BMX Trick
No-Hander
A no-hander is a BMX air trick where the rider takes both hands off the handlebars in mid-air, then regrips the bars before landing.
Updated 3 min read590 words
A no-hander is a BMX air trick where the rider takes both hands off the handlebars in mid-air, holds the pose, and then regrips the bars before landing. It is a style trick, and the bike stays flat and under control while the rider stretches out.
Overview
The no-hander is about confidence and balance. The rider uses body weight and a smooth takeoff to keep the bike steady with no hands on the bars. It shows up on jumps, ramps and vert, where air time is longer.
Compared with a can-can or an x-up, a no-hander is a bigger commitment, because there is nothing holding the bars straight in the air.
How to do it
Start by riding no-handed on flat ground, then take it to a small jump or ramp with a soft landing.
- Ride in at a steady speed. Keep your arms loose and your pedals level.
- Take off cleanly. A smooth, balanced pop sets up a stable bike.
- Release one hand briefly. Practise one-handed airs first.
- Let go with both hands. Lift both hands away from the grips and keep your elbows slightly bent.
- Hold the pose. Keep your eyes on the landing.
- Regrip early. Bring both hands back to the bars before the descent.
- Land. Both wheels touch down together, knees bent.
Why the bars stay straight
The bars stay straight because the bike is moving forward with balanced weight. A clean takeoff and level body position matter more than anything. A crooked takeoff will turn the bars in the air.
Variations
- One-handed air. The first step toward a no-hander.
- No-handed 360. Add a full spin and keep the hands off. See 360.
- Suicide no-hander. The rider pinches the seat with the knees and throws both arms out to the sides or behind the back before grabbing the bars to land. Used mostly on big jumps.
- No-hander tabletop. Lay the bike out with no hands.
- No-hander barspin. Hands off, spin the bars, catch and land. Advanced.
Learning progression
Take it slowly and build up from smaller steps.
- Ride no-handed on flat ground. Roll slowly at a walking pace and lift both hands for a second. Learn how the bars respond.
- One-handed airs. Off a small jump, lift one hand and return it. Repeat until it is automatic.
- Short no-hander. Lift both hands for a count of one, then regrip.
- Hold longer. Add time in the pose as your jump height grows.
Choose a landing that forgives a poor regrip, such as a soft transition or a landing ramp. Wear gloves, a helmet and pads. If you realise your hands are not back on the bars in time, tuck in and bail instead of hoping for the best.
Common mistakes
- Letting go too early. Release after the bike is stable and level.
- Late regrip. Hands need to find the grips before landing, not during it.
- Crooked takeoff. Any twist at takeoff will rotate the bars.
- Looking at your hands. Keep eyes on the landing.
- Tight shoulders. Stay loose, so you can react if the bars turn.
- Loose parts. Check your grips are not slipping and your headset is tight.
History
Hands-off airs have been part of freestyle BMX since ramp and jump riding began, and they are among the oldest style tricks on bikes. Who first did a no-hander on a BMX is not clearly documented. The trick stayed popular in dirt, park and vert, and it still appears in contest runs. See freestyle BMX boom 1980s, vert and dirt jumping.
Related tricks
Frequently asked questions about No-Hander
Is a no-hander dangerous?
Any trick with your hands off the bars carries risk. Learn it on a small jump with a soft landing, stay balanced over the bike and always get your hands back before you land.
What is a suicide no-hander?
A suicide no-hander is a no-hander where the rider pinches the seat with the knees and throws both arms out to the sides or behind the back, sometimes clapping behind the back, before grabbing the bars to land. The name reflects the risk.
How do I know when to put my hands back?
Bring your hands back when you start to descend. You want the grips back in your hands with time to spare, because a late regrip is the most common reason no-handers go wrong.
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