The Complete Guide to Braking a Bicycle

When you pick up a new road bike, have you evercan always adjust it at the bicycle shop.
given a thought on cycling techniques? There are aThe point is so that you can get used to it for long
few methods that only the professionals know of. Yet,term. In future, if you suddenly decide to change the
many people do not seem to be aware of them.braking configuration, be sure to get accustomed to it
Experienced cyclists may discover these methods andfirst. Otherwise, it could prove to be accident-prone (or
tricks themselves naturally through years of cycling.emergency) during situations that force you to brake
But people need to know of them immediately,without thoughts.
especially beginners who have just purchased theirYou should realize that the front brake is very
first road bicycle.powerful. It has more braking power than the rear
This is because a road bicycle is far more dangerousbrake. But you should be warned that pressing the
to ride if compared to a mountain bike. The primaryfront brake alone too much and too fast will result in
reason is the much thinner tire. Its thread is also slickyou being thrown off your bike. In simple terms, the
type. Unlike the mountain bike, a racing bike will slidebike will overturn and somersault.
much more easily if care is not practiced. Generally, aTherefore, the best way to brake is to use both (front
mountain bike will always have more traction than aand back) simultaneously or at the same time. As a
racing or road bike.bonus tip, when you are braking, you should slide
Brakes operate in bicycles the same way as they dobackwards a little behind your seat. This is important to
in motorcycles. The braking system works by havingbalance the force when you brake. Braking will make
levers that are accessible to both your right and leftyour body move in front.
hands. Usually, manufacturers will assemble (especiallyOn a side note, applying too much (and unnecessary)
road bikes) the left lever to control the front brake.rear brake can make your bike skid. In this case, the
Similarly, the right lever is responsible for the brake atrear tire will swerve to one side. Of course, this is the
the rear or back. But this might differ from companiescase when you only use the rear brake alone.
that make bicycle brakes. It might just be another wayIn conclusion, effective road bike braking is about using
round. In case you prefer a specific configuration, youboth breaks together at the same time.