BMX Term
Case
To case a jump in BMX is to land short so the rear wheel or bike hits the lip or knuckle of the landing instead of rolling down the slope.
Updated 2 min read368 words
To case a jump is to land short. The rear wheel or the bike hits the top edge of the landing, called the knuckle, instead of rolling onto the slope. A case can break a rim, bend a part or throw the rider forward.
Meaning
A jump has a take-off, a gap and a landing. The knuckle is the point where the top of the landing meets the slope. The ideal landing is on the slope, where the bike can roll down smoothly. If the rider comes up short, the wheel hits the knuckle or the flat top and the energy goes into the bike and the rider.
Cases range from small to severe. A light case may only bounce the wheel. A hard case can send the rider over the bars, bend a rim or break a frame. Riders say "I cased it" after any short landing, even a minor one.
Common causes are:
- Too little speed into the take-off.
- Misjudging the gap distance.
- Pulling up early or leaning back.
- Wind, wet dirt or a rough take-off.
- Doing a trick that uses too much time in the air.
Origin and usage
Case is used in mountain biking, motocross and BMX for a short landing, and it comes from the idea of hitting the case or edge of the landing. The exact origin is not documented.
Casing is a regular risk on dirt jumps, trails and gaps in park riding. A rider who boosts rarely cases, because extra height and distance give a margin. A rider who underjumps often does.
The best way to avoid casing is to learn the jump. Walk it, roll the lip and start with a clean air before adding a trick. If the rider is going to come up short, it is often better to bail early than to commit.
Examples
- "I cased the last jump and bent my rear rim."
- "He cased it hard but rode it out."
- "Watch the third one. It's easy to case if you don't carry speed."
Related terms
- Hang-up: catching a lip or coping on a ramp.
- Bail: abandoning a trick.
- Boost: going high, which helps clear the gap.
- Dirt jumping and trails: where cases are common.
Frequently asked questions about Case
What does it mean to case a jump?
It means landing short, so the rear wheel hits the flat top or knuckle of the landing instead of the slope. The impact can stop the bike and throw the rider.
How do you avoid casing a gap?
Check the gap, carry enough speed, pop at the lip and keep your weight centred. Roll the jump first or try a smaller one if you are not sure of the distance.
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