BMX Trick
Double peg grind
A double peg grind is a BMX grind where the rider slides both the front and rear pegs along the same side of a ledge, rail or coping.
Updated 4 min read773 words
A double peg grind is a BMX grind where the rider slides both the front and rear pegs along the same side of a ledge, rail or coping. It is usually the first grind a street rider learns.
Overview
On a double peg grind, the bike sits sideways on the obstacle with a peg at each end of the bike touching it. Because two points of the bike are on the edge, the grind is stable and easy to balance. The rider keeps the bike straight and follows the line of the obstacle.
You need pegs on both the front and rear axles, on the side you will grind. Most street bikes have pegs on both sides of both axles. A double peg grind works on ledges, rails, boxes and coping.
How to do it
Start on a low, smooth, waxed ledge. A wide, flat surface at about knee height is ideal.
- Check your pegs. Tighten the axle nuts on both wheels so the pegs cannot spin. Loose pegs are the main reason this grind goes wrong.
- Wax the ledge. Rub candle wax or skate wax on the edge you will grind. Re-wax after a few tries if it starts to feel sticky.
- Choose your approach. Roll in at a shallow angle, about parallel to the ledge, not straight at it. A gentle angle lets both pegs land along the edge.
- Set your speed. Ride at a steady, moderate speed. Too slow and the pegs catch. Too fast and you cannot control the line.
- Hop up. Do a small bunny hop toward the ledge. Lift both wheels so the pegs land on top of the edge.
- Land on both pegs together. Try to hit the edge with front and rear pegs at the same time. Keep your weight centred over the bike.
- Stay balanced. Stand tall with slightly bent knees and arms. Look along the ledge, not at your pegs.
- Hop out. Near the end of the ledge, lift the bike off with a small hop and land on both wheels. Roll out.
Once the double peg grind is easy, you can try rails and longer ledges.
Variations
- Double peg to fakie: the rider stops at the end and rolls back the way they came.
- Double peg 180 out: the rider hops off the end of the ledge with a 180.
- Double peg barspin out: a barspin as the rider leaves the ledge.
- Single peg grinds: the feeble grind and smith grind use one peg and one wheel.
- Long and down rails: the same grind on a longer or steeper obstacle. It needs more commitment and better balance.
Setup: wax, hub guards and peg materials
Grinding wears your bike. A little setup keeps the bike safe and makes the trick easier.
Wax
A thin layer of wax on the ledge edge cuts friction. Candle wax and skate wax both work. Apply it to the edge and the top, and rub it in with a few passes.
Hub guards
Hub guards cover the ends of the axle and hub shell. They protect the axle nuts and help the bike slide if the ledge catches the hub. Many riders fit them on street bikes.
Peg materials
| Material | What to know |
|---|---|
| Steel (chromoly) | Strong and common. Heavier, and it slides well on waxed edges. |
| Aluminium | Lighter and cheaper. Wears faster on rough surfaces. |
| Plastic or nylon sleeve | Fits over a metal peg. Slides easily and can be replaced when worn. |
Pegs wear down over time. Check them for cracks and flat spots, and replace them if they look damaged.
Common mistakes
- Coming in too straight. A steep angle throws the pegs off the edge.
- Loose pegs or nuts. They spin or slip under load.
- Landing one peg at a time. The bike twists and you lose balance. Try to land both together.
- Leaning too far to one side. Keep your weight centred over the bike.
- Staring at the ground. Look along the ledge so the bike follows your line.
- Skipping wax. A dry ledge makes it much harder.
History
Grinds on pegs came into BMX as street riding grew in the 1980s and 1990s, and the double peg grind became the basic grind that other peg tricks are built on. It carried over from ledge and rail riding, and from the shapes of early street spots. The exact first rider to land one is not clear, so this page does not name one.
Today the double peg grind is taught as a starting point for new street riders and appears in nearly every street video.
Related tricks
Frequently asked questions about Double peg grind
Is the double peg grind the first grind to learn?
For most street riders, yes. Both pegs are on the obstacle, so the bike is stable and easy to balance. It also teaches you the approach angle and the hop you need for other grinds.
Do I need wax on the ledge?
It helps a lot, especially while learning. Wax lets metal pegs slide instead of catching. Ledges that are rough, dry or old are the hardest to grind.
What are the best pegs for grinding?
There is no single best choice. Steel pegs are strong and slide well, aluminium pegs are lighter but wear faster, and plastic sleeves slide easily on rough surfaces. Pick what suits your riding and budget.
Watch on the LUXBMX YouTube
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