BMX Trick
Crankflip
A crankflip is a BMX trick where the rider kicks the cranks so they spin a full rotation under their feet in the air before landing.
Updated 3 min read623 words
A crankflip is a BMX trick where the rider kicks the cranks so they spin a full rotation under their feet in the air before landing. It is often called the kickflip of BMX because of the foot flick that starts it.
Overview
On a crankflip, the rider jumps, lifts both feet off the pedals and kicks the cranks so they spin around the bottom bracket. The cranks rotate once and come back to a position where the feet can land on the pedals. The bike frame and wheels stay in place. Only the cranks and pedals turn.
The trick is mostly about timing and feel. The rider needs to take their feet off, give the cranks a clean flick and then land both feet back on the pedals. It is a trick for riders who are comfortable moving their feet in the air.
How to do it
Practise on flat ground or a low box before trying it on a larger jump. Wear a helmet and use grippy shoes. Start with the bike rolling slowly.
- Check the bike. Make sure your cranks, pedals and bolts are tight. Worn pedals can slip off the shoe or break under load.
- Set the cranks. Start with the cranks level, with one foot forward. Choose the foot you will flick with.
- Learn the foot motion. On a slow roll, practise moving your foot to the crank arm and flicking it with a quick motion. Do this without jumping at first.
- Take off with a bunny hop. Pop the bike up and keep both hands tight on the bars.
- Lift your feet. As the bike rises, lift your feet off the pedals together.
- Kick the crank. Flick the crank arm with the ball of your foot. The cranks should spin one full turn.
- Watch the pedals. As they come around, look for the pedal you need to land on.
- Catch with both feet. Place both feet on the pedals as the cranks finish the rotation. Press down to level the bike.
- Land. Land on both wheels, keep your weight centred and roll out.
Variations
- Crankflip to opposite direction: flicking the cranks the other way. It is harder and depends on your hub.
- Double crankflip: two full rotations in one jump. It needs more height and a stronger flick.
- Crankflip off a ledge or box: done off a drop, so the rider has more time.
- Crankflip tailwhip: a tailwhip added to the crankflip. It is very advanced.
- Hub differences: riders do crankflips on both freecoaster and cassette setups, and the feel changes with the hub.
Common mistakes
- Flicking too weakly. The cranks do not complete the rotation and the pedals land in the wrong place.
- Flicking too hard. The cranks over rotate and spin past the landing point.
- Taking one foot off only. Both feet should leave the pedals so the cranks can spin cleanly.
- Looking at your feet too late. Find the pedals early so you can place both feet.
- Poor grip. Slippery shoes or worn pedals lead to missed catches.
- Loose cranks. The trick puts shock on the crank bolts. Check them before a session.
History
Tricks that spin the cranks have been around in BMX for a long time. Flat riders and street riders both experimented with moving the cranks, and the modern crankflip took shape as pedals, cranks and hubs became stronger and as riders chased new ways to move the bike.
The exact origin and the name of the first rider to land one are debated, so this page does not name a person. Today it is a recognised trick in street and park riding, with many riders putting their own spin on it.
Related tricks
Frequently asked questions about Crankflip
Why is it called the kickflip of BMX?
Because the rider uses a flicking motion with a foot to spin part of the bike under them, much like a skateboard kickflip spins the board. The comparison is informal, but it is widely used.
Does my hub type matter for crankflips?
It can change how the cranks behave in the air and how easy the trick feels. Riders do crankflips on both freecoaster and cassette setups, so try your own bike.
Do I need special cranks?
No special cranks are needed. Make sure your cranks and pedals are tight and in good condition, because the trick puts shock on them.
Related articles
Cranks
Cranks are the two arms that connect the pedals to the bottom bracket spindle, turning a rider's leg power into rotation of the sprocket and chain.
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BMX pedals are the platforms that thread into the crank arms and give the rider's feet a grippy surface to push, jump and balance on.
3 min readFreecoaster Hub
A freecoaster hub is a BMX rear hub with a clutch that lets the wheel roll backwards without turning the cranks, unlike a standard cassette hub.
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A cassette hub is a BMX rear hub whose removable driver contains a ratchet freewheel, so the wheel spins freely when the rider stops pedalling.
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A bunny hop is a BMX trick where the rider lifts both wheels off the ground together, using body movement and timing alone, with no ramp or kicker.
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A tailwhip is a BMX trick where the rider kicks the frame a full 360 degrees around the handlebars in the air, then catches the pedals to land.
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