why do some people take their front breaks off their bikes?

Answer 1

actually the first 2 answers are kinda wrong. Trick bikes have what is called a "cable detangler" that allows a front brake without cable problems. In fact, many tricks NEED the front brake.

In my experience, front brakes are usually removed by those racing BMX so when they are racing around the track there won't be the problem of mud buildup or the possibility of accidentally pulling the front brake at a bad time.

MOST real BMX bikes don't have a front brake to begin with.

Answer 2

First off, unless you are on a closed course not having a brake is a very bad idea. The front brake provides the vast majority of your stopping power, and in general is the only brake you need. If you don't believe me, read Sheldon Brown (see below; he also has articles on every other aspect of cycling).

I think the most common bike to not have a brake is a fixed gear bicycle. This is a bike that has the rear wheel attached without a freewheel. That is, it does not rotate on it's own. The pedals and rear wheel must turn in the same direction at the same rate. This gives the rider a great deal of control over the bike. Due to physics, the bike can be controlled side to side by varying your pressure on the pedals.

They were originally used on a track, but now are also common for commuting in the city and for bike couriers. Because the rear wheel can be slowed by pressure on the pedals, these bikes rarely have a rear brake. In some circles it is almost a status symbol to remove the front brake as well, leaving no brakes on the bike. Some people say that this increases your awareness while biking. Personally I view it as a very unsafe practice. (It is also illegal in most areas) If something happens to your bike, such as the chain breaking, you have no way to stop. In addition, if someone does something unexpected directly in front of you, you have no way of stopping. Brakes simply work more quickly than a rear wheel alone.

Answer 3

Usually only BMXers or dirt jumpers remove the front brakes to have less cable clutter so they can spin the handlebar as they wish.

For any other application, the front brake is the better stopper, and regardless of thought, it does not force you over the bars when used properly.

The only time to don't use the front brake is when the front wheel is airborne (as in wheelies, bombing down a series of steps, a drop off or something).

Answer 4

People who do tricks with bikes remove the front brakes so they can spin the handlebars/fork/wheel assembly while in mid air. If there were brakes (and cables), they would wind up so you wouldn't be able to do that.

Answer 5

what racing pro sed.

Unless you need to for BMX tricks, removing your front brake is dumb, dumber and dangerous. Nothing screams to the world "I'm broke, stupid and know less than nothing about cycling" like riding no brakes.

Maintaining your brakes and cables is easy to do, do it yourself or have the shop do it. Unless you plan to be flipping in mid air...do it!

what I truly don't understand is the people with no REAR brakes 8-(

Answer 6

Some people just dont like the front brake because they dont think they need it wich unless your doing bmx flatland and mountain biking you dont really need them.Dirt jumpers may not use them because of extra weight or you really dont need them for that.

Answer 7

Only BMX people do that. The front brake is about 70% of your total stopping power, so to do so in any other circumstance is silly.

Answer 8

People who do tricks with bikes remove the front brakes so they can spin the handlebars/fork/wheel assembly while in mid air. If there were brakes (and cables), they would wind up so you wouldn't be able to do that. dats why there are special brakes dat go inside ur forks and out from underneath ....... people take off there front brakes off because front brakes arent neccecery !!!!!!!!!!

Answer 9

because they are broke and can't afford to replace the pads on the front after they burn em off