BMX Trick
Smith grind
A smith grind is a BMX grind where the rider slides the front peg along a ledge or rail while the rear wheel rolls along the top of the obstacle.
Updated 3 min read632 words
A smith grind is a BMX grind where the rider slides the front peg along a ledge or rail while the rear wheel rolls along the top of the obstacle. It is the opposite of the feeble grind.
Overview
On a smith, the front of the bike sits low on the edge with the peg on the obstacle, while the back of the bike rides along the top. The frame sits at an angle, and the rider balances over the front end. Because the front peg sits close to the steering, small changes in bar angle show up fast.
The smith works on ledges, low rails and boxes. You need a peg on the front axle, on the side you plan to grind. A smooth, waxed edge is a big help while learning.
How to do it
Learn the double peg grind and the feeble first. Start on a low, waxed ledge.
- Check the front peg. Tighten the front axle nuts so the peg cannot spin.
- Wax the ledge. Wax the edge to help the front peg slide.
- Approach at a shallow angle. Roll in at a gentle angle to the ledge, with steady, moderate speed.
- Hop up. Do a small bunny hop. Aim the front peg at the edge and bring the rear wheel up behind it.
- Land the front peg. Drop the front peg onto the edge and let the rear wheel land on top of the ledge.
- Keep the bars calm. Hold the bars steady and pointed along the ledge. Do not turn them, or the peg comes off.
- Centre your weight. Stay balanced and a little forward. Keep your knees and arms loose.
- Look ahead. Watch the end of the ledge.
- Hop out. Near the end, lift the bike off with a small hop and land on both wheels. Roll away.
Variations
- Smith to fakie: the rider stops at the end and rolls back, riding fakie.
- Smith 180 out: the rider leaves the ledge with a 180.
- Smith barspin out: a barspin as the rider leaves the ledge.
- Long smith: a longer ledge or a rail. It needs a steady line and more commitment.
- Toothpick: a related grind where only the front peg touches and the rear wheel is in the air. See toothpick.
Setting up for a smith
A smith puts load on the front axle, so check the setup before you start. Use a peg that fits the axle and is not worn flat. Tighten the front axle nuts fully, and consider hub guards if the hub sits close to the edge. Keep the bars level and the brake cable, if you run one, clear of the ledge. A clean, waxed edge will do more for you than any amount of practice on a rough one.
Common mistakes
- Turning the bars. A small turn at the front throws the peg off the edge.
- Coming in too straight. A steep angle kicks the peg off.
- Loose front peg. A spinning peg stops the grind at once.
- Rear wheel too high. If the back end floats too high, the bike tips. Let the rear wheel settle on the top.
- Too slow. The peg sticks.
- Looking at the peg. Look along the ledge, not down.
History
Grinds with pegs became part of BMX street riding in the 1980s and 1990s, and the smith grind joined the feeble as one of the standard single peg grinds. The names come from skateboarding, where similar terms are used for grinds on a board. Who landed the first smith grind on a BMX is not clear, so this page does not name a rider.
Today it is a common part of street riding and appears in most ledge and rail edits.
Related tricks
Frequently asked questions about Smith grind
What is the difference between a smith and a feeble grind?
They are opposites. A smith uses the front peg with the rear wheel on top. A feeble uses the rear peg with the front wheel on top.
Is a smith harder than a feeble?
Many riders find it harder, because the front peg sits closer to the steering. Small errors turn the bike. Others find it more natural. It depends on the rider.
Do I need a front peg?
Yes. The front peg is the one that touches the obstacle. Fit it on the side you plan to grind and check that it is tight.
Related articles
Feeble grind
A feeble grind is a BMX grind where the rider slides the rear peg along a ledge or rail while the front wheel rolls along the top of the obstacle.
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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.
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A toothpick is a BMX grind where the rider slides only the front peg along a ledge or rail while the rear wheel stays in the air.
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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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Pegs are cylindrical metal or plastic tubes bolted to the axle of a BMX wheel so a rider can stand on them or grind along ledges and rails.
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