tough, rugged, or capable of handling heavy impacts or gnarly tricks.
C
Cable
The wire that connects the brake lever to the brake caliper, allowing the rider to engage the brakes to slow down, stop or perform a trick.
Caliper Brakes
A type of brake where two arms close in on the rim to slow the bike down. More common in older BMX bikes.
Can-Can
A BMX trick where the rider takes one foot off the pedal and extends it out to the side over the top tube.
Cantilever Brakes
Older brake style where two separate arms pull on the brake pads, less common in modern BMX but seen on some retro bikes.
“Cased It”
A term for landing short on a jump, causing the rear wheel to hit the edge of the landing ramp, often resulting in a rough landing.
Cassette
The rear gear system/hub on a BMX bike, single-speed, with a freewheel mechanism that allows instant engagement. (Don’t miss the best BMX cassette hubs.)
Chain
The metal links that transfer power from the pedals to the rear wheel, crucial for moving the bike forward. (It can be half-link or full-link.)
Chainstay (CS)
The part of the BMX frame that runs from the bottom bracket to the rear dropouts, affecting the bike’s stability and handling. (A shorter CS means twitchier and a longer CS means stabler bike.) See what BMX chainstay length is best.
Chainstay Yoke
It’s a piece of material that’s used on frames with short chainstays to easily fit larger/fatter tires.
Chain Tensioner
A device that helps keep the chain tight and prevent it from slipping.
Clamp Size
The diameter of the BMX clamp area, like on the seat post or stem (see BMX stem clamp), important for holding different parts (seat post & steerer tube) in place.
Crank
The arms that connect the pedals to the bottom bracket, available in different lengths and styles for varied riding preferences. (Check what BMX crank size do you need.)
Crooked
A BMX grind trick where the front peg is locked on a rail at an angle, with the back peg over the rail and on the other side.
D
Decade
A BMX trick where the rider spins their body around the bike, while the bike stays mostly stationary in mid-air.
Dialed
Slang for when a bike or rider is performing perfectly, with everything working smoothly and cleanly.
Dirt
Riding on dirt tracks or jumps, often associated with BMX trails and jumps built from earth.
Disaster
A BMX trick where the rider lands the bike (after doing a 180) with the rear wheel on the top of an obstacle, like a ramp, and the front wheel hanging off. (Learn how to disaster on a BMX.)
Double Wall Rims
Rims with two layers of material for added strength, making them more durable and resistant to bending under hard riding.
Double Peg
A BMX grind trick where both front and rear pegs are locked onto a rail or ledge, sliding along the obstacle. (Learn how to double peg grind.)
Down Tube
The frame tube that runs from the head tube to the bottom bracket, forming the main support of the BMX bike’s structure.
Dropout
The slots in the frame or fork where the wheel axles attach, allowing the wheels to be removed or adjusted.
E
Endo
A trick where the rider lifts the rear wheel off the ground by applying the front brake, balancing on the front wheel.
Euro-BB
A smaller, threaded bottom bracket standard, common on race BMX bikes, offering lightweight and compact design.
F
Feeble
A BMX grind trick where the front wheel rides on the ledge or rail while the rear peg grinds along the obstacle. (Learn how to feeble grind.)
Flair
A BMX trick combining a backflip with a 180-degree spin, often performed on quarter pipes.
Flatland
A style of BMX that focuses on performing tricks on flat ground, requiring balance and precision. (Usually associated with breakdancing, but on a bike.)
Folding Tires
Tires with a folding bead, made from Kevlar instead of steel, offering a lighter and more flexible option for performance riders.
Foot Jam
A trick where the rider stops the front wheel by jamming their foot between the tire and fork, often pulled at the top of banks or quarter pipes.
Fork
The part of the BMX bike that holds the front wheel and connects it to the frame and handlebar via the steerer tube and headset. (Check the best BMX forks.)
Frame
The core structure of the BMX bike, made from materials like Hi-Ten steel, or Chromoly, determining the bike’s strength and geometry.
Freecoaster
A rear hub that allows the bike to roll backward without engaging the pedals, ideal for fakie tricks and combos. (Check the best freecoaster hubs.)
Front Flip
An advanced trick where the rider flips forward in the air, a challenging move that requires precise timing and control.
Front Load
A type of BMX stem where the handlebar is mounted in front of the fork steerer, often lower-profile and giving a different feel compared to top load stems. (These are the best BMX front load stems.)
