Do Pro Bmx Riders Use Brakes?- Clear Out Your Confession
Do pro-BMX riders use brakes? It’s a question that has been debated amongst the BMX community for years. Some riders swear by them, while others believe they hinder their riding style. So, what is the answer?
Then the answer depends on your riding style. The debate over brakes in BMX riding returns to its roots in the sport’s early days. Initially, riders used brakes as an essential tool to control their speed and maneuverability.
However, as the sport progressed and more tricks were invented, riders began to see the benefits of riding without brakes. This led to a polarizing debate that still exists today.
In this article, we’ll explore the arguments for and against using brakes in BMX riding and weigh the pros and cons to help you decide whether to ride with or without brakes.
Table of Contents
Do Pro Bmx Riders Use Brakes?
BMX comes with many types of bikes. Each bike uses different types of brakes.
| BMX Bike Type | Brakes |
|---|---|
| No Brakes | None |
| Front Brake | Front Only |
| Rear Brake | Rear Only |
| Front and Rear Brakes | Both Front and Rear |
However, In professional BMX riding, it is common for riders to choose not to use brakes. The decision to ride without brakes is a personal preference and can vary among individual riders. Riding brakeless provides advantages such as weight reduction, simplicity, and a cleaner aesthetic.
It also allows riders to perform certain tricks and maneuvers more easily, as they don’t have to worry about brake interference or accidentally engaging the brakes during complex movements.
That being said, there are professional BMX riders who do use brakes, especially in disciplines like flatland or certain styles of street riding where precise control and modulation are necessary. It ultimately depends on the rider’s style, preferences, and the riding they specialize in.
It’s important to note that having a functioning brake on a bicycle may be a legal requirement in some countries and jurisdictions. Riders must adhere to local laws and regulations regarding brake usage, both in professional and recreational riding settings.
Then How Do Riders Stop Bike Without Brakes?
The first and most common method for stopping a BMX without brakes is to use one of your shoes. You don’t need to put the shoe onto the ground as you would with a brake; instead, you should place it on the back wheel.
This creates friction, effectively stopping power and providing an alternative to riding with traditional brake pads. Although this can be an effective way of slowing down or coming to a complete stop, it isn’t ideal for the lifespan of your shoe.
Another way of avoiding braking on a BMX requires more skill and practice than using your shoe does. Try sliding your bicycle sideways – similar to how you might stop while skiing or skateboarding.
This can take some time to get used to, but once mastered, it will provide a reliable way of coming safely (and stylishly) to a halt. With both methods combined, learning how to weave in and out of traffic is possible without having traditional brakes fitted on your bike.
Is There are Any Risk Factors to Riding Bike Without Brakes?
Riding a bike without brakes can be dangerous and risky. Without brakes, it is much harder for BMX riders to slow down or stop their bikes, making avoiding obstacles or other riders on the track more difficult. This can lead to serious injuries if they cannot stop in time.
Additionally, BMX riders may experience difficulties controlling their speed while descending hills or riding on uneven terrain.
Riders should also know local laws requiring bicycles to have functioning brakes. Breaking the law can result in fines or other legal ramifications. It is important to research and understand the regulations that apply to your area before choosing not to ride with brakes.
Why Don’t BMX Riders Have Brakes?
There are a few reasons why some BMX riders choose not to use brakes:
- Weight reduction: By removing the brakes, BMX riders can reduce the overall weight of their bikes. A lighter bike can provide an advantage in certain tricks and maneuvers, allowing riders to achieve more height or spin faster.
- Simplicity: BMX is known for its simplicity and minimalism. Riding without brakes eliminates the need for brake cables, levers, and other components, creating a cleaner and more streamlined look. It reduces the chances of mechanical issues and simplifies maintenance.
- Trick execution: Riding brakeless can make certain tricks and maneuvers easier. For example, riders often use their feet to control speed and balance instead of relying on brakes. This technique, known as “foot jamming,” allows for greater control over the bike and can be advantageous in certain trick combinations.
- Style and aesthetic: Some riders prefer the look and feel of riding without brakes. It can give a bike a more “freestyle” or aggressive appearance and aligns with certain subcultures and trends within the BMX community.
It’s important to note that riding without brakes requires more skill and control. Riders must develop a strong sense of bike handling, speed control, and spatial awareness to ensure their safety and the safety of others.
It’s also essential for riders to be aware of local laws and regulations regarding brake usage, as some jurisdictions require bicycles to have functioning brakes.
Is It Better to Ride a BMX Bike With or Without Brakes?
Riding a BMX bike with or without brakes is a personal preference for most riders. Both options have advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to consider them before choosing.
You can save money on components and weight if you ride without brakes. You will also likely find yourself riding faster and more aggressively since you cannot stop with brakes. However, this also increases the risk of injury since you are likelier to lose control or crash at higher speeds.
On the other hand, riding a bike with brakes can be more comfortable and safer for some riders. You will have greater control over your speed and can stop quickly if needed. However, you may find that riding with brakes slows you down and limits your ability to perform certain tricks.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference and individual skill level. Before deciding, riders should consider their experience, riding style, and local laws.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
1: Do Professional BMX Riders Use Brakes?
The use of brakes among professional BMX riders varies. Some riders choose not to use brakes to reduce weight, simplify the bike’s design, and have more freedom for certain tricks. However, some professional riders use brakes, especially in disciplines like flatland or specific styles of street riding where precise control and modulation are necessary.
2: Is It Difficult To Ride BMX Without Brakes?
Riding BMX without brakes requires a higher level of skill and control. Riders must rely on alternative methods, such as using their feet or body positioning, to control speed and perform maneuvers. It takes practice and experience to develop a strong sense of bike handling, speed control, and spatial awareness when riding brakeless.
3: Are There Any Advantages To Riding BMX Without Brakes?
Riding brakeless provides several advantages. It reduces the bike’s weight, allowing riders to achieve more height or spin faster in certain tricks. The simplified design also minimizes the chances of mechanical issues and simplifies maintenance.
Additionally, riding without brakes can make certain tricks and maneuvers easier to perform, as riders have more freedom and don’t have to worry about brake interference.
4: Are There Any Disadvantages To Riding BMX Without Brakes?
While riding brakeless offers advantages, it also comes with certain disadvantages. The main drawback is reduced stopping power and the potential for increased risk when quick stops or speed control are necessary.
Riders must develop advanced techniques for speed management and rely on their skill and judgment to maintain safety. Additionally, in some countries or regions, having a functioning brake on a bicycle may be a legal requirement, so riders should be aware of local laws and regulations.
5: Can I Add Brakes To A BMX Bike If It Doesn’t Come With Them?
Yes, adding brakes to a BMX bike is possible, even if it doesn’t come with them. You must purchase and install the necessary brake components, including brake calipers, brake levers, cables, and brake pads.
It’s important to ensure compatibility with your bike’s frame and fork, and it may require some adjustments or modifications. If you’re unsure or not confident in doing it yourself, it’s recommended to seek assistance from a professional bike mechanic to ensure proper installation and functionality.
Conclusion
Whether or not professional BMX riders choose to use brakes is largely a matter of personal preference. The additional weight and complexity of brakes may limit the performance of certain tricks, while the greater control and stopping power they provide can make them advantageous in specific disciplines. Riders should consider their experience level, riding style, and local laws before deciding whether or not to ride with brakes.
