Things You Need to Know About Cycling (3)- How to brake while riding

Things You Need to Know About Cycling (3)- How to brake while riding

Cycling enthusiasts know that braking is a basic skill in cycling. Most cyclists can master its use skillfully, while many novices are worried that using the front brake will cause somersaults, so they are keen to use the rear brake and rarely use the front brake. In fact, using the front brake is safer in many situations.

Basic knowledge of braking:

1. Braking is to better control speed, not just to stop the bicycle.
2. The rear brake is for deceleration, but the front brake has a very good braking effect.
3. The brake has the greatest braking effect when it is about to lock, but it is easy to lose balance after locking.
 

Why use the front brake?

The front brake has a very good braking effect. The speed mainly depends on the friction between the wheel and the road. The size of the friction is proportional to the pressure applied by the wheel to the road. When the front brake is used, due to the inertia relationship, the pressure between the front wheel and the road is strengthened, and the braking effect is also increased. However, the rear brake does not have such an effect.
 

Brake use practice:

1. Usually, for oil disc brakes, only the index finger needs to be placed on the brake. The wire disc generally requires the index finger and the middle finger. In most cases, the V brake needs to be fully grasped to brake the car. If the brakes often lock or fail to stop the bicycle, it may be that the braking method is wrong.
2. The first thing to learn is the control of the braking force. A skilled person knows how much force can be exerted to achieve how much braking force, so as to avoid excessive braking causing locking. After understanding the relationship between braking force and braking effect, you can use the front brake with confidence.
3. Master the skills of the front brake by stopping quickly. Pay attention to the change in the center of gravity of the body when braking and controlling it.

When using the front brake, pay attention to the following:

1. When braking in an emergency, move your body backwards to prevent the center of gravity from moving forward due to inertia, causing the rear wheel to lift or even the person to fly out.
2. Do not use the front brake when the front wheel is turning.
3. When there is an obstacle in front, try not to use the front brake.
 
The rear brake is mainly used for deceleration during normal riding. When using the front brake, slightly controlling the rear brake will achieve a better braking effect. Braking is very important, and more importantly, improving braking skills will give you a better riding experience. Before riding, get familiar with your car and practice your braking skills!