What To Look For
BMX bikes often accept only one style of brake; however, several styles exist for a variety of frames. BMX manufacturers build bicycles for caliper brakes, liner pull brakes or U-brakes. Many BMX frame designs for competitive trick cyclists lack brakes. The best BMX brake stops quickly and stays adjusted. Even inexpensive brakes can provide these qualities when properly adjusted, according to bicycle mechanic and industry cataloger Sheldon Brown. BMX racers typically utilize liner pull brakes for stopping power while freestyle riders prefer U-brakes for modulation, states bicycle retailer Brands Cycle & Fitness.
Common Pitfalls
Many cyclists unwisely believe more expensive brakes will provide better power or performance. Upgrading to quality brake pads often improves performance more than changing brake system components. Purchase softer compound pads for quicker stops and harder compound pads for longer pad life. Headset rotors, devices commonly installed on BMX bikes allowing for total handlebar rotation while performing tricks, typically add multiple junctions to cables and fall out of adjustment quickly. Do not adjust bicycle brakes without proper training. Many parents allow children to work on personal bicycles. Children lack the hand strength to properly adjust and tighten brakes.
Where To Buy
Many local bicycle shops and online Internet BMX retailers stock and sell replacement BMX brakes and parts. They also offer adjustment and installation services for BMX bikes and can easily tell which style of brake a particular bicycle will accept. Brands Cycle & Fitness sells BMX brakes at BrandsCycle.com. Harris Cyclery, former employer of the late Brown, sells BMX brakes at sheldonbrown.com.
Cost
As of 2010, inexpensive caliper brakes often sell from $10 to $30 per brake. Linear pull brakes generally sell from $10 to $50. U-brakes typically cost $15 to $60. High-end lightweight brakes utilizing space-age carbon fiber or titanium often cost more than $100. Brake pads typically cost $5 to $30 per brake. Labor fees for brake adjustment or pad installation typically cost under $30 per brake. Brake installation usually costs under $50 per brake. Headset rotor removal, a simplistic way to improve existing brake power, often costs under $40. Often brakes require only cable replacement for improved power. Cables typically cost under $10.
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