BMX Part
Brakes
BMX brakes are the lever, cable and brake unit that slow the bike, with the rear U-brake being the standard on freestyle bikes.
Updated 3 min read648 words
BMX brakes slow the bike by pressing rubber pads against the rim. On freestyle bikes the standard is a rear U-brake worked by a hand lever. Many riders also choose to ride without any brake at all, which is called brakeless.
What it does
A brake lets a rider slow down or stop at speed and control a roll-in. Pulling the lever draws a cable, which squeezes the brake arms together. The pads grip the sidewall of the rim and create friction.
Freestyle riders use the rear brake to scrub speed, control a drop-in or stop at a spot. Others skip it because it adds weight and a cable.
Types and standards
U-brake and 990 mounts
A U-brake sits under the seat stays near the rear tyre. It has two arms shaped like a U, pivoting on two bosses on the frame. These bosses are called 990 mounts. Most freestyle frames have 990 mounts built in, so any U-brake with the correct pivot spacing will bolt on.
V-brake
A V-brake is a linear-pull design with long arms that rise from bosses on the frame or fork. It has more stopping power and is common on racing bikes. Freestyle bikes rarely use V-brakes since the arms stick out and the cable is long.
| Type | Mount | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| U-brake | 990 mounts on seat stays | Freestyle: street, park, dirt |
| V-brake | Frame bosses on the stays or fork | Race |
Parts of a brake system
- Lever. Mounted on the bar. Choose a short, two- or four-finger lever with an adjustment barrel.
- Cable. An inner steel cable runs inside a sheath called the housing.
- Straddle cable and hanger. A short cable joins the two arms. The main cable pulls on the straddle through a hanger.
- Pads. Rubber blocks that press on the rim.
- Rim. The braking surface. See rims.
Why most freestyle bikes brake the rear only
- A front brake can lock the wheel and send the rider over the bars.
- Front cables get in the way of barspins and other bar tricks.
- A rear brake gives enough control for most riding.
If you plan to spin your bars, you may also need a gyro detangler to keep the cable from wrapping. See also brakes or brakeless for help deciding.
Sizing and compatibility
- The frame must have 990 mounts for a U-brake.
- Choose pads that fit the brake. Pad shoes come in different lengths and thread styles.
- Cable length depends on the bar and frame size. Cut housing to the right length, with no kinks.
- Aluminium rims suit rubber pads best. Steel or worn rims reduce braking.
- If you run a gyro detangler, the lever cable and brake cable need to match the gyro design.
How to choose
- Decide if you want a brake at all. Beginners and road riders often do.
- For a freestyle bike, choose a rear U-brake that fits the 990 mounts.
- Pick a lever with a comfortable reach and a smooth feel.
- Choose pads for grip and wear. Softer pads bite more but wear faster.
- Plan how the cable will run, and decide if you need a gyro.
U-brake kits range from budget to premium. Higher prices usually mean better pads, smoother levers and stiffer arms.
Maintenance
- Pads. Check wear lines. Replace pads before the rubber is gone. Toe the pad in slightly so the front edge contacts first.
- Rim. Keep the braking surface clean and free of oil.
- Cable. Lubricate the inner cable and replace frayed cables.
- Centring. Adjust the brake so both pads sit evenly from the rim.
- Quick-release or barrel adjuster. Use it to take up slack as the pads wear.
- Lever. Check the pivot bolt is tight and the lever springs back crisply.
Related parts
- Gyro detangler: keeps the cable from wrapping when the bars spin.
- Rims: the braking surface.
- Handlebars: the lever mounts here.
- Brakeless: riding without a brake.
- Brakes or brakeless: how to choose.
Frequently asked questions about Brakes
Do I need a brake on a freestyle BMX?
Not strictly. Many street and park riders go brakeless. A rear brake is useful for beginners, for riding on roads and for steep spots. Check local rules where you ride.
What is a 990 mount?
It is the standard pair of brake bosses on the frame that a rear U-brake bolts to. Most freestyle frames have them, so a U-brake fits without fuss.
Why only a rear brake?
A front brake can lock the wheel and pitch you over the bars. It also adds cable that gets in the way of bar spins. A rear brake is safer and simpler for freestyle.
Watch on the LUXBMX YouTube
A video about Brakes from the LUXBMX YouTube channel.
Shop at LUXBMX
Popular picks for this article from LUXBMX, an Australian BMX store.
Odyssey 1999 Sidepull Brake SetView the Odyssey 1999 Sidepull Brake Set at LUXBMX
Odyssey Monolever Medium LeverView the Odyssey Monolever Medium Lever at LUXBMX
Box Three V-Brake KitView the Box Three V-Brake Kit at LUXBMX
Photos: LUXBMX
BMX Wiki and LUXBMX share an owner. Links to the store are not paid placements and do not change what articles say. About this relationship
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