BMX Guide
Brakes or Brakeless on a BMX
Keep a brake while you learn, and go brakeless only once you can stop reliably with your feet, since the choice trades safety for simplicity and freedom.
Updated 3 min read763 words
Keep a brake while you are learning. Go brakeless only when you can already stop in a controlled way using your feet, and when you ride mostly at skateparks, on flat ground or at low speed. A brake gives you reliable stopping power. Riding brakeless gives you a lighter, simpler bike and lets the bars spin freely, but it trades away a safety tool. Neither choice is right for everyone.
Pros and cons
| With a brake | Brakeless | |
|---|---|---|
| Stopping power | Strong, repeatable | Limited, depends on skill |
| Safety on roads and hills | Better | Weaker |
| Weight | A few hundred grams more | Lighter |
| Cable tangles | Possible without a gyro | None |
| Spinning tricks | Needs a gyro for full spins | Free bar spins and tailwhips |
| Maintenance | Pads, cable, adjustment | Almost none |
| Cost | Small ongoing cost | Saves money |
The word for riding without a brake is brakeless. In street and park riding it is common, mainly because it frees up barspins, tailwhips and other tricks that would tangle a brake cable.
Who should keep their brakes
Keep a brake if you:
- Are new to BMX and still learning control.
- Ride on roads, near traffic or on shared paths.
- Ride hills, dirt tracks or anywhere with real speed.
- Are riding with kids or teaching someone.
- Use the bike for commuting or transport.
- Cannot yet stop in a controlled way using your feet.
A brake is also a good safety net even if you plan to go brakeless. Many riders keep it on for weeks before removing it.
How to ride brakeless safely
Going brakeless is a skill, not an accessory. Build it in stages.
- Learn on a bike with a brake. Get comfortable with speed, turning and pumping first. See how to start riding BMX.
- Practise stopping on flat, empty ground. Pick a large car park or an empty court. Roll at walking speed and practise slowing down using your feet.
- Add speed in small steps. Only go faster once you stop reliably at the speed you already ride.
- Choose your terrain. Stay away from hills, wet surfaces and busy areas until you are confident.
- Leave space. Ride well behind other people, and plan an exit before you commit to an obstacle.
- Wear gear. A helmet and gloves are the minimum. Knee and shin pads help while you build habits.
Stopping techniques
These are the standard ways brakeless riders slow down. Practise each one slowly before using it at speed.
Foot-jam
Take one foot off the pedal and press the sole of your shoe against the rear tyre, where it passes the frame. The friction slows the wheel. Keep your other foot on its pedal for balance. It works best at low to moderate speed and wears down the sole of your shoe over time, so wear flat, sturdy shoes.
Tyre dragging
Shift your weight back, press down with your foot on the rear tyre and let it slide or drag against the ground and your shoe. You are using friction between the tyre and the ground to scrub speed. Keep your chest up and your other foot planted. Tyre dragging is a rough and wearing technique, so expect to replace your rear tyre sooner.
Foot drag
Drop a foot to the ground and let it skid along the surface. This works for very slow stops, but it is the weakest of the three and can twist an ankle if you catch an edge.
Skids
Some riders lock the rear wheel to skid to a stop. On a freecoaster hub or a cassette hub, you cannot use the cranks to lock the wheel, so you rely on your feet instead. A skid scuffs the tyre and takes practice.
Making a bike brakeless
If you are removing a brake:
- Take off the caliper, cable and lever.
- Remove the gyro if you have one, unless you like the look.
- Check that the cable routing and brake mounts do not interfere with tricks.
- Keep the brake parts so you can refit them later.
A brakeless setup reduces maintenance but does not remove it. Chain and tyre care still matter. See BMX maintenance basics.
A note on the law
Laws about brakes differ by country, state and local council. Many places require a bicycle to have at least one effective brake when ridden on a public road. If you plan to ride on the road, check the rules where you live. Riding brakeless in a skatepark or on private land is a separate matter, but the park or event may still set its own rules.
Related
Frequently asked questions about Brakes or Brakeless on a BMX
Is riding brakeless dangerous?
It can be, especially at speed, downhill or around traffic. Brakeless riders rely on foot techniques and good judgement. If you cannot stop in a controlled way, keep your brake.
Can I take the brake off a new BMX?
Yes, but learn to ride and stop first. A brake is easy to remove later and easy to add back, so there is no rush.
Do I need a brake to ride on the road?
Rules vary by country, state and council. Many places require at least one working brake on a bike ridden on public roads. Check your local laws before riding brakeless on the road.
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