Mountain biking is as much about skill and style as it is about speed and endurance. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to expand your trick repertoire, here are some of the most popular and accessible mountain bike tricks, along with brief explanations and tips for learning them.
Intermediate tricks
Tabletop: The rider tilts the bike sideways in the air, making the bike look flat like a tabletop.
One-Footer & No-Footer: Lifting one foot off the pedal while in the air. Removing both feet from the pedals while airborne.
One-Hander & No-Hander: Taking one hand or both hands off the handlebars while airborne.
ET (Pedal in the Air): Pedaling the bike while in the air, which is a fun and easy trick for beginners.
Whip: Kicking the rear of the bike out to the side while keeping the front wheel pointed forward.
Advanced tricks
360: Rotating the bike and rider 360 degrees in the air.
Backflip: The rider and bike rotate backward in a full loop.
Frontflip: The rider and bike rotate forward in a full loop.
Cork: A backflip combined with a sideways rotation (off-axis).
Cash Roll: A sideways flip, often with a 360-degree rotation.
Can-Can: Lifting one leg over the frame while in the air.
Nac-Nac: Lifting one leg behind the saddle while in the air.
Suicide No-Hander: A no-hander where the rider lets go completely and does not reach for the bars until landing.
Download the 2025 GRIP magazine.
