The 7 Main BMX Brake Types
 The Short Answer is: |
The 7 main types of BMX brakes are Cantilever, V-Bike Brakes, U-Brakes, Gyro Brakes, Coaster Brakes, Caliper Brakes, and Mechanical Disc Brakes. |
BMX bikes are known for their versatility and durability, making them a popular choice for riders of all ages and skill levels. One of the most important components of a BMX bike is the brake system, which offers stopping power and allows riders to safely slow down or come to a complete stop.
With so many different types of BMX brakes available, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. In this article, we will explore The 7 Main BMX Brake Types and explain how they work, any tips you need to know about, and which would be best for you depending on your riding style and preferences.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, understanding the different types of BMX brakes is essential for a safe and enjoyable riding experience.
Table of Contents
U-Brakes: Simple and Effective
U-brakes are a popular choice for BMX freestyle frames. They require 990 brake posts to mount and are simple and effective. They are available in various brands and models, such as the Dia-Compe AD-990 BMX U-Brake and the Jet BMX U-Brake.
Installing a U-brake requires a few tools, including a 5mm Allen key, wire cutters, a 10mm socket, a 13mm socket, a socket wrench, pliers, and grease cloth. The installation process involves attaching the brake lever to the handlebar, mounting the brake arms to the frame, and adjusting the brake pads to sit flat on the rim.
Once installed, U-brakes are easy to adjust and maintain. They are a great choice for riders who want a reliable and straightforward braking system.
V-Brakes: Lightweight and Responsive
V-Brakes are a popular choice for BMX bikes due to their lightweight and responsive design. They are available in multiple brands and color options, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your BMX bike.
V-Brakes are compatible with threaded brake pads and can be used with V or Canti mounts. The Speedline Elite Alloy Rear V-Brake is a popular choice, weighing only 150 grams for the pair. Installing V-Brakes on a BMX bike is a straightforward process and can be done by following a few simple steps.
Caliper Brakes: Reliable and Low Profile
Caliper brakes are a type of brake commonly found on BMX bikes. They are reliable and have a low profile, making them a popular choice for many riders. Here are some details about caliper brakes for BMX bikes:
- Caliper brakes can be found on many inexpensive or older BMX bikes and are mounted to a single hole drilled in a cross brace on the frame.
- They are a type of side-pull brake, which means that the brake arms are attached to the frame on either side of the wheel and pull on the brake cable to apply pressure to the rim.
- Caliper brakes are known for their low profile, which means that they don’t take up much space on the bike and are less likely to get in the way of tricks or other maneuvers.
- They are also reliable and easy to maintain, which makes them a popular choice for riders who want a brake that they can count on.
- Caliper brakes are available in a variety of styles and colors, so riders can choose the one that best fits their bike and personal style.
- Some popular brands of caliper brakes for BMX bikes include Dia-Compe and Odyssey.
Overall, caliper brakes are a reliable and low-profile option for BMX riders who want a brake that won’t get in the way of their riding. They are easy to maintain and come in a variety of styles and colors to fit any bike.
Cantilever Brakes: Strong and Versatile
Cantilever BMX bike brakes are a strong and versatile option for riders. They can be used on the front or rear of the bike and come in a variety of colors and styles. Some popular brands include Dia-Compe and CNC, and they can be purchased on sites like Amazon and BMXGuru.com.
Installing cantilever brakes may require some technical knowledge, but there are helpful videos available on YouTube to guide the process. With their forged aluminum construction and linear spring design, cantilever brakes provide reliable stopping power for BMX, mountain, and road touring bikes.
Disc Brakes: Powerful and Consistent
Disc BMX bike brakes are a powerful and consistent choice for riders looking for maximum stopping power. With a range of options available, including mechanical and hydraulic disc brakes, riders can choose the best option for their needs.
