Basic Knowledge About Braking:
1. Brakes are for controlling speed, not just for stopping.
2. The front brake has better braking power.
3. Brakes achieve maximum braking force just before locking up; once locked, braking effectiveness drops significantly and balance is easily lost.
Many beginners, worried that using the front brake might cause them to flip over, prefer to use the rear brake and use the front brake less. In reality, the front brake is safer in many situations, and learning to use it can be mastered quickly.
Why Do We Primarily Use the Front Brake?
1. The front brake provides better braking power. Speed control mainly relies on the friction between the wheels and the road surface, which is proportional to the pressure the wheels exert on the road. When using the front brake, due to inertia, the pressure of the front wheel on the road increases, enhancing braking power. Using the rear brake does not have this effect, and when using the front brake, the rear wheel’s pressure on the road decreases significantly, reducing friction.
2. When going downhill, only the front brake provides sufficient braking force because most of the vehicle and rider’s weight is on the front wheel, increasing friction with the road. The rear wheel’s pressure on the road is minimal, reducing friction and braking effectiveness, and even slight braking force can cause the rear wheel to lock up and skid.
Brake Usage Practice:
1. Most mountain bike brake levers are two-finger brakes.When riding,place your index and middle fingers on the levers so you can brake immediately in an emergency. Many riders leave their index finger free for gear shifting and use only their middle finger for braking, allowing them to shift and brake simultaneously.
2. First and foremost, we need to learn how to control braking force—slowly get a feel for how much force is needed to achieve the desired braking power, in order to control braking effects and avoid locking up. Once you’re familiar with the relationship between braking force and braking effect, you can confidently use the front brake.
3. You can master front brake techniques by practicing quick stops, paying attention to shifts in your body’s center of gravity and adjusting accordingly.
Things to Be Aware of When Using the Front Brake:
1. When making an emergency stop, your body should move slightly backward and downward along with the braking action. This prevents the rear wheel from lifting or even the rider being thrown forward due to the forward inertia during braking.
2. When the front wheel is turning, you should not use the front brake. Once skilled, you may apply slight front brake pressure as appropriate.
3. When there is an obstacle ahead, try to avoid using the front brake.
Normally, the rear brake mainly serves as a supplementary function. Slightly using the rear brake while applying the front brake will yield better results.
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