BMX Term
Roll-in
A roll-in is a sloped ramp or start platform that lets BMX riders roll into a park, ramp or jump line to build speed, or the act of rolling in itself.
Updated 2 min read343 words
A roll-in is a sloped ramp that lets a rider roll into a park, ramp or jump line and build speed without pedalling. The word also describes the act itself: "rolling in" to start a run.
Meaning
A roll-in is usually a straight or gently curved slope that starts from a raised platform. The rider stands at the top, rolls forward and gains speed on the way down. Because the slope is gradual, there is no sharp edge to tip over.
Roll-ins are common in several places:
- Parks. Many skateparks have a roll-in from a high deck so riders can start a run with speed.
- Vert and mega ramps. Large ramps often use a tall roll-in to give riders enough speed for big airs.
- Dirt and trails. A dirt start hill at the top of a set of jumps lets riders reach the first lip at the same speed each time.
- Racing. BMX race tracks start from a start hill behind a gate. Racers rarely call it a roll-in, but the idea of using a slope for speed is similar.
A roll-in differs from a drop-in. On a drop-in the rider starts at the coping of a quarter pipe and tips into a curved, often near-vertical transition. A roll-in is gentler and easier for beginners.
Origin
The term describes what the rider does: rolls in. It is shared with skateboarding and inline skating. No specific origin in BMX is documented.
Usage examples
- "Take the roll-in, it gives you way more speed for the first jump."
- "He rolled in and hit the whole line without pedalling."
- "The roll-in on that ramp is huge, start halfway down."
Tips
Start partway down a tall roll-in until you are sure of your speed. Keep your cranks level and your weight centred, and look at the first feature, not your front wheel.
Related terms
Frequently asked questions about Roll-in
What is the difference between a roll-in and a drop-in?
A roll-in is a gradual slope, so the rider simply rolls forward. A drop-in starts at the coping of a curved ramp, so the rider tips over the edge into a steep transition. A roll-in is usually easier.
Why do jumps and big ramps use roll-ins?
A roll-in gives riders consistent speed without pedalling. That makes big jumps and contest runs more predictable and safer.
Related articles
Drop-in
A drop-in is the move of entering a ramp or bowl from the deck by tipping over the coping into the transition, or a drop from a ledge down to flat.
2 min readDeck
A deck is the flat platform at the top of a ramp, quarter pipe or box jump, where riders stand to drop in, stall, plant or land tricks.
2 min readQuarter pipe
A quarter pipe is a ramp with a curved, quarter-circle transition that rises from flat to a vertical or near vertical top edge, used for airs.
2 min readTransition
Transition is the curved surface of a ramp that connects flat ground to the top edge, and it is often shortened to tranny in BMX and skateboarding.
2 min readFlow
Flow is smooth, linked riding that carries speed through a park, bowl or trail line with few stops, pedal strokes or breaks in rhythm.
2 min readPark
Park BMX is the discipline of riding skateparks, linking airs and tricks across ramps, bowls and box jumps, and is the format used in most major contests.
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