Disc brakes offer more consistent stopping power with each pull, making them a popular choice for BMX racers and freestyle riders alike. Brands like Promax and Farbetter offer complete brake kits, while WTP’s Chaos Machine frame is disc-brake-ready for those looking to build a custom bike. Whether you’re racing or hitting the park, disc brakes are a reliable choice for any BMX rider.
Gyro Brakes
Coaster Brakes: Simple and Backpedal-Activated
Coaster BMX bike brakes are a simple and backpedal-activated type of brake. They are commonly found on kids’ bikes and adult cruiser-style bikes but are not regularly found on BMX bikes. Coaster brakes are simplistic and require little to no maintenance.
They are integrated into the hub of a bike, which makes removing them more challenging than expected. However, it is possible to modify a coaster brake wheel into a free coaster wheel. Coaster brakes are activated by pedaling backward, which engages the brake.
The braking is applied by rotating the pedals in reverse until the brake engages. The coaster brake is a special rear hub for a bicycle that allows the bicycle to roll without forcing the pedals to turn.
Frequently Asked Questions Related to BMX Brake Types:
Which BMX brake type provides the strongest stopping power?
it is difficult to determine which BMX brake type provides the strongest stopping power as different types of brakes offer different levels of stopping power. Some of the most commonly used BMX brake types include Cantilever, V-Bike Brakes, U-Brakes, Gyro Brakes, Coaster Brakes, Caliper Brakes, and Mechanical Disc Brakes.
However, hydraulic disc brakes are known to possess the most stopping power on the market. Ultimately, the type of brake that will suit a rider best will depend on what they intend to do on their BMX bike.
Can I upgrade my BMX bike to a different brake type?
Yes, you can upgrade your BMX bike to a different brake type. There are different types of brakes available for BMX bikes, such as U-brakes, V-brakes, and caliper brakes.
You can also upgrade your brake pads for more braking power. However, it is important to note that some frames may not be compatible with certain brake types, so it is recommended to check compatibility before making any upgrades.
Are there any specific maintenance tips for each type of BMX brake?
Yes, there are specific maintenance tips for each type of BMX brake. Here are some tips:
U-Brakes
- Check the brake pads for wear and replace them if necessary.
- Adjust the brake cable tension so that the brake pads are close to the rim but not touching it.
- Clean the brake arms and pivots regularly to ensure smooth operation.
V-Brakes
- Check the brake pads for wear and replace them if necessary.
- Adjust the brake cable tension so that the brake pads are close to the rim but not touching it.
- Clean the brake arms and pivots regularly to ensure smooth operation.
Caliper Brakes
- Check the brake pads for wear and replace them if necessary.
- Adjust the brake cable tension so that the brake pads are close to the rim but not touching it.
- Clean the brake arms and pivots regularly to ensure smooth operation.
Gyro Brakes
- Check the brake pads for wear and replace them if necessary.
- Adjust the brake cable tension so that the brake pads are close to the rim but not touching it.
- Clean the brake arms and pivots regularly to ensure smooth operation.
In addition to these specific tips, it is also important to wipe down the bike for dust every time you ride and wash out the greased-up parts of the bike every few weeks.
Conclusion on The 7 Main BMX Brake Types
In conclusion, there are seven main types of BMX brakes: Cantilever, V-Bike Brakes, U-Brakes, Gyro Brakes, Coaster Brakes, Caliper Brakes, and Mechanical Disc Brakes. Each type of brake has its own unique features and advantages.
Cantilever brakes are lightweight and easy to maintain, while V-Bike Brakes are known for their stopping power. U-Brakes are popular for their adjustability, and Gyro Brakes are essential for performing tricks. Coaster Brakes are simple and low-maintenance, while Caliper Brakes are lightweight and offer good stopping power.
Finally, Mechanical Disc Brakes are reliable and easy to maintain. Ultimately, the best type of brake for you will depend on your personal preferences and riding style. It’s important to choose a brake that offers the right balance of stopping power, weight, and ease of maintenance for your needs.
