Abstract: A braking system for an in-line skate wherein an additional wheel is connected to the skate product by a linkage. The linkage is designed to provide progressive braking force on the hub of the additional wheel. The additional wheel is load bearing and can rotate freely when the brake is not actuated. The braking system has a four bar linkage, a preload spring, a load bearing wheel hub and a skate wheel. The four bar linkage is made up of the in-line skate and three linkage bars interconnected in such a manner that they can move relative to one another. Attached to the linkage is a load bearing wheel hub which is attached to a brake wheel. A preload spring is attached to the linkage so that a predetermined force must be applied to the linkage bars before they will move relative to one another. The geometry of the linkage is such that relative bar movement results in a braking force being applied to the wheel hub and thereby to the braking wheel.