Brake usage

[jane]

I have always used both front and rear brakes together but I have been told that I should mainly use the front brake. I am frightened of going over the handlebars if I mainly use the front brake. Any advice will be appreciated.

[Veronica]

Mountain or road?

The front brake does provide much more braking power than the rear.

If you're happy with how you're braking currently, why change, just because "somebody told you to."

Veronica

[spazzdog]

If you "feather" the back as you are squeezing the front, you'll be good... at least on the road. No sure what the technique is off-road.

The same technique is used on motorcycles, because if you "lock up" your back wheel, i.e. you clamp the brake... the bike is more likely to fishtail and go down.

spazz

[SadieKate]

If you "feather" the back as you are squeezing the front, you'll be good... at least on the road. No sure what the technique is off-road.

Pretty much the same. The back brake slows you down, the front brakes stops you. So, they need to be used together and each feathered based on the terrain and speed. I'm surprised anyone told you to mainly use the front brakes. If you use today's linear V-brakes, you could defintely take a tumbler by only using the front brake.

Go out to the park or low traffic area and use each brake independently to see how they behave. If you have much speed, the back brake will slow you down but you can't stop quickly. The front brake can stop you easily but has to be feathered very gently for speed control.

[Bike Goddess]

Re front brake usage- I suggest you read Sheldon Brown on the subject. He explains the principles of why to use which brake when. I'd give you my opinion here, but I think it best for someone of his stature to explain. You can find him on the web by just typing in Sheldon Brown and then look under cycling articles. Hope that helps!

[LBTC]

when working on riding steeps on the mountain bike, I was being watched by a whole schwack of guys, including one with tons of experience. he saw my back wheel locking up and getting sideways and gave me the coolest advice (yes, by then I would realize I should use *less* brake in the rear, however, I was scared completely to do that ) He said "more front brake". and it worked!! it's great to practice on steeps in a safe environment - people you know and like, a hill that's not terribly long - a bowl is even better - and to practice getting down the hill in as much control as possible, both fast and slow. it's a great way to learn the braking techniques that will help you with all sorts of riding! it worked for me!

(but if you're talking about road, well, I can't say I get it. I haven't crashed yet (knock wood) but I have no idea if I do anything right out there!)

Namaste,
~T~

[CorsairMac]

Mountain or road?

The front brake does provide much more braking power than the rear.

If you're happy with how you're braking currently, why change, just because "somebody told you to."

Veronica

I'm with V on this one - if you're happy with your current braking situation, does it matter what someone else thinks you should do? You're the one on the bike and you're the one that has to stop it, go with what has been working for you!

[SadieKate]

Not necessarily, Corsair. On the dirt, it can make a HUGE difference. Go have a few sessions with snow on some steep loose stuff. Yowee!

[Veronica]

On the dirt, it can make a HUGE difference. Go have a few sessions with snow on some steep loose stuff. Yowee!

Yep, that's why I was wondering if it was road or mountain. My answer really only applies to road.

V.

[SadieKate]

My own experience - when I learned to brake properly on dirt, I rode much faster.

[Veronica]

Personally, I prefer to just not use the brakes at all.

V.

[CorsairMac]

Personally, I prefer to just not use the brakes at all.

V.

ROFLMAO......and I wanna be Just like you when I grow up!!!

[RoadRaven]

ummm... brakes?

[jane]

I use both my brakes together but I find I apply the rear brake harder than the front because I am frightened of going over the handlebars.
I have noticed the rear tends to lock-up at times, I then ease off the rear and apply more pressure to the front brake.

[Carole]

I find when I have to stop in an emergency I use both front and rear brakes the same amount and I find it impossible to ease off the rear when the wheel locks up because I tend to freeze with panic.