The Question

**Veronica** · 09-09-2005, 08:45 AM

Originally Posted by Trekhawk

Keeping your right hand on the handlebar lets you access the rear brake in a panic-stop situation. So always use your left to grab a bottle, a snack, or to signal to traffic."

Well since I only reach for my bottle when it appears that there will be nothing odd happening for a bit, I'll continue to use my right.

V.

**Adventure Girl** · 09-09-2005, 09:19 AM

I have my brakes reversed on all my bikes. Left is rear. Right is front. I use my right hand for most figity things. Left hand is free for the rear brake at all times.

**Googlie Wooglie** · 09-09-2005, 10:12 AM

I always use my left hand to grab anything ... especially water. Always did it that way.

For once, I did something right! (ha ha, pun NOT intended... )

**Melodylynn** · 09-09-2005, 10:41 AM

I use my left to grab for the water bottle. I do lots of things with my left hand. My Mom was left handed and I was right so growing up we taught each other lots of new ways to do things!

Melody

**SadieKate** · 09-09-2005, 10:45 AM

Hmm, whatever hand is handy.

Usually my left though.

**CorsairMac** · 09-09-2005, 11:28 AM

I use either hand to grab the water bottle.

My brakes are all switched too but I don't drink unless I have very clear road in front of me so I have time to react if I need to. Course I also ride alone 90% of the time so I don't know what I'd do in a group situation.

**DirtDiva** · 09-09-2005, 01:36 PM

I don't actually have a bottle cage on my bike at the moment, so it's always the left at present as I keep my water bottle in the stretchy mesh pocket on the left hand side of my backpack. I keep my cell phone and whatever else I want to be able to get to easily in the one on the right. I don't have a conscious reason for doing it this way around, but I've kept it consistent so that I can find what I'm looking for easily. Can't remember which hand I used when I did have a bottle cage - either/or I think.

**Trek420** · 09-10-2005, 07:53 AM

Adventure Girl "I have my brakes reversed on all my bikes. Left is rear. Right is front."

Ahh, now I see why you asked which one when you tried my bike.

Remind me again when/if I ever try yours.

Makes a nice theft deterent too, crook snatches bike, rides off, touches right brake, flies over the bars.

splat.

I use my right hand to drink when it looks like the coast is clear for a long way. Also I would throw the bottle way out of the way and brake.

I signal and unclip with the left, I'm right handed.

**Kimred** · 09-10-2005, 08:45 AM

Always with my left but for long rides I always have on my camelback! Love it and it's saves my back if I fall. (Mines a bit beat up). Plus I put lots of ice in it and keeps me cool on hot days.

**RoadRaven** · 09-10-2005, 12:51 PM

I'm right handed...

I reach for the bottle with my right...

<EDIT> crosses out right, and writes LEFT...
I always reach with my left... went for a tough 50km hilly ride today and was very aware of when I reached for the bottle, and its my left hand!!! What a dipstick I is!!!

I always drink on the straight flats or slight downhills...

I unclip with my left foot, always... but we ride/drive on the left here, so that would match the logic of the riders at your club, nuthatch... because on my left is the curb...

**MightyMitre** · 09-10-2005, 03:06 PM

Yep - I have my rear brake on the left as well ( as do most UK bikes) but even if I didn't I'd still reach with my right hand. Even though I'm right handed I'm much better at one-handed-riding with my left steering. If I tried to reach for my bottle with my left hand I'd get in a total mess and probably drop it!

Generally reach for my bottle whenever I'm thirsty, although occasionally I ride along with it in my teeth for a minute if the road suddenly requires 2 hands, till I'm out of danger.

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