Bicycle braking skills and techniques are very important to learn and master, as it can spare a rider from injuries.
Front-braking technique (which still applies some rear braking) can help you control your bike while riding, but only when performed correctly.
The following are the basic rules to help you ride faster and safer using the front bicycle braking technique.
* Don’t lock your rear or front brakes, especially when you’re going fast, as this may result to and over-the-handlebar crash.
* Take note that a skidding bike tire has almost no traction. To get a good grip and for your bike to stop effectively, your tires have to maintain solid traction with the ground.
* Squeeze your front brake front brake two to three times harder than your rear brake during typical braking.
* Use less or no front brake the slippier the surface or the sharper the turn you’re taking.
For instance:
If you have to brake hard around a very sharp corner, use less or no front brake and more rear to prevent a skidding front wheel, jack-knifing, slipping out, or fork diving.
If you have to brake slightly around a wide grippy turn, you could apply equal mild pressure to both the rear and front brake.
On sandy, muddy, or other slippery surfaces, use less to no front brake, especially when executing turns.
To avoid a skidding wheel when braking heavily, use mostly your front brake, and only increase your rear braking as your speed reduces, to provide more rear wheel traction.
The more you use these basic front bicycle braking techniques, the sooner you will develop the habit of using your front brake correctly for any situation.
To help you obtain such habit sooner, check out the following essential bicycle braking tips:
* You would most likely lose control and flow if you are tensed. Even if your fingers are busy on the brake levers, you should keep a relaxed hold on your handlebar to maximize your control of your bike.
* Use one finger (index) when braking. Your other four fingers will hold to the bar to help you have a more relaxed control.
* Slightly shift rearward, low off your saddle to enhance your center of gravity.
* Slightly drop your heels, using your pedals to help hold the weight of your body back during heavy braking maneuvers.
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