BMX Term
Ledge
A ledge is a raised, flat-topped obstacle with a hard edge, usually concrete or metal, that BMX riders grind, manual and hop onto in street and park.
Updated 2 min read397 words
A ledge is a raised obstacle with a flat top and a hard edge. It can be concrete, brick, stone or metal. BMX riders grind it with their pegs, ride it in a manual or hop onto it.
Meaning
Ledges are one of the core obstacles of street riding. They are everywhere in cities: planter boxes, benches, building edges and the sides of steps. Parks also build them on purpose, using concrete or steel edges so riders can practise grinds in a safe, flat area.
On a ledge a rider can do many types of grind. Examples are the feeble grind, smith grind, icepick grind and double peg grind. Riders also manual along the top or hop on and off. The surface under the pegs matters. Smooth, clean concrete slides well. Rough or dirty concrete can catch.
Heights, materials and wax
Low ledges, often around curb height, are good for learning. Medium ledges are around knee to hip height. Tall ledges need more speed and confidence to hop onto and are riskier when something goes wrong.
Common materials are concrete, granite, brick and steel. Granite and smooth concrete slide well. Brick and rough stone grip more. Metal edges are common in parks, where an angle iron or similar is set into the concrete.
Wax is the usual way to help a ledge slide. Riders rub it on the edge. It is often skateboard wax or a candle. It should be applied lightly and only to the top edge. Wax can make a ledge much more slippery, so it is worth testing before going fast.
Origin and usage
The word is plain English and was borrowed from everyday use. BMX riders adopted street obstacles from skateboarding, where ledge riding was already popular. The exact start of the term in BMX is not documented. Today the word covers everything from a small curb to a long marble bench.
Examples
- "We found a clean ledge behind the bank, we should wax it."
- "He did a smith grind all the way down the ledge."
- "This spot has a low ledge, a high ledge and a manual pad."
Related terms
Frequently asked questions about Ledge
Why do riders wax ledges?
Wax makes the edge slide more easily. Concrete is rough and grips pegs and frame parts, so riders rub wax or a candle on the edge to help grinds run smoothly.
How high is a ledge?
Heights vary a lot. Many park ledges are around knee height, while street ledges can be much taller. Low ledges are often called curbs.
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