The front brake can provide you with excellent stopping power, but it can also send you flying over the handlebars. Here’s how to brake properly.
　　(1) Shift your weight backward when using the front brake
　　When you use the front brake, your weight will naturally shift forward due to inertia. You must practice consciously shifting your weight backward when you start braking (lower your body and move your hips back). The more you shift your weight backward, the more braking force you can safely apply. You can practice this on sandy or slightly slippery flat ground by accelerating and using varying pressure on your front and rear brakes to understand how to control them. Or ask experienced riders how they use their brakes while cycling.
(2) Reduce front brake force when turning
　　Just like driving a car, you must reduce your speed when turning. If you brake hard while turning, you’ll cause the bike to skid and lose control. Use both your front and rear brakes to slow down while turning. Your front wheel’s responsiveness decreases when braking, so reducing front brake force will make your turns smoother. If you’re in a steep downhill turn and need to brake, try to rely more on the rear brake. On flat ground, when braking at the last moment, shift your weight backward and apply about 30% front and 70% rear brake force.
　 (3) Don’t press the front brake too hard
　　Inertia is your friend—you need speed to get through rocks and obstacles. Otherwise, your wheels may stop turning and throw you over the handlebars. Pressing the front brake too hard shifts your weight forward, causing the front of the bike to dip. If you’re using the front brake in a sharp downhill turn, you must control both front and rear brakes without pressing too hard continuously. Instead, alternate between releasing and pressing the brakes to prevent lock-up.