endo

n. 1. a bicycling accident in which the rider is thrown forward over the handlebars. 2. an intentional bicycle stunt which lifts the bike’s rear tire off the ground. Subjects: English, Sports & Recreation, Jargon

Etymological Note: Perhaps from end-over-end.

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Citations: 1977 John Thomas Wark New York Times (May 15) “A Motorcross Glossary” p. 21-26: Endo: When rider and motorcyle flip over front first. 1987 Ray Hosler San Francisco Chronicle (Dec. 7) “Turning Sharp Corners Can Be a Balancing Act ” p. E4: Going over the bars is known as an “endo” in bike jargon, and is one of cycling’s more hazardous maneuvers. 1990 Patrick Thompson Usenet: rec.bicycles (Feb. 13) “Re: Brake positions”: This is so that when you are dismounting and have both legs on the left side of the bike, and your right hand is on the top tube or seat—you can still brake (hard) with your left hand without endo-ing. 1990 Keith Erskine Usenet: rec.bicycles (July 2) “Re: Drop Bars for Mtn Bikes (LONG)”: If you’re down low in the drops, I think it would be impossible to jump over the bars during an endo. 2003 [eclipse2000] Beyond.ca (July 3) “Bike tricks”: To pull an endo get going a little bit and then slam on your front brakes and lean forward, but not too hard or you will flip. 2004 Mark Davis Pioneer Press (St. Paul, Minn.) (May 2) “‘Downhill’ follows peaks and valleys of a mountain-bike legend”: Her life turned upside down, an “endo” in biking parlance. Her brother and best friend, Mark, died in a tragic accident overseas. 2004 [Mat ] The BMX Wastelands (May 6) “Re: some flatland tricks.”: hey im gona tell you how to do an endo. there is many ways to do an endo but this is my favorite go at a slow speed then quickly shove your foot in the front tire and lean forward be careful not to flip it now it seems like a basic trick but once you can do it really good it will improve your bunny hop.

Posted 17 May 04 | Permalink | Tell a Friend

Reader comments:

This word also refers to a trick performed on a bicycle or motorcycle in which the rider balances on the front wheel, with the rear wheel in the air.

by j. north 18 May 04, 0623 GMT

You’re right. I’m working on the second sense for this word; I think the first cite above is unclear, and probably belongs to your definition of an endo, and not to the one I have here.

by Grant Barrett 18 May 04, 0627 GMT