Best BMX Brakes |Budgeted Buys 2023|

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When you’re out on your BMX bike, doing all those amazing tricks and flips, you’ll need dependable brakes. BMX riders are known for their daring stunts and jumps, but even the most skilled riders need a way to slow down and be safe when they need it most. Brakes are like your faithful buddy, assisting you in controlling your speed and avoiding unexpected obstacles. Having decent brakes is essential for any BMX fan, whether riding down the street or getting huge air at the skatepark. To ensure you find the best BMX brakes for your adventures, we’ve gathered some helpful tips and recommendations to guide you in making the right choice.

Common Elements In Brakes

All brakes are made up of four components: pads, arms, pivots, and springs, which are the same for whichever braking system you choose.

Construction Materials

The materials used in brakes vary greatly. Aluminum arms are popular for being lightweight. Some people choose carbon steel or Chromoly brakes over aluminum because of their better strength and durability. Brass is commonly used for pivots and soft pads, enhancing the smoothness of turns.

V-Brakes vs U-Brakes

V-Brakes vs U-Brakes are commonly used brakes for BMX bikes. V-Brakes are intended for center-pull cables with mounting posts located beneath the seat stays or at the top of the chain stays. On the other hand, U-Brakes are designed for center-pull cables with mounting posts situated above the seat stays. Simply, V brakes are typically installed lower, while U brakes are mounted higher up. Even though V-Brakes are notably more efficient, as a BMX rider, U-Brakes should be your preferred choice, provided they match your bike’s dimensions and suit your stunting needs.

The Boao V-Type Bike brakes come in a complete package with everything you need for your bike including V brakes with elbows and screws, brake handles, front and rear brake cable. These brakes are just the right size, which is common for most bikes.

These brakes are made of tough alloy and plastic, so they last a long time and can handle different weather conditions. They will not easily bend or get damaged. Their installation on your bike is simple, making your ride smoother and safer. You can adjust the spring and the brake arm tension for better braking. These brakes are universal and work for both the front and rear wheels of your BMX bikes.

Pros

  • Complete brake set
  • Available in silver or black color
  • Set-up is easy
  • High quality construction
  • Efficient braking system
  • Affordable 

Cons

  • Rear cable is not long enough for a full-sized bike but you can replace it

Odyssey stands out in the BMX market due to its extensive range of high-quality products and reasonable pricing, making it the preferred choice among BMX riders.

The Odyssey Springfield comes with a complete brake package that includes cables, hangers, a brake lever, and brakes. They are lightweight and inexpensive, making them a perfect choice for beginners and new riders. It has a U-Brake system that is compatible with any regular BMX tire that has a U-Brake frame.

The Odyssey Springfield has a single-spring system that makes installation an easy task. The provided is of high quality. These brakes are specifically designed for rear usage and give exceptional stopping power, eliminating the need for skidding. They have a much stronger feel and less screeching than normal brakes.

Pros

  • Comprehensive package
  • Simple setup
  • Single-spring construction
  • Affordable 
  • Available in silver and black colors

Cons

  • Some customers complained that brake pads don’t work well
In short, if you want a budget-friendly set that still gets the job done well, this is a great option, especially for beginner BMX riders.

The Curb Dog Muscle Bound BMX Brake Set is a single-brake kit suitable for both the front and rear of the bike. It is constructed from durable alloy material and is compatible with standard 20″ to 24″ BMX and freestyle bikes to give you good stopping force. Its installation is very easy.

The kit includes a lever and a brake cable, and when installed correctly, it ensures smooth operation. In terms of quality, they meet the expected standards and deliver effective braking performance to make your riding more exciting.

Pros

  • Suitable for both front and rear use
  • Easy set-up
  • Sturdy 
  • Alloy construction
  • Efficient braking

Cons

  • Mounting bolt might be too short

Sunlite MX Side Pull Brakes have some cool features. They are made from strong forged aluminum, which is tough and lasts a long time. The brake set comes with everything you need, like a lever, caliper, cable, and housing, so you don’t have to buy extra stuff.

These brakes work using a simple side-pull mechanism that’s easy to use – just squeeze the brake lever to pull the cable, which moves the arms holding the brake pads against the wheel rim, helping you stop your bike. They work especially well with narrow wheels.

You can pick between silver and black colors to match your preference. Installing them on your bike is a breeze, and they provide strong stopping power for your rides and tricks. If you’re in need of reliable brakes for your BMX bike, the Sunlite MX Side Pull Brakes are a solid choice.

Pros

  • All-inclusive kit
  • Easy installation
  • Cost-effective
  • Good quality brakes
  • Available in silver or black color
  • Efficient braking system

Cons

  • The quality of the brake pads could be improved
  • Don’t put too much pressure on parts while installation or you will snap them

The Fenix Cycles Classic MX Brake is available in a variety of colors to choose from. Built from strong alloy material, these brakes are tough and effective.

This brake kit includes a bracket for easy handlebar attachment, eliminating the need to remove the handlebar during installation. It’s suitable for both front and rear use.

These brakes are straightforward and ideal for BMX riders, offering standard quality at an affordable price.

Pros

  • High-quality
  • Durable
  • Installation is a breeze
  • Variety of eye-catching colors.
  • Alloy construction
  • Effective braking system

Cons

  • The cable might be a bit on the short side

Origin8 provides an effective and long-lasting braking system for your BMX journeys. The calipers are strong and made of forged alloy material, including strong springs and solid metal handles. This design ensures safe braking, and enhances durability. The front dual-spring tension adjustment adds extra flexibility.

These universal V-Brakes from Origin8 are outstanding and are highly recommended due to their affordability and excellent quality. The easy installation process makes them even more appealing.

Pros

  • Front dual-spring tension adjustment
  • Available in silver or black color
  • Installation is easy
  • Forged alloy construction
  • Efficient braking system

Cons

  • The cable might be a bit long. So, you will need a cable cutter for installation.

The Odyssey 1999 brake set includes a right-hand lever, cable, and calipers, making it suitable for installation as either a rear or front brake. The longer bolt is designed to go through the fork, while the shorter ones work best for the rear cross member.

When it comes to Odyssey, you can always count on their commitment to quality, and these brakes live up to that reputation. They are straightforward to install, and if you want to use them as a left-handed braking system, you can simply flip them upside down – it might sound strange, but it’s effective.

These brakes can bring you to a stop effectively, just as you’d expect from any brake, and they also include a metal collar and crimp cap.

Pros

  • Right-sided brake lever
  • Easy installation
  • Durable 
  • Inexpensive
  • Offered in both silver and black color options

Cons

  • Brake pads are not of good quality

Conclusion

Installing brakes can be a bit tricky if you’re new to it. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully and don’t rush. Sometimes, people tighten the bolts too much, which can lead to them breaking or getting damaged. It’s better to spend an extra ten minutes doing it right than dealing with extra costs. We’ve picked out some affordable and good-quality products for you to choose from. We hope you find the one that helps you ride safely and quickly.