Can-Can

A can-can is a BMX air trick where the rider takes one foot off the pedal and swings that leg over the frame so both legs end up on the same side of the bike, all while in the air. The leg then goes back before the rider lands. It is a style trick, named after the high-kicking dance.

Overview

The can-can is about looking relaxed in the air. Unlike a spin, the bike does not rotate. The rider moves one leg across the top tube, holds it there for a moment, and then swings it back.

Can-cans are common on dirt jumps and ramps, where there is time in the air. They are among the earliest style tricks that new jump riders try, and they combine well with other moves such as the tabletop or x-up.

How to do it

Start on a small jump with a smooth landing. Before trying it in the air, practise the leg movement while rolling slowly on flat ground.

1. Ride in with steady speed. Keep your pedals level.
2. Take off. Pop off the lip with a clean, level jump.
3. Unweight one foot. Lift your chosen foot off its pedal.
4. Swing the leg over. Bring your leg over the top tube, so both legs sit on one side of the bike.
5. Hold the pose. Keep both hands on the bars. Look at the landing.
6. Bring the leg back. Swing the leg back over the frame and place your foot on the pedal.
7. Land. Both feet on the pedals, knees bent, both wheels touching down together.

Which leg

Most riders swing the same leg each time. Pick the foot that feels easier and practise it until it is automatic. The other side can come later.

Variations

• One-footed can-can. Only one foot leaves the pedal, as described above.
• No-footed can-can. Both feet leave the pedals. One leg swings over and the other trails off the side, with both hands holding the bars. It needs more air time.
• Can-can tabletop. Combine with a laid-out bike.
• Can-can x-up. Add crossed arms.
• Can-can no-hander. Let go of the bars as well. Rarely seen.
• Can-can 180 or 360. Add a spin.
• Can-can barspin. Add a bar spin.

Learning progression

The can-can is easy to break into small steps.

1. Practise on flat ground. Roll slowly and move one leg over the top tube and back. Use one hand for balance if you need to.
2. Try a tiny jump. Take the foot off, kick over and return it, all in one small air.
3. Hold the pose. Pause with both legs on one side for a second before swinging back.
4. Add height. Once the leg returns every time, use a bigger jump.

Take care with loose clothing and shoelaces, which can snag on the frame or the pedal during the leg swing.

Common mistakes

• Starting too late. If you wait for the peak of the jump, you run out of time to bring the leg back.
• Slow leg return. The leg must be back on the pedal before the wheels touch down.
• Kicking too hard. A violent kick upsets the bike and unbalances you.
• Lifting both hands. In a standard can-can, both hands stay on the bars.
• Landing with a foot off. Check you are on the pedals as you land.
• Wrong pedals. Slippery pedals make it harder to find the pedal on return. Use pedals with good grip.

History

The can-can has been part of freestyle BMX since the early days of ramp and jump riding, and it is one of the classic style tricks of the freestyle era. Who first did one is not clearly documented and is debated. See freestyle BMX boom 1980s and trails.

Related tricks

• Tabletop
• X-up
• No-hander
• Tailwhip