BMX Term
Dialed
Dialed in BMX describes a trick that a rider lands consistently, or a bike that is perfectly set up, tuned and ready to ride.
Updated 1 min read326 words
Dialed means precise, consistent and tuned. A dialed trick is one a rider lands almost every time. A dialed bike is one where every part is adjusted, tight and working as it should.
Meaning
The word has two main uses.
- A trick or rider. A dialed rider has a trick under control. They can land it on demand, at a smaller or bigger obstacle, and often with style. The opposite is sketchy, where success is uncertain.
- A bike. A dialed bike has the right bar angle, tight bolts, smooth bearings and a clean drivetrain. Riders who like their setup say it is dialed, meaning nothing needs changing.
Being dialed is not just about avoiding mistakes. A dialed trick has repeatable form, so the rider can add variations such as grabs or a different entry. Riders often say a trick is dialed before taking it to a bigger spot or filming it.
Origin and usage
Dialed comes from the idea of turning a dial to fine tune a setting. It is used in skateboarding, surfing, mountain biking and motor sports as well as BMX. Exactly when BMX riders began using it is not documented. It is also spelled dialled in Australian and UK English.
On the bike side, getting dialed is mostly about maintenance and setup. Frame geometry, handlebars, the stem and tyre pressure all change how a bike feels. The guides on setting up a new BMX and maintenance basics cover the steps that help a bike feel right.
Riders also use dialed more loosely: "I'm dialed on bars now" means a rider has a trick sorted.
Examples
- "My barspins are finally dialed, so I'm trying them off the box."
- "New grips, tight bars, fresh tyres. The bike is dialed."
- "That kid is dialed. He lands every one first go."
Related terms
- Sketchy: the opposite, unstable or risky.
- Bail: abandoning a trick.
- Frame geometry: one part of a good setup.
- Maintenance basics: keeping a bike tuned.
Frequently asked questions about Dialed
What does dialed mean in BMX?
It means precise and consistent. A dialed trick is one a rider lands almost every time, and a dialed bike is one with every part adjusted and working properly.
How do you get a trick dialed?
Repeat it on forgiving terrain until it is automatic, then raise the difficulty. Land it several times in a row at a lower height before moving to a bigger obstacle.
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