Braking is very simple, just press the brake lever, is it really that simple?
Of course not. The actual situation tells us that if the brakes are not well controlled, the safety of riding will not be guaranteed. Let’s take a look at the correct use of the brakes!
Brake Basics
- The brake is to control the speed, not just stop the use.
- The front brake has better braking effect.
- The brake has the maximum braking effect when it is locked, and the braking performance is greatly reduced and the balance is easy to lose after locking.
- Many beginners prefer to use the rear brake because they are worried that using the front brake will cause somersaults, and use the front brake less. In fact, the front brake is safer in many situations.
Should I use the front or rear brakes?
Because your bike has two sets of brakes, one for the front wheels and one for the rear wheels. In order for you to stop your bike safely, you must be well-versed in using the brakes.The traditional saying is: use the front and rear brakes at the same time. The theory is very useful for a beginner who is not yet proficient in cycling skills, but if you can’t get past this stage, then you will not be able to master the professional skills of cleverly controlling the bicycle.
Usually the best way to stop the bicycle in the shortest distance is to pull the front brake to the extent that the rear wheel just floats off the ground, because the moving human body and the bike have forward inertia, and the acceleration of gravity is downward. The two forces act at the same time to form a forward and downward combined force. The braking action relies on the friction between the tire and the ground to resist the forward force, and the greater the pressure, the greater the friction, so most of the friction comes from the front wheel at this time. . Because the rear wheel is floating, the rear brake has no effect at all. Take full advantage of the rear brake on soft or slippery surfaces, or when the front tire blows out.However, on generally dry and flat surfaces, the front brake will always provide the greatest braking effect, both theoretically and practically. Once you learn to use the front brake properly, you will be a safe rider.
Practice using the brakes
Generally, the brake lever of a mountain bike is a two-finger brake lever. When riding, put your index finger and middle finger on it, and you can brake immediately in case of an emergency. There are also many riders who leave their index fingers for shifting, and only use their middle fingers to control the brakes, so that shifting and braking can be performed at the same time.
The first thing we learn is the control of braking force. We will gradually become familiar with how much force can be applied to control the braking effect and prevent locking. After familiar with the relationship between braking force and braking effect, you can rest assured. Use the front brake.
You can master the front braking technique by practicing quick stops, paying attention to the changes in the body’s center of gravity and controlling it when braking.
Precautions for using the front brake
When stopping in an emergency, the body should move backwards and downwards with the brakes, so as to prevent the rear wheel from being lifted or even flying out due to the forward inertia of the center of gravity when braking.
When the front wheel is turning, you should not use the front brake. After you are skilled, you can use the front brake slightly.
When there are obstacles ahead, try to avoid using the front brake.
Usually, the rear brake is mainly used as an auxiliary function, and a little control of the rear brake when using the front brake will have a better use effect.