G
Gap
The space between two obstacles that a rider has to jump across, common in BMX parks or street riding.
Gear Ratio
The ratio between the front sprocket and rear sprocket, affecting how easy or hard it is to pedal and accelerate. (Ideal gear ratios are 25/9 or 28/9.)
Goofy-Footed
Riding with the opposite foot forward from what’s considered “normal” for the rider.
Grind
Sliding along an obstacle (ledge or rail) using the bike’s pegs or other parts like the bottom bracket, pedals, or crank arms.
Grips
The rubber handles on the BMX handlebars that provide cushioning and control for the rider’s hands. (See how to install BMX grips.)
Gusset
Reinforcing plates or tubes welded at critical stress points on the frame to add strength and prevent cracking. (Usually at the top and bottom tubes, connecting to the head tube.)
Gyro/Detangler
A system that allows the handlebars to spin freely without tangling the brake cables, perfect for barspins and tailwhips.
Gyro Tabs
Mounting points on the frame for attaching a gyro system, necessary for running a detangler on your BMX bike.
G-Turn
A BMX trick where the rider pivots the bike in a 180-degree turn while balancing on the front wheel, often performed backward, forming a full 360.
H
Half-Cab
A fakie BMX trick where the rider spins 180 degrees out of a fakie (backward ride), often combined with other tricks. (Learn how to half cab on a BMX.)
Half-Link
A type of BMX chain with smaller, more adjustable (half) links that make fine-tuning the chain length easier for dialed setups. (Some say it’s stronger than full-link chain.) Check the best half link chains.
Half-Pipe
A U-shaped ramp used for performing aerial tricks and transitions, common in skateparks and BMX parks.
Handrail
A metal rail, usually along stairs, that riders grind on with pegs, a classic BMX street obstacle.
Headset
The bearings that sit inside the head tube, allowing the fork and handlebars to turn smoothly. (Don’t miss learning about the different BMX headset types.)
Headtube
The part of the frame where the fork steerer passes through, connecting the fork to the handlebars. This is also where you insert the headset. (Learn why frame head tube angle matters.)
Heat Treatment
A process used to strengthen metal parts by heating and cooling them, common in high-end frames and components.
Hip
A ramp where two angled surfaces meet, allowing riders to transfer from one direction to another mid-air. (It can be a bank or a quarter hip.)
Hub
The central part of the wheel that houses the axle and bearings, crucial for smooth wheel rotation.
Hub Guard
A protective cover that fits over the hub, preventing damage from grinding and prolonging the life of the hub and spokes.
I
Indian Giver
A rider who reverts a fakie spin in the same direction they initially spun, considered less stylish than a true fakie.
Integrated (Bearings)
Bearings that fit directly into the frame or fork without additional cups or hardware, making for a cleaner and more streamlined setup.
Investment Cast
A precise manufacturing process where molten metal is poured into a mold formed around a wax model. This method allows for intricate and durable BMX parts, like frame and fork dropouts, with smooth finishes and complex designs.
L
Ledge
A flat or angled, raised surface, often found in street riding, used for grinding tricks and technical combinations.
Linear Brake
A type of brake cable designed to allow smooth, direct movement without the usual flex or twist found in regular brake cables.
LHD/RHD
Left Hand Drive/Right Hand Drive; refers to which side the bike’s drivetrain is on, affecting grind preference and wear.
Lookdown
A trick where the rider leans over the handlebars and “looks down” at the bike while in mid-air, often tweaking the bike to one side.
Loose Ball (Bearings)
Traditional bearing systems where individual balls are housed in a race, requiring regular maintenance but cheaper than sealed bearings.
Luc-e
A BMX grind where the rear peg and pedal are locked onto the obstacle while the front wheel stays lifted off.
M
Manual
Balancing on the rear wheel without pedaling, using body movement to maintain balance, similar to a wheelie but without pedaling. (Learn how to manual on a BMX.)
Mid-BB
A common bottom bracket size in modern BMX bikes, larger than Euro but smaller than US, offering a good balance of strength and weight.
Multi-Butted
BMX tubing that varies in thickness along its length, thicker in high-stress areas and thinner in others, saving weight while maintaining strength.
N
Nac-Nac
A BMX trick where the rider swings one leg over the bike’s rear-end and back behind them in mid-air, popular in dirt jumping.
