| When I first started mountain biking, I used my | | | | The front brake has more stopping power than the |
| mountain bike brakes way more often than | | | | rear brake and should be used with a little more |
| necessary. I thought I would feel safer when I was | | | | pressure than the rear brake. I often use around |
| braking all the time because I was going slower, but | | | | 70% pressure on the front brake and 30% on the |
| in reality, I was making my ride more unsafe because | | | | rear, but this really depends on my speed, the |
| my tires were skidding and I was interrupting the | | | | steepness of the descent, and other factors. |
| momentum of the wheels. Once I learned to lay off | | | | 5. Stay back: |
| the brakes, I became a much better rider. | | | | When braking, especially using the front brake, stay |
| The following are some tips for using your mountain | | | | off the back of the saddle keeping your legs and |
| bike brakes effectively, safely, and efficiently: | | | | arms bent. Drop your heels if you are braking hard on |
| 1. Momentum is your friend: | | | | a steep descent. |
| A rolling tire has much better balance and traction | | | | 6. Brake before obstacles: |
| than a stopped or skidding tire. I am not suggesting | | | | If there is a turn that you need to slow down for, |
| riding all crazy fast and out of control. We always | | | | brake before you start to turn so you can roll |
| need to ride at a speed that allows us to be in | | | | through the turn. If you are about to roll off a big |
| control and share the trail. | | | | rock or root, brake before the obstacle and then let |
| 2. Avoid Skidding: | | | | your front wheel roll over it. |
| If you feel the rear brake skidding, lay off the | | | | 7. The correct fit: |
| pressure a little until it is not skidding. The front brake | | | | Your brake levers should be in a position that is easy |
| should never skid. If it does, you are heading for | | | | for your fingers to reach and at an angle that is |
| trouble and need to ease up on the lever. | | | | comfortable for your wrists and hands. |
| 3. Brake like you mean it: | | | | 8. Type of Brakes: |
| Avoid lightly using the brakes a lot. Instead, use them | | | | There are many different types of mountain bike |
| only when you need them. Brake when you are | | | | brakes on the market today, including mechanical disc |
| going too fast and need to slow down and then | | | | brakes, hydraulic disc brakes, and rim brakes. It is |
| resume coasting. | | | | important to choose the right type of brakes based |
| 4. Use the front brake: | | | | upon your riding needs. |