I have always run my brakes like a motorcycle, i.e. backwards for most cyclists. The reason for this was that my husband was a motorcyclist and he changed all his bikes over cause that was what he was used to; so when I started riding he did this for me too. I'm used to it. Whenever I take my bike into the shop, I always give them a heads up that I want my brakes backwards - and they will be in trouble if they change it. I also have to warn people before they ride one of my bikes that it is backwards and to watch how they pull the brakes. It is not so much a big deal on the road bike since I more often than not brake both brakes at a time, unless I am pedaling against the brake in a peloton.

On the mountain bike, I do have to be cognizant of which brake I am using for certain situations. So, if someone were to change my brakes, I would be in big trouble! I don't want to be hitting front brake going down a drop off or something! Yikes!

It is no safer one way or another, it is just what you get used to.

spoke