Brakes, or Why can't I use them?

For some reason, I get hung up about using the brakes on this bike I'm borrowing. If I want to stop, but don't have to, I can stop nicely (not textbook-perfect, but good enough) using them. It's when I have to stop to avoid something that the trouble starts. For some reason, I revert to using my feet to stop. Now, I know that the brakes are more effective (as bad as they are) and that on the road bike, I won't be able to do that. I nearly ran into the curb in the parking lot today because of this braking issue, which could have had rather nasty results.

Does anyone have any suggestions to help me get over this and start using the brakes when I need to?

(I feel like such a pest...)
Thanks in advance!

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Originally Posted by Owlie

Now, I know that the brakes are more effective (as bad as they are)

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Get the brakes in working order so that you trust them. I won't get on a bike if I don't trust the brakes.

Simple adjustments to the cable tension, maybe some new pads, and if necessary a good oiling (the cable, not the brakes!) will make quite a bit of difference for very little $$ input. Cleaning off the braking surface well can also help.

I'm slightly confused.
Do the brakes work just fine and you're afraid to use them?

stand up in the pedals and slide your butt back, that'll keep you from using the feeet!

That sounds dangerous for you and anyone who might get in front of you.

Do your hands reach the levers?

Do they grab uncomfortably fast? Do they grab jerkily making you lose balance? Do you prefer the slower braking your feet give? Do you have to reach forward or shift your balance forward to reach the brakes? You should be able to ride comfortably with your hands or a couple of fingers around the brake levers without even thinking about it.

It sounds like something is making you feel unsteady when using the brakes. Trust me, there is NO WAY I'd opt for using my feet, no matter how slow I'm going! I'd be worried about cracking my shin on my frame.

If the braking is jerky or too abrupt that can be fixed quite simply.

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Originally Posted by Owlie

Does anyone have any suggestions to help me get over this and start using the brakes when I need to?

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Being able to stop when and where you want to is super-important...

First of all, what kind of brakes do you have? Hand brakes or coaster brakes?

Are they functional? (Do they work?) If you squeeze the brake levers will they grip the rim and skid the tire? When you've got the brake levers pulled all the way, can you still fit a finger between the lever and the handlebar? Do the brake pads still have enough rubber left on them?

The drill that I use as an LCI is to set up an oval course about 100 feet long, and have the student ride around that, practicing smooth starts and stops. For a smooth stop, pick where you want to stop, level your pedals, brake, unclip (if needed) and put a foot down. Let the handlebars turn in that direction to lean the bike a little and help shift your balance and weight from the bike to the grounded foot. I make 'em practice until they're getting it right, doing it consistently, and feel comfortable with the process...

The brakes work, but not very well. According to the owner of the bike, you'd need to give yourself double the stopping distance as you would on a road bike with properly-functioning brakes. BF has done what he can with them, and I think taking it to the LBS (especially since I have just over a week max of riding this thing) is more trouble than the bike is worth. I'm riding around in an empty parking lot, so people behind me is not a huge issue.

It's more psychological than anything to do with the bike itself. I know the only reason I can actually stop the bike with my feet is that it's too small for me. What I think it is that I don't trust them, and since I learned to ride a bike with coaster brakes (or....just feet), my feet are my go-to method for stopping the bike. I'm counting the days until I'll be able to buy the road bike. I'll have a bike with good brakes and I won't be able to use my feet.

Psyclepath--that drill sounds perfect! I'll try that. :D

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Originally Posted by Owlie

The brakes work, but not very well. According to the owner of the bike, you'd need to give yourself double the stopping distance as you would on a road bike with properly-functioning brakes..

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IMHO that means they do not work and you are putting yourself in danger.

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BF has done what he can with them, and I think taking it to the LBS (especially since I have just over a week max of riding this thing) is more trouble than the bike is worth. I'm riding around in an empty parking lot, so people behind me is not a huge issue.

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you are still putting yourself in danger. Get them fixed or invest in a real bike.

Practicing stopping with your feet will not even greatly help prepare you for a real bike you might buy in the near future. Sheesh.

Stopping with your feet is also a good way to slice up your leg on your chainrings. Riding around the parking lot, give yourself extra time to stop if the brakes suck. Pump the brakes some if it helps your hands from getting sore. Practice dismounting properly. Take someone out there with you whom you can watch if it helps.

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Originally Posted by PscyclePath

For a smooth stop, pick where you want to stop, level your pedals, brake, unclip (if needed) and put a foot down. Let the handlebars turn in that direction to lean the bike a little and help shift your balance and weight from the bike to the grounded foot. I make 'em practice until they're getting it right, doing it consistently, and feel comfortable with the process...

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Which direction? I just started riding clipless and about once every 20 stops, my weight goes the wrong way. I've managed to avoid all but two falls, but I'm getting phobic about it. Would help a lot if I could learn a way to know that I'm going to lean the right way every time.

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Originally Posted by Anathema

Which direction? I just started riding clipless and about once every 20 stops, my weight goes the wrong way. I've managed to avoid all but two falls, but I'm getting phobic about it. Would help a lot if I could learn a way to know that I'm going to lean the right way every time.

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Lean your bike in the direction of your planted foot. As you approach the stop, unclip 1 foot (I always unclip left foot first, but I've seen people that do right foot). What's important is to learn a routine where you always unclip the same foot first. Use both brakes evenly to slow/stop the bike. Plant your foot and lean the bike slightly towards the side of your planted foot. Now you still have one foot clipped in and, if you aren't paying attention, your bike can roll with your other foot clipped in and you will fall. I think most people that fall, do it when they are standing still! So, in the beginning, if I had one foot clipped in, I always had my hands on my brakes so that the bike couldn't roll away with me still attached :)

Turn the handlebars away from the direction of lean. So if you put your left foot down, turn the front wheel to the right slightly.

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Originally Posted by tctrek

Lean your bike in the direction of your planted foot. As you approach the stop, unclip 1 foot (I always unclip left foot first, but I've seen people that do right foot). What's important is to learn a routine where you always unclip the same foot first. Use both brakes evenly to slow/stop the bike. Plant your foot and lean the bike slightly towards the side of your planted foot. Now you still have one foot clipped in and, if you aren't paying attention, your bike can roll with your other foot clipped in and you will fall. I think most people that fall, do it when they are standing still! So, in the beginning, if I had one foot clipped in, I always had my hands on my brakes so that the bike couldn't roll away with me still attached :)

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Oh, man, I hadn't even gotten far enough to think of that! Once I stop tipping over, that'll be me getting dragged behind the bike. :eek:

Thanks for the replies. As long as I'm not near the bike, I feel like I'm looking forward to trying out the suggestions. I hope it helps; I really want to make these work. I tried putting back on the old pedals, and even with the tears and cold sweat, clipless is more enjoyable than platforms.