Front Brakes (MTB)

[Flowta]

That is not the "normal" way round on a bicycle - normally the left hand lever is on the front brake - 90+% of manufacturers fit them that way round - same way they fit the rear shifters on the right - that's the default - probably because mose people are right hand dominant, and they shift more often using the rear DR than the front.

 

I am not saying you are wrong - just that that's not the normal way round - I also ride a motorbike with brakes the other way round (reversed compared to my bicyles) - but somehow don't seem to confuse the 2 setups.

 

Depends on the manufacturer/bike builder, your preference, etc.

 

If coming from road biking background, you might prefer the left/front, right/rear configuration which is "common".

 

If coming from an MX background you might prefer Right/front setup as per motorbikes.

[dirtypot]

Every single one of my bikes that I've ever owned has had the front brake on the right hand side.  Road bikes, mountain bikes, BMX's - everything.  Lots of different brads over my whole life.

I've never asked a shop to swap the brakes before I buy a bike.

 

I'd hardly think that all of these fit into the remaining 10%!

[Mar]

Every single one of my bikes that I've ever owned has had the front brake on the right hand side.  Road bikes, mountain bikes, BMX's - everything.  Lots of different brads over my whole life.

I've never asked a shop to swap the brakes before I buy a bike.

 

I'd hardly think that all of these fit into the remaining 10%!

 

It seems like there is no real "wrong" or "right"

It's what you are used to I guess.

[dirtypot]

True.  If you've only ever had your front brakes on the left (wrong side  ) then you'd know no differently

[worriesnot]

Every single one of my bikes that I've ever owned has had the front brake on the right hand side.  Road bikes, mountain bikes, BMX's - everything.  Lots of different brads over my whole life.

I've never asked a shop to swap the brakes before I buy a bike.

 

I'd hardly think that all of these fit into the remaining 10%!

 

Every bike I've ever bought was fitted front brake on the left.

I prefer front brake right, so have had to get it changed every time 

Luck of the draw I guess...

[HOEKVLAG]

My bikes are set up with the front on the right. I'm used to this as I've been using it like this since I started cycling. I've had to swop one of the road bikes I've had over, but all the others came standard like this. I use both brakes, but my first reaction is to grab on the left...

[Gen]

Left right, front back.. just as long as they are there and work when I need them

[Hackster]

A related question.

 

I once read that if you hit both brakes on a dual suss, you effective lock up the suspension.

 

Ever since I read that, I've noticed this behaivour on my bike - a blerry old Trance X.

 

But... I have been guilty of imagining things in the past.

 

Can anyone confirm / deny?

[Tankman]

 

 

A related question.

 

I once read that if you hit both brakes on a dual suss, you effective lock up the suspension.

 

 

You should stop reading

[Letum911]

It should be 70% front/ 30% rear, break BEFORE the corners, not in them if you can.

This is where personal riding style comes in , I agree with not braking in corners but every now and again it does happen that you have to slow down in a corner, and then I rather hit the back than the front, on my bike if I lean into a corner and hit front brake it picks the bike up.

 

But with my everyday riding I prefer having my weight over the back so use my back brake more often than the front. But personal riding style, type of bike and terrain, level of riding and experience will play a role here. 

[Hackster]

You should stop reading

You're not the first person to suggest that.

[Kranky]

As the front wheel/ brake deals with steering and takes my forward momentum under braking, I like to have it controlled by my dominant hand. It really matters on steep technical single track, dirt roadies can probably get away with any setup though.

[camelman]

I ride mine MOTO style as it does not confuse me when getting on the motorcycle again. Front on the right and rear on the left.

 

I use about 70-80% front brake.  Front brake is for stopping, back brake is for control.  If you are only using your back brake AND you are able to stop, you are going to way too slow.  Learn to love that front brake.  Start by practicing on a dry tar road to see what a difference it makes.  No amount of weight over the back wheel will ever give you the stopping power of a front brake.  And please don't brake in the corners, do it before.

 

Here is a good article on braking, a bit long but a good read. http://www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-training/how-to-brake-your-mountain-bike/

 

And here is a good video too.

[MrJacques]

A related question.

 

I once read that if you hit both brakes on a dual suss, you effective lock up the suspension.

 

Ever since I read that, I've noticed this behaivour on my bike - a blerry old Trance X.

 

But... I have been guilty of imagining things in the past.

 

Can anyone confirm / deny?

 

Depends on the suspension design and it has more to do with the rear brakes. Some lock up when applying the rear brake and others are designed to stay active under braking.

 

Some nice info here:

 

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/article/buyers-guide-to-mountain-bike-suspension-part-1-28367/

 

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/article/buyers-guide-to-mountain-bike-suspension-part-2-28438/

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Depends on the suspension design and it has more to do with the rear brakes. Some lock up when applying the rear brake and others are designed to stay active under braking.

 

Some nice info here:

 

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/article/buyers-guide-to-mountain-bike-suspension-part-1-28367/

 

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/article/buyers-guide-to-mountain-bike-suspension-part-2-28438/

Also depends on your speed. At rest, with the back locked up on certain suspension designs it doesn't allow the tire to rotate and free up the suspension to move back or forwards (rearward and forward axle path) but if you're moving that isn't as much of a problem.

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

You're not the first person to suggest that.

He's also wrong.