Should I Put Brakes on My BMX?

BMX brakes are crucial for ensuring your safety on your BMX. For race BMX, a rear brake is a mandatory safety feature, while for freestyle, the decision is yours. In both freestyle and racing, BMX bike brakes are not only for stopping but also for controlling your speed and experimenting with new tricks. Additionally, in many areas, having brakes is a legal requirement if you ride on the road.

When purchasing brakes, you can opt for a complete BMX brake kit or buy individual components like BMX brake pads, brake levers, and cables. BMX brakes consist of four parts: pads, arms, springs, and pivots.

The Different Types of BMX Brakes

Freestyle bikes generally come with a rear U brake, whereas race BMX bikes feature a V brake at the rear. BMX U brakes are installed underneath the frame, minimizing interference with the rest of your setup. In many modern BMX models, U brakes have become the standard due to their durability and streamlined design.

Another BMX brake system is the BMX gyro brake, which allows the handlebars to rotate 360 degrees without the brake cables getting tangled.

Do Race BMX Bikes Have Brakes?

Yes, to comply with safety standards at the race track, race BMX bikes must have a brake. As previously mentioned, a single V brake at the rear is the most commonly used setup. While race BMX bikes come with this brake pre-installed, the brake pads will wear down over time and need replacement. Replacing worn brake pads will enhance the bike’s braking efficiency.

If you are considering upgrading other parts of your BMX setup, explore our extensive range of parts, including BMX Frames and Tires.