BMX Trick
X-Up
An x-up is a BMX trick where the rider turns the handlebars 180 degrees in the air while keeping both hands on the grips, so the arms cross in an X.
Updated 3 min read610 words
An x-up is a BMX trick where the rider turns the handlebars 180 degrees in the air while keeping both hands on the grips, so the arms cross to form an X. The rider then turns the bars back before landing. It is a style trick, done for look rather than rotation.
Overview
The x-up is a common air on ramps, dirt jumps and gaps. Because the hands stay on the grips, it is less risky than a barspin, and it is often one of the first style tricks a rider learns off a jump.
The look comes from the rider's arms crossing. Bigger air gives more time to hold the pose, and many riders push the bars further to add shape.
How to do it
You need a ramp, bank or small jump for enough air time. Start with a low jump and a soft landing.
- Ride in at a steady speed. Aim for a clean, balanced takeoff.
- Pop off the lip. Get the bike into the air with a smooth lift.
- Turn the bars. Rotate the bars toward your body, starting with a slight push of one hand.
- Cross your arms. One arm goes under or over the other as the bars reach 180 degrees.
- Hold the pose. Keep your eyes on the landing, not on your hands.
- Turn the bars back. Unwind the bars before you drop.
- Land with straight bars. Both wheels touch down together, bars lined up with the front wheel.
Timing
The most important part is timing. Start turning right after takeoff. Begin returning the bars as you reach the top of the jump. If you wait until the descent, you may land with crossed arms and bars that point the wrong way.
Variations
- Tabletop x-up. Lay the bike flat while the bars are turned. See tabletop.
- Barspin x-up. Spin the bars into an x-up shape. See barspin.
- Can-can x-up. Combine with can-can.
- No-hander x-up. Take both hands off in the pose. See no-hander.
- 360 x-up. Add a spin. See 360.
- Double x-up. Turn the bars out and back twice in one jump (rare).
- Big air x-up. The same trick off a larger quarter-pipe or jump.
Learning progression
Work through these stages before you add height or speed.
- Practise the arm cross on the ground. Roll slowly, turn the bars half a turn with both hands on the grips, and turn them back. Feel where your elbows go.
- Try it on a tiny jump. Use a small roll-in or kerb drop where the landing is forgiving.
- Add a hold. Once the turn and return are reliable, pause in the X for a beat before you unwind.
- Add height. Move to a bigger jump or a quarter-pipe and keep the same timing.
Wear gloves and pads while learning. The bars can snap round faster than expected if your timing is off, and a wrist that lands wrong takes the hit.
Common mistakes
- Turning too late. You run out of time to straighten before landing.
- Landing with the bars still turned. The bike will steer sharply on touchdown. Check that your bars are lined up first.
- Letting go. An x-up keeps both hands on the grips.
- Stiff arms. Cross your arms smoothly, with elbows slightly bent.
- Not enough speed. Without speed, the jump is short and the trick feels rushed.
- Loose bars. Make sure the handlebars and stem are tight.
History
The x-up is a long-standing style trick in ramp, dirt and park riding, often seen alongside tabletops and can-cans. Exactly who first did one is not well documented and is debated. See freestyle BMX boom 1980s and dirt jumping.
Related tricks
Frequently asked questions about X-Up
Is an x-up the same as a barspin?
No. In a barspin the bars rotate a full 360 degrees and you let go to catch them. In an x-up you keep your hands on the grips, turn the bars half a turn so your arms cross, then turn them back.
How high do I need to be to do an x-up?
You need enough air to turn the bars and return them before landing. A small to medium ramp or jump works. On flat ground there is rarely enough time.
Do I need a gyro for an x-up?
Not usually. The bars only turn half a turn and go back, so a brake cable does not wrap. A gyro helps if you also like to add a barspin.
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