Brakes, or Why can't I use them?

[lph]

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.

[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. 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.

[alpinerabbit]

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..

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

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.

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.

[aicabsolut]

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.