Brakes

BMX race braking: V-brake or disc, every component

In BMX Race the rear brake is the only brake on the bike, so it has to be powerful, progressive and adjusted precisely enough to stay silent from the gate to the finish line. This section covers both families — linear-pull V-brake and disc brake — with the calipers, levers, cables, pads and rotors that go with them.

The V-brake, the BMX race standard

A V-brake, or linear-pull brake, bolts onto the brake bosses welded to the frame. Arms of 108 to 110 mm give the right balance between leverage and tyre clearance, for a light assembly you can readjust in a couple of minutes between motos. See our brake calipers.

Disc braking in BMX Race

A disc brake delivers consistent power in the wet and leaves the rim braking surface untouched — a genuine argument in favour of carbon wheels. In exchange it needs a frame with a dedicated caliper mount, or a bolt-on disc tab, and a drilled rear hub. Browse our disc brake kits.

Levers, cables and housing

A V-brake needs a long-pull lever: a road or short-pull lever will never move enough cable to work properly. A 22.2 mm clamp, a barrel adjuster, a 1.5 mm stainless inner wire and 5 mm outer housing complete the system. See our brake cables and their fittings.

Pads, the consumable part

V-brake pads come with a threaded post or a smooth post, with distinct compounds for aluminium rims and for carbon rims. On the disc side, pads are either organic, sharp from cold, or sintered metallic, which last noticeably longer under heat. Browse our brake pads.

Compatibility to check before ordering

• Frame: welded V-brake bosses, IS or Post Mount caliper fitting, or a plate clamped on the axle.
• Wheel: rim with a machined braking surface for V-brake, IS 6-bolt or Centerlock hub for disc.
• Lever: long pull for V-brake and cable disc brakes, matching lever for a hydraulic system.
• Clearance: a 20x1.75 tyre needs wider arms than a 20 x 1-1/8".

Which brake for which rider category

In Micro, Mini and Junior the V-brake remains the logical choice: light, simple, cheap to maintain and more than enough for small hands. From Expert upwards, and above all in Pro and Cruiser where speeds and weights increase, a disc brake starts to earn its place on the bike.

The BMX RACING advice

As a multi-brand shop, we build and adjust these systems every day: tell us your frame, your rear wheel and the rider category, and we confirm compatibility before you order. Dispatched within 24 to 72 hours and you can spread the cost over 2 or 3 payments with Alma.