Front Brakes (MTB)

[RichieT]

I use both brakes, but probably a bit harder on the front.  The only time that I back off on the front brake is on a steep downhill when the risk of going over the bars is high.  Also in corners - that's a no no.  Using both brakes keeps the bike nicely balanced 

 

Also, front brake should ALWAYS be on the right - like a motorbike.  I feel very very strongly on this!  I rode my cousins bike a few months ago and his brakes were the wrong way around.  Long story short, I face planted breaking one of my front teeth out, chipping another, fracturing my skull where the teeth go in, breaking a finger and getting killer roasties on my face and knuckles.  All because the brakes were the wrong way around!

i have a deep hatred for the front brake being on the left!    

If you've ever ridden a motorbike you will want the front brake on the right, otherwise it's just personal choice.

I can't believe that anyone still doesn't know that most of your braking power is on the front. You just must brake in a straight line... and stop braking before you start turning in. Rear braking is mainly to balance the bike (and do a bit of the stopping) or to slide the rear out... if you ride like that, which actually wastes momentum. 80-100% front I believe

[Paul Ruinaard]

Hmm enjoying this topic. Some other observations from my experience that will impact your ability to use your brakes and increase the feel and allow you to judge them better, and so brake better:

 

1.) Fit Bigger rotors. 180mm gives a lot more modulation on the front. If you are doing more i.e. Enduro and DH - 203mm is even better.

 

2.) Moving the brake levers in board so that you have the one finger on the end of the lever also means you have much more control as you are on the end of the lever rather than on the bit closes to the fulcrum.  Simple application of the principle of levers.

 

Learned this from a setup book This is what liberated my fingers from the death grip on the lever i had previously. It makes a huge difference.

 

3.) I have also heard that the non dominant hand has neurologically got the finer motor control.

 

 

 

 

 

[Mar]

Hmm enjoying this topic. Some other observations from my experience that will impact your ability to use your brakes and increase the feel and allow you to judge them better, and so brake better:

 

1.) Fit Bigger rotors. 180mm gives a lot more modulation on the front. If you are doing more i.e. Enduro and DH - 203mm is even better.

 

2.) Moving the brake levers in board so that you have the one finger on the end of the lever also means you have much more control as you are on the end of the lever rather than on the bit closes to the fulcrum.  Simple application of the principle of levers.

 

Learned this from a setup book This is what liberated my fingers from the death grip on the lever i had previously. It makes a huge difference.

 

3.) I have also heard that the non dominant hand has neurologically got the finer motor control.

 

 

Very interesting! Thx

[Paul Ruinaard]

If you've ever ridden a motorbike you will want the front brake on the right, otherwise it's just personal choice.

I can't believe that anyone still doesn't know that most of your braking power is on the front. You just must brake in a straight line... and stop braking before you start turning in. Rear braking is mainly to balance the bike (and do a bit of the stopping) or to slide the rear out... if you ride like that, which actually wastes momentum. 80-100% front I believe

Hmm,

 

agreed on most however the back brake has a lot more uses:

 

1.) Drag it on a corner and it will tighten your line and pull the front in slightly. This will tighten your line and can be used if the front is scrabbling for traction or washing out slightly.

 

2.) Like in Superbike and MotoGp you can steer the bike in to a corner without sliding by using the above technique. Watch a good rider (Noriyuki Haga was an expert) using this.

 

Back brakes are great fun when used properly and opens up a world of fun - much more than sliding only.

[Dirkitech]

Much easier just to not put all your fingers on the lever.... one finger for the front is enough for most things - and braking does not need much dexterity at all (unless you are completely one sided) just needs pressure sensitivity - and your non dominant hand should have more than your dominant hand - there are tests a neurologist can do to prove this to you apparently.

links please to articles claiming such?

 

because... that would mean neurologists oppose the european cycling standards i.t.o. more right handed people but the right front is designated as the front brake- although i use it opposite

[V12man]

Dirkitect, on 30 Oct 2014 - 12:27 PM, said:Dirkitect, on 30 Oct 2014 - 12:27 PM, said:

links please to articles claiming such?

 

because... that would mean neurologists oppose the european cycling standards i.t.o. more right handed people but the right front is designated as the front brake- although i use it opposite

http://psycnet.apa.org/journals/com/54/6/665/

 

I don't think neurologists care...

 

But the standard seems to be country specific, and based on what side of the road you are on for signalling..... although they seem to believe the rear brake is the primary brake.

 

http://cyclingtips.com.au/2009/05/why-do-brakes-differ/

[RatherBeMTB]

Watch this video. It explains it quite well, along with some other great tips 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiQGFX_RlW4