Know Your… Thumb Brakes

Over the past few years, thumb brakes have become incredibly popular; filtering down through the Grand Prix paddock, right through into the trackday scene. Question is, what do they do, how effective are they, and why would you want one? We caught up with Ian, creator of the thumb brakes from Speedycom, to find out.

FB: What is a thumb brake?

IC: It’s quite a simple idea really – instead of using your right foot to operate the rear brake, a unit, attached to your forks and sitting just below your handlebar, operates the same function. This means you can use the rear brake by pushing with your thumb.

FB: Can you still use a standard lever?

IC: Yes, and on road bikes it is not a problem. The oil feed for the rear master cylinder will need to be removed and then converted at the master cylinder inlet with a secure thread to attach it to the hose from the thumb brake. However, this will work fine, but will not be as effective as the thumb brake being linked direct to the rear brake calliper.

This issue being is that the master cylinder on the thumb brake will need to lock the standard rear brake lever into place before applying the hydraulic pressure to the calliper; essentially, you have to consider that the force you have in your foot is much greater than that in your thumb, so it will be more difficult to utilise.

FB: What are they made of?

IC: They’re quite a simple and effective design, and are constructed from a mixture of aircraft-grade aluminium and stainless steel. They are then anodised, so they’re strong, but look good as well. All components are C.N.C. and aluminium parts anodised, and the 13mm master cylinder is modified and then assembled on the standard units.

Over the past few years, thumb brakes have become incredibly popular; filtering down through the Grand Prix paddock, right through into the track day scene. Question is, what do they do, how effective are they, and why would you want one? We caught up with Ian, creator of the thumb brakes from Speedycom, to find out.

FB: How have they developed over time?