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 cannot be guaranteed. Let us take a look at the correct use of the brakes!
Basic knowledge of brakes
- The brake is for speed control, not just for parking.
- The front brake has a better braking effect.
- The brake has the maximum braking effect when it is locked, and the braking performance is greatly reduced after locking and it is easy to lose balance.
Many novices are worried that using the front brake will cause somersaults and prefer to use the rear brake and use the front brake less. In fact, the front brake is safer in many situations.
Should I use the front brake or the rear brake?
Because your bike has two sets of brakes, one set to control the front wheels and the other set to control the rear wheels. In order for you to stop the bicycle safely, you must fully understand the technique of 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 still can’t break through this stage, then you have no way to master the professional skills of cleverly controlling bicycles. Generally, the best way to stop a bicycle within the shortest distance is to pull the front brake to the point that the rear wheel just floats off the ground, because the human body and the bike in motion have forward inertia, and the acceleration of gravity is added to the downward direction. The two forces act at the same time to form a forward and downward force. The braking action depends on the friction between the tire and the ground to resist the forward component. The greater the pressure, the greater the friction, so most of the friction at this time comes from the front wheels. . Because the rear wheel floats, the rear brake has no effect at all. On soft or slippery roads, or when the front tires blow out, make full use of the rear brakes. However, on generally dry flat roads, whether in theory or in practice, the front brake can always provide the maximum braking effect. Once you learn to use the front brakes correctly, you will be a safe rider.
The practice of using brakes
Generally, the brake lever of a mountain bike is a two-finger brake lever. When riding, put your index and middle fingers on it, and you can brake immediately if there is an emergency. Many riders also set aside their index finger to shift gears, and only use the middle finger 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. Gradually become familiar with how much braking force can be achieved by applying how much force to control the braking effect and prevent locking. Once you are 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 fast parking, paying attention to the change of the body’s center of gravity, and controlling it when braking.
Precautions for using the front brake
In an emergency stop, your body should move backward and downward in conjunction with the brakes, so as to prevent the forward inertia of the center of gravity during braking from lifting the rear wheel or even flying out. When the front wheels are turning, you should not use the front brakes. After you are skilled, you can use the front brakes slightly. When there is an obstacle ahead, try to avoid using the front brake. Normally, the rear brake is mainly used as an auxiliary when riding, and a little control of the rear brake when using the front brake will have a better use effect.
Have you learned about the specific use of brakes?