Brakes

Q: What is a U-Brake and what is its main purpose?

In BMX Freestyle, the U-Brake has become the absolute standard. Unlike V-brakes (MTB/Race), the arms do not protrude far outwards, which prevents injuries during tricks and makes them less prone to damage. It grips the rim sidewall and serves both for safety and as a technical aid for tricks.

Q: How is a brake constructed?

Brake Arms The two aluminum legs that sit on the frame's brake mounts. Springs Ensure that the brake springs back to the starting position after pulling. They sit inside the arms or around the mount. Brake Pads The rubber blocks that make contact with the rim. Soft rubber compounds (clear pads) brake better but wear out faster.

Q: What types of brakes are there?

U-Brake The arms cross over the tire or run in an arc around it. Used 99% of the time in freestyle. Caliper Brake A side-pull brake with a central mounting bolt. Usually only found on old school bikes or as a front brake on forks without U-brake mounts. Coil Spring vs. Springless Classic brakes use coil springs (adjustable tension). Modern systems (like from Odyssey) often use a simple single spring mechanism for super easy installation.

Q: What materials are used?

Aluminum 6061-T6 The standard. Light and stiff enough for good braking power. Forged The aluminum is pressed into shape. Very strong and affordable. CNC Machined Milled from a solid block. More precise, lighter, and visually higher quality, but more expensive.

Q: Which brake is right for me?

Besides looks and weight, tire width is crucial. If you ride modern 2.40" or even 2.45" tires, you need a brake with "High Clearance" or a low profile so the tire doesn't rub against the brake arms. Brands like Eclat and Odyssey have optimized their designs for this. Don't forget: For a complete brake setup, you also need brake levers and brake cables.

Q: How do I maintain my brake?

Cleaning: Clean your rim sidewalls regularly with alcohol or brake cleaner for maximum power. Avoid Squeaking: Adjust the pads slightly "toe-in" (the front of the pads hits the rim first).

Brakes FAQ

What is a U-Brake and what is its main purpose?

In BMX Freestyle, the U-Brake has become the absolute standard. Unlike V-brakes (MTB/Race), the arms do not protrude far outwards, which prevents injuries during tricks and makes them less prone to damage. It grips the rim sidewall and serves both for safety and as a technical aid for tricks.

How is a brake constructed?

Brake Arms: The two aluminum legs that sit on the frame's brake mounts.
Springs: Ensure that the brake springs back to the starting position after pulling. They sit inside the arms or around the mount.
Brake Pads: The rubber blocks that make contact with the rim. Soft rubber compounds (clear pads) brake better but wear out faster.

What types of brakes are there?

U-Brake: The arms cross over the tire or run in an arc around it. Used 99% of the time in freestyle.
Caliper Brake: A side-pull brake with a central mounting bolt. Usually only found on old school bikes or as a front brake on forks without U-brake mounts.
Coil Spring vs. Springless: Classic brakes use coil springs (adjustable tension). Modern systems (like from Odyssey) often use a simple single spring mechanism for super easy installation.

What materials are used?

Aluminum 6061-T6: The standard. Light and stiff enough for good braking power.
Forged: The aluminum is pressed into shape. Very strong and affordable.
CNC Machined: Milled from a solid block. More precise, lighter, and visually higher quality, but more expensive.

Which brake is right for me?

Besides looks and weight, tire width is crucial.
If you ride modern 2.40" or even 2.45" tires, you need a brake with "High Clearance" or a low profile so the tire doesn't rub against the brake arms. Brands like Eclat and Odyssey have optimized their designs for this.
Don't forget: For a complete brake setup, you also need brake levers and brake cables.

How do I install a U-Brake?

Lightly grease the brake mounts on the frame.
Place the brake arms. For brakes with coil springs: pre-tension the spring (different for left/right side).
Tighten the mounting bolts.
Hook in the straddle cable and connect it to the main cable.
Align the brake pads so they hit the rim squarely without touching the tire.

How do I maintain my brake?

Cleaning: Clean your rim sidewalls regularly with alcohol or brake cleaner for maximum power.
Avoid Squeaking: Adjust the pads slightly "toe-in" (the front of the pads hits the rim first).

What do the specifications mean?

Specification	Explanation	Examples / Available
Material	Manufacturing process of the aluminum.	Alu Forged, Alu CNC
Scope of Delivery	What's in the box?	Brake only, or incl. straddle cable, hanger & pads