front vs back brakes?

Hi all! Time to come out of the shadows and introduce myself! I am new to road biking (actually I am still in the purchase stage). Last summer I bought a hybrid to ride rail-trails with. Who knew I would love biking so much?! Anyway, now I want to start riding with clubs, and hitting the streets after work. I have learned so much from reading your posts!

One question about braking - when do you use the front vs the back? Should you always clamp down on both at the same time? Do different situations have you braking differently such as hills, or gravel?

Thanks in advance!
Trish

Welcome!
Here's a good article about braking:
http://sheldonbrown.com/brakturn.html

I don't completely agree with Sheldon on this. The front brake is the most powerful and useful. Use of the rear brake alone is to be avoided due to the danger of rear wheel lock and skid. But I find shorter stopping distances from high speed with both brakes, and less risk of overheating a rim. I've overheated a rim stopping from 35 mph with the front brake only. I apply both brakes in high-speed stops, but put more force on the front one. To slow from low speed or just to bleed off some speed, I'll use front brake only.

The other important technique for braking is to shift your weight rearward on the bike (so the rear wheel won't lose traction) and brace yourself properly with your arms almost straight in front of you and your weight low. Braking from the drops improves your weight balance and bracing ability.

Yes I generally do the same things you do when braking, Deb.

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...hlight=braking

Try reading through this thread and searching for others on going downhill.

Hey this is great info - just what I was looking for! Thanks so much!
Trish