Nipple
The small piece that connects the spoke to the rim, allowing for spoke tension adjustments.
No Footer
A trick where the rider takes both feet off the pedals while in the air, usually extending them outward for style.
No Footed Can-Can
A trick where the rider kicks both feet off to the side of the bike over the top tube, performing a can-can with both legs, making it more challenging.
Nothing
A BMX trick where the rider lets go of the bike entirely, floating above it in mid-air before grabbing back on and landing.
Nuts
Hexagonal pieces that screw onto the axle, holding the wheel in place. Simple but essential.
O
Offset
The distance from the center of the fork’s steerer tube to the front axle, affecting handling and steering response. (Shorter BMX offset for responsiveness and longer offset for stability.)
One Footer
A BMX trick where the rider takes one foot off the pedal in mid-air, often extending the leg out for style.
One Hander
A trick where the rider takes one hand off the bars mid-air, often combined with other tricks like a tabletop.
Opposite
Riding or performing tricks in the reverse of your natural stance, adding difficulty and style points. (Opposite double peg, opposite barspin, opposite truck driver, etc.)
P
Park
A skatepark or BMX park, featuring ramps, rails, and other obstacles designed for learnign and pulling tricks and combos.
Pedal
The platform you push with your feet to propel the bike forward, often chosen based on grip, size, and material. (Plastic or metal BMX pedals.)
Peg
Cylindrical metal pieces (with plastic sleeves) attached to the axles, used for grinding on rails and ledges or performing balance tricks.
Pin
The small metal or plastic studs on a pedal that provide grip to the rider’s shoe, helping to keep feet in place during riding.
Pivotal
A BMX seat system where the seat angle is adjusted using a single bolt through the top of the seat, offering easy adjustment and lighter weight.
PSI
Pounds per square inch, a measurement of tire pressure, affecting how the bike rides and handles on different terrains. (See what’s the best BMX tire pressure.)
R
Rail
A long, narrow obstacle, usually metal, that riders grind on with pegs, pedals or cranks arms. Commonly found in street and park riding.
Ramp
An inclined structure that riders use to gain height for jumps, tricks, or transitions.
Resi
A ramp covered with a layer of padding and a hard surface, designed for practicing tricks safely before taking them to solid ramps.
Rise (Bar, Stem)
The height difference between the center of the handlebars or stem and the bar ends or handlebar clamping area, affecting rider positioning and comfort.
Reach
The distance between the center of the steerer tube and the stem handlebar clamping area, impacting how stretched out or compact the bike feels. (See full explanation of the BMX stem geometry.)
Rim
The metal hoop of the wheel where the tire is mounted, essential for strength, weight, and handling characteristics. (Check the best BMX rims.)
Rim Tape
A strip of material that covers the spoke holes inside the rim, preventing the inner tube from puncturing on the spoke heads.
Rollback
A trick where the rider rolls backward, usually after landing a fakie, and then pivots to roll forward again.
Roll-In
Dropping into a ramp or obstacle with speed, setting up for a trick or transition.
S
Schrader
A common valve type on BMX tires, similar to car tire valves, making it easier to inflate with regular pumps.
Sealed-Bearing
Bearings enclosed in a protective casing, keeping dirt and moisture out for smoother operation and less maintenance. (These don’t need greasing but is still recommended.)
Seat
The part of the bike where the rider sits, available in different shapes and padding levels to suit riding style and comfort. (See the best BMX seats.)
Seat Post
The tube that connects the seat to the frame, adjustable for height, with different lengths depending on the rider’s preference. (See the best BMX seat posts.)
Seat Post Clamp
The mechanism that holds the seat post in place within the frame, available in quick-release or bolt-on styles.
Seat Tube
The frame tube that the seat post fits into, running from the bottom bracket to the top tube or seat stays. (Check if seat tube angle matters.)
Session
A period of riding, often with friends, where riders attempt tricks, hit spots, cruise around streets, and have fun.
Single Wall Rim
Rims with a single layer of material, lighter but less durable than double-wall rims, often found on entry-level bikes.
Skatepark
A designated area with ramps, rails, and other obstacles for skating, BMX, and other action sports. (See the most common skatepark elements.)
Snake Run
A winding, downhill path with banks and turns, resembling a snake’s movement, popular in older skateparks and some BMX trails.
