BMX Brake Buyers Guide

Standard BMX freestyle bikes typically use only the rear; however, some riders (particularly street riders) don't use any brakes at all. It's compulsory to use brakes if you're BMX racing. Front brakes are not often used, but can be fitted and are supplied with all freestyle complete bikes. To find out what brakes you may need, read on:

Brake Types

BMX bikes use several types of brakes, each suited to different riding styles. The brakes are specific to the mounts on your frame, and you cannot use different brakes on the wrong mounts (for example, U-brakes on V-brake mounts)

U-brakes: The standard brake type for BMX freestyle bikes. These mounts are either welded on or removable types found on the inside of the rear of the frame. These brakes require very little adjustment/maintenance once set up and are very durable.

V-brakes: Often found on BMX race bikes, and offer more power than U-brakes, ideal for racing. If you need to identify what mounts you have, V-brakes are nearly always found on top of the seat stays are welded on and have 3 small holes on a plate near the brake post for the spring to fit into.

Disc Brakes: Found almost exclusively on Race bikes (with only a few exceptions on some dirt/trail bikes). Offers much more power but requires specific hubs to be fitted.  

Gyro's/Detanglers

Some riders also use a Gyro or detangler. This is a device which splits the brake cable under the stem, which allows the bars to rotate without affecting the brakes - these are popular with park riders who do a lot of barspins and tailwhips but also want to run a brake. Gyros fit freestyle frames, which have gyro holes on the headtube.

Brake Levers & Cables

When setting up your BMX brakes, it’s important to choose a brake lever that feels comfortable in your hand and suits your handlebar setup. Freestyle riders often combine their levers with a gyro or detangler system to allow smooth barspins and tailwhips without cable tangling. Equally important are the brake cables; high-quality cables with a linear construction allow for no snagging, which allows you to do barspins without the brake pulling when the cable to coiled around the bars.

Pads & Rim Surface

Brake pad choice plays a big role in how your BMX stops. Soft pads provide a stronger grip and more bite, giving you quicker stopping power, but they tend to wear out faster. Hard pads, on the other hand, last longer and are more durable, though they may not feel as grippy, especially when conditions aren’t ideal.

Keeping your rims clean is just as important as pad selection. Wet or dirty rims significantly reduce braking power, making it harder to stop smoothly. Regularly cleaning and maintaining smooth rims ensures the best performance from any brake setup.

Installation Guides

Check out our handy installation guides to find out how to install your U-brake or how to install a gyro.