Probably a dumb question...

[Davos87]

But is there such a thing as a correct way to use the brakes?
Obviously I realise that the primary function is to use them to slow down or indeed stop but is there an accepted technique I should be adopting?
For instance when coming to a junction should I be concentrating on an incremental increase in pressure on both front and back brakes?
What about during descents? Use back only or front too?
Advice appreciated?

 

[Supersuperleeds]

Have a read of these

http://sheldonbrown.com/brakturn.html

 

[Davos87]

Thanks for that...most informative.

 

[SamC]

Have a read of these

http://sheldonbrown.com/brakturn.html

Very helpful for a newbie like myself, thanks.

 

[MaxInc]

That is a great read indeed but I would add the importance of the rear brake during slow speed manoeuvres, especially on a MTB with front suspension. When travelling at a very slow speed, the use or rear brake alone will actually stabilise the bike and making it easier to keep balance.

 

[themosquitoking]

I tired out Sheldons advise on braking on my ride today, my front brakes squealed like a piglet on a hot fire all the way around.

 

[Shut Up Legs]

I tired out Sheldons advise on braking on my ride today, my front brakes squealed like a piglet on a hot fire all the way around.

Also on Sheldon's site: http://sheldonbrown.com/rim-brakes.html, with a section on various brake noises and what to do about them . I couldn't find any page on that site about maintenance of disc brakes, though.

 

[themosquitoking]

Also on Sheldon's site: http://sheldonbrown.com/rim-brakes.html, with a section on various brake noises and what to do about them . I couldn't find any page on that site about maintenance of disc brakes, though.

Ok, i've tried the toe in thing lets see what happens.

 

[Shortmember]

In icy road conditions I never use the front brake.A front wheel skid on ice is out of control from the moment it starts and you will almost certainly end up planting your face in the tarmac, whereas a rear brake skid can be controlled - if your reactions are quick enough.

 

[Mallory]

^^^^

Also applies when using disc brakes!!!

How I didn't drop the bike when I locked my front ill never know