BMX KNOWLEDGE FROM RIDERS
BMX Brakes Explained
BMX brakes can look simple, but getting the right caliper, cable, lever, brake mounts and pads – and setting them up properly – makes a huge difference to how well they work.
Modern freestyle BMX bikes normally use a U-brake caliper on the rear, either with a straight cable or gyro. BMX race bikes commonly use V-brakes, while some complete BMX bikes also come with a front caliper brake. Hydraulic disc brakes are also increasingly relevant on larger Wheelie and Bike Life bikes.
This guide explains the main BMX brake systems and parts, including U-brakes, gyros, V-brakes, hydraulic disc brakes, brake pads, removable mounts and the basic adjustments that make a brake work properly.
BMX Brake Quick Guide
U-brake: The standard rear brake caliper used on most modern freestyle BMX bikes.
Straight cable: The simplest setup, running one cable from the lever to the rear brake. Linear BMX brake cables are designed to resist binding when twisted during barspins.
Gyro: Allows the handlebars to rotate continuously without wrapping the brake cable around the frame.
V-brake: Commonly used on BMX race bikes.
Caliper brake: Also commonly used for the front brake on complete BMX bikes.
Mechanical disc brake: Uses a brake cable to operate a caliper which clamps pads onto a disc rotor.
Hydraulic disc brake: Uses hydraulic fluid rather than a conventional brake cable to operate the brake caliper, providing powerful and controllable braking.
BMX U-Brake Calipers
The U-brake is the most common rear brake caliper on modern freestyle BMX bikes. The two brake arms mount to lugs on the frame and are connected by a straddle cable which runs through the cable hanger.
When you pull the lever, the cable pulls the brake arms together and the pads contact the rim. A good setup depends on pad position, cable tension and spring tension all being correctly adjusted.
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Straight Cable or Gyro?
Straight Cable
A straight cable is the simplest BMX brake setup. One cable runs from the brake lever to the rear brake, making it easy to set up and maintain.
Most aftermarket BMX straight cables are linear cables. The braided outer helps prevent the cable binding when twisted, which means you can usually get one or two barspins depending on cable length and setup while the brake can still function.
Gyro
A gyro allows the handlebars to rotate continuously without twisting the brake cable. This makes it ideal for riders doing lots of barspins, tailwhips and other tricks involving handlebar rotation.
A gyro uses an upper gyro cable, detangler and lower gyro cable. The detangler is the rotating part of the system, while a gyro plate underneath the stem forms part of the upper cable setup.
Gyros have more adjustment points than a straight cable, so getting the cable tension and movement right is important. The brake caliper's spring tension is then adjusted so the brake arms return and sit correctly.
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BMX Brake Mounts
Many modern BMX frames use removable brake mounts, allowing the mounts to be removed completely when the bike is ridden brakeless.
Brake mounts aren't universal. Different frames use different systems, including bolt-through mounts and threaded removable brake lugs, so always check which mounts your particular frame requires.
Some frames are supplied with the brake mounts while others sell them separately.
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BMX Brake Pads & Rim Finish
Brake pad compound and rim finish can make a massive difference to braking performance.
Clear pads normally use a softer, grippier compound and can give a much stronger bite, although they're also well known for being noisy and squealing.
Black pads are generally harder and tend to be quieter, although the exact performance depends on the pad and rim combination.
Chrome rims generally provide a very grippy braking surface. Painted rims can offer less braking performance, particularly as the paint on the braking surface begins to wear.
Pad position matters too. The pad should contact the braking surface of the rim rather than the tyre, and a small amount of toe-in can help reduce brake squeal.
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BMX Brake Levers
Most quality aftermarket BMX brake levers use a hinged clamp, allowing the lever to be removed without taking the grip off the handlebars.
Many levers also allow the lever reach to be adjusted. This is particularly useful on children's BMX bikes, where the reach-adjustment screw can bring the lever closer to the bars and make it much easier for smaller hands to operate.
The barrel adjuster at the lever can be used for smaller cable tension and pad-clearance adjustments.
Straddle Cables & Brake Cables
On a U-brake caliper, the straddle cable runs around the seat tube area, through the cable hanger and connects back into the brake caliper. A standard bicycle inner brake cable can be used as the straddle cable.
Brake cables should move freely through their outer housing. Dirty, damaged, rusty or badly routed cables create friction and can make even a good brake feel poor.
V-Brakes & Front Caliper Brakes
V-brakes are most commonly found on BMX race bikes, although some older BMX frames also used V-brake mounts. Modern freestyle BMX frames generally use U-brake calipers instead.
A caliper brake mounted through the centre hole in the fork is commonly supplied as the front brake on complete BMX bikes. If you're riding a BMX on public roads in Great Britain, make sure the bike meets the current legal braking requirements for road use.
Hydraulic & Mechanical Disc Brakes
Disc brakes work differently to traditional BMX rim brakes. Instead of the brake pads contacting the rim, a brake caliper squeezes pads against a disc rotor attached to the wheel hub.
A mechanical disc brake is operated by a conventional brake cable, while a hydraulic disc brake uses hydraulic fluid running through a hose between the brake lever and caliper.
Hydraulic brakes generally provide powerful braking with relatively little lever effort and good modulation, meaning the rider has good control over how much braking force is applied. They're particularly popular on Wheelie and Bike Life bikes, where the rear brake plays an important part in controlling the balance point during a wheelie.
Compatibility is important when fitting a disc brake. The frame or fork needs the correct disc brake mount, the hub needs to accept a disc rotor, and the caliper, rotor size and any required adapter all need to be compatible.
Hydraulic brakes may occasionally need bleeding. Different brake systems use different fluids, commonly mineral oil or DOT brake fluid. These aren't interchangeable, so always use the fluid specified by the brake manufacturer.
Disc brake pads and rotors are wear items. They should be checked regularly and kept free from oil, grease and other contamination which can dramatically reduce braking performance.
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Getting a BMX Brake Working Properly
If your BMX rim brake doesn't feel right, check the basics before replacing parts:
Pad position – pads should contact the rim correctly and not touch the tyre.
Spring tension – adjust the caliper so both brake arms return correctly and the pads sit clear of the rim.
Cable tension – remove excessive slack while leaving enough pad clearance.
Cables – make sure the inner cable moves freely and the outer isn't damaged or binding.
Rim & pads – dirty or unsuitable braking surfaces can dramatically reduce performance.
If the brake itself is working but you need a small replacement part, you may not need to replace the complete setup.
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What Do I Need for a Complete BMX Brake?
If you're adding a traditional rear BMX U-brake from scratch, you'll normally need a brake lever, brake cable, cable hanger, straddle cable, brake caliper, brake pads and the correct brake mounts and fitting hardware for your frame.
A complete BMX brake kit can be the easiest option because the main components are supplied together rather than having to select everything individually.
If your frame uses removable brake mounts, check whether they're included with the kit or frame – and make sure they're the correct type for your frame.
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Shop BMX Brakes, Hydraulic Brakes, Gyros & Parts
Waller BMX stocks BMX brake calipers, hydraulic brakes, complete brake kits, gyros, gyro kits, brake levers, straight brake cables, upper and lower gyro cables, brake pads, removable brake mounts, gyro tabs, cable hangers, straddle cables and brake & gyro spares. Use the collections below to find the parts you need, or contact us if you're unsure what's compatible with your bike.
Shop BMX Brakes, Hydraulic Brakes, Gyros & Parts
Shop BMX brakes, hydraulic brakes, brake calipers, brake kits, gyros, levers, cables, brake pads, mounts and replacement brake and gyro parts.