Spanish-BB
A bottom bracket standard that’s smaller than Mid-BB but larger than Euro, offering a balance of weight savings and strength.
Spindle
The central rod of the BMX crankset, running through the bottom bracket and connecting the crank arms, essential for pedal rotation.
Spoke
Thin metal rods that connect the hub to the rim, creating the structure of the wheel and affecting its strength and tension. (See the best BMX spokes and nipples.)
Sprocket
The front gear attached to the crank arms, determining the gear ratio and affecting the bike’s pedaling efficiency. (See the best BMX sprockets.)
Sprocket Guard
A protective (metal or plastic) piece that covers the sprocket, preventing (chain and sprocket) damage from grinding or hitting obstacles.
Standard (Headset)
Refers to non-integrated headsets that require cups pressed into the frame, more common on older or budget BMX bikes.
Standover
The height of the seat tube from the center of the BB to the center of the top tube, influencing the bike’s feel. (Check if BMX standover height even matters.)
Stem
The part that connects the handlebars to the fork steerer tube, available in different designs like top load and front load, with various reaches and rises.
Steerer
The part of the fork that fits through the head tube, allowing the handlebars to steer the bike.
Straight Gauge
Tubing with a consistent thickness throughout, offering more durability but often heavier than butted tubing. (But a straight gauge handlebar will be cheaper than a butted version.)
Street
Riding that involves urban obstacles like ledges, rails, and stairs, focusing on technical tricks, gaps, drops, and style.
Sub Box
A combination of a ramp and a wooden box placed on top of it, often found in skateparks, providing multiple grind/stall and trick options. (If it’s a rail, then it’s called a sub rail.)
T
Tabletop
A classic BMX trick where the rider lays the bike flat in mid-air, resembling a table surface, often done over jumps.
Tailtap
A trick where the rider stalls on the rear tire on a ledge or ramp before dropping/hopping back in.
Tailwhip
A trick where the rider kicks the frame of the bike around 360 degrees while holding onto the handlebars.
Tire
The rubber part of the wheel that makes contact with the ground, available in different tread patterns and widths for various riding surfaces. (Check the ultimate BMX tires.)
Toboggan
A trick where the rider grabs the seat with one hand while tucking the bars down and extending the legs.
Top Load
A type of stem where the handlebars sit on top of the stem, raising the bar height for a more upright riding position. (Check the best BMX top load stems.)
Top Tube
The horizontal BMX frame tube running from the head tube to the seat tube, influencing the bike’s overall length and feel. (Pick the right top tube length.)
Trails
Dirt tracks and jumps built specifically for BMX riding, emphasizing flow and big air tricks.
Transition
The curved section of a ramp where the rider moves from flat ground to a vertical or angled surface.
Trick
Any maneuver or stunt performed on the BMX bike, ranging from simple jumps to complex flips and spins.
Tube
The inner tube that sits inside the tire, inflated to provide air pressure and support for the tire. (Check the best BMX inner tubes.)
Turndown
A BMX trick where the rider turns the handlebars over the legs and crosses the frame underneath them in mid-air, creating a twisted, stylish look.
Tweaked
Slang for exaggerating or adding style to a trick, making it look more impressive or unique. (“A perfectly tweaked turndown.”)
U
U-brake
A type of brake that mounts on the seat stays or chainstays, offering strong stopping power and often used in BMX due to its compact design.
Upsweep
The angle at which the handlebars rise upward from the grip area, affecting wrist comfort and bar feel during riding.
US-BB
A larger bottom bracket standard, found on older BMX bikes, known for its bulky design but strong durability.
V
Valve Caps
Small caps that screw onto the tire valve to protect it from dirt and debris, often a personalized accessory.
W
Washer
A small metal disc that distributes pressure from nuts or bolts, often used on axles to prevent damage to the frame or components.
Wheel
The circular assembly consisting of the hub, spokes, and rim, crucial for movement and absorbing impacts. (Check the best BMX front wheels and BMX rear wheels.)
Weight
The overall mass of the bike and parts, affecting how easy it is to control, lift, and perform tricks on.
Width
The width of the tires or handlebars, influencing stability and control, with wider options providing more grip or leverage.
X
X-Up
A BMX trick where the rider crosses the handlebars in front of them while in the air, forming an “X” with the arms and bars before uncrossing to land.