Proper braking strategies enable you to slow down, stop, and navigate through different weather conditions (rain, snow, wind), road surfaces (pavement, gravel, dirt), traffic conditions (busy streets, intersections), and terrains (hills, descents, flat roads).
I will discuss ten essential tips, braking systems: disc brakes & rim brakes, different braking systems in different countries, and lastly, a practice session to improve your braking skills. Let us dive in.
10 Essential Tips on How to Brake on a Bike Properly:
Braking Systems: Disc Brakes & Rim Brakes
Different Braking Systems In Different Countries
Practice Your Braking
10 Essential Tips on How to Brake on a Bike Properly:
1. Set Your Brakes Correctly
Properly aligned brake pads and correctly tensioned brake cables allow precise modulation and reliable stopping.
Check the brake pads to ensure they are aligned with the wheel’s rim and not rubbing against the tire. If they are misaligned, adjust them using the brake pad alignment screws or by loosening the brake caliper and realigning it.
Then, fine-tune the position of the brakes by adjusting your brake levers and pads. Find a comfortable and ergonomic hand position that allows easy reach and control by placing your hands at about a 45-degree angle on the handlebars.
Lastly, check the tension of the brake cables to ensure they are neither too loose nor too tight, and adjust the pressure using the barrel adjusters on the brake levers if required.
Follow these four guidelines to ensure your brake pads are in good working condition:
- Examine your brake pads’ thickness to ensure they are not glazed or unevenly worn. Your brake pad must be around 10mm thick. If they appear to be glazed or worn down to 3mm, replace them by loosening the bolts holding the pads, sliding out the old ones, and inserting new pads.
- Before tightening the bolts back in place, ensure precise alignment of the pads with the rim or disc brakes, depending on your braking system.
Use a 5mm Allen or T25 wrench to loosen the brake pad mounting bolt to ensure the brake pads are lined up properly with the rim brakes. Insert the wrench into the bolt head and turn it counterclockwise to loosen it.
Then, position the brake pads parallel to the rim, centered on the braking surface, and securely tighten the mounting bolt back.
On the other hand, to ensure the alignment of brake pads with the disc brakes, check the alignment of the brake pads with the rotor. If the brake pads aren’t positioned correctly in relation to the rim or rotor, use the adjustment knobs or bolts on the brake caliper to align them properly.
Remember that the pads should be positioned close to the rim or rotor without rubbing against each other when braking.
- Pay attention to squealing or grinding noises when braking, indicating worn brake pads. Typically, bike brake pads can last 500 to 6,000 miles. If you notice that your bike brake pads (both rim and disc) look thin (less than 1mm) and have uneven wear, or if you spot any cracks or glazing on the surface, it’s a clear sign that it’s time to replace them.
Remember to regularly inspect brake pads every six months to ensure optimal braking performance.
You must also properly set the reach of your brake levers to suit your hand size and preference. Here is a guideline to refer to:
- Place your hands on the handlebars comfortably to determine the position of your brake levers so that you can easily reach the brakes without putting excessive strain on your hands or wrists. This is a personal preference and can vary from rider to rider.
- If the levers are too far or too close to the handlebars, use the barrel adjuster, which is used to make small adjustments to the tension of the cable. You can fine-tune the alignment and responsiveness of your brakes by turning the barrel adjuster.
On the other hand, if you want to adjust the lever’s reach, loosen or tighten the bolt on the lever to change its distance from the handlebar.
You must loosen the bolt to make the lever move closer to the handlebar and tighten the bolt to make the lever move farther away from the handlebar.
For instance, let’s say your current lever reach is 5 centimeters from the handlebars. Use the barrel adjuster or the lever bolt to decrease the reach by 1 centimeter until you find your desired position. If you want to reduce the reach by 2 centimeters, adjust it to 3 centimeters from the handlebars. Then, tighten the clamp bolt securely.
2. Ensure Proper Modulation
Modulation is the ability to control the amount of clamp force applied to a rotor or a rim with a given amount of lever input. An example of appropriate modulation is gradually increasing the braking force from 0% to 100% over a distance of 10 meters instead of abruptly applying full braking force.
Practice modulation by finding a safe and open area to ride your bike. Begin riding comfortably and then gradually apply pressure to the brake levers. Increase your braking effort by 10% every 5 meters until you come to a complete stop. Also, pay attention to how you use and release the brakes.
3. Shift Your Weight Back
When you apply the brakes, your weight will naturally shift forward because the quick change in the bike’s speed puts more pressure on the front brake. This causes the rear wheel to lose traction and leads to skidding, and the rear wheel might also lift off the ground, potentially causing a crash.
You can avoid this by shifting your weight back on the bike’s frame as comfortably as possible, equally distributing your weight on the rear and the front wheel before using the brakes. This increases the traction and grip of the rear tire as it puts more weight on it, counteracting the forward momentum and keeping the front wheel from rising.
You must shift your weight by leaning backward on your bike, but remember not to lean more than 45 degrees. Maintain a stable position and balance your body by engaging your core muscles, such as abdominals, obliques, and lower back. Also, remember to keep your upper body relaxed and centered over the bike’s frame.
4. Don’t Be Scared of the Front Brake
You may have heard that applying a quick, powerful force to the front brake will lead you to fly over the handlebars. Yes, it’s true. The abrupt reduction in speed causes a significant deceleration and shifts your body weight forward. Nevertheless, the proper use of front brakes is crucial while braking.
Start by applying the rear brake. Then, smoothly squeeze the front brake while easing off the pressure on the rear brake. Apply 70% of the braking force to the front brake and 30% to the rear brake.
Remember that simultaneously applying both brakes distributes the braking pressure between the front and back wheels. The front brake provides most of the stopping power, and the rear brake prevents the rear wheel from skidding while also providing stopping power.
5. Brake to Suit the Road Conditions
Braking distance and power are significantly affected by road surfaces like cobblestones, muddy paths, and gravel paths, along with different weather conditions like rainy or snowy weather and in traffic situations such as pedestrians crossing, intersections, roundabouts, and merging lanes.
Here’s a handy summary of my tips for braking in different weather and road conditions:
Dry roads:
If you must slow down or stop, use progressive braking. Gradually apply the brakes with increasing pressure.
You must start by applying firm and consistent pressure to the brake levers throughout until you come to a complete stop. For example, if you need to stop at a speed of 20 km/h, begin braking at around 5-7 meters before your desired stopping point.
Rain (or wet roads):
Start applying the brakes earlier and with less force than in dry conditions. If you typically start braking 10 meters before a stop sign, increase it to 15 meters on wet roads.
Remember to pulse your brakes gently by applying light pressure to the brake levers. Alternate between using and releasing tension rhythmically instead of continuously squeezing them. Wipe your rims occasionally by gently pressing your brakes as you ride to clean water and grit from the brake pads and rims.
On the other hand, you won’t need to worry about cleaning the rims in the disc brakes since the braking takes place at the rotor. Inspect your brake pads and rotors periodically for any signs of wear or corrosion.
Snow and muddy roads:
Gradually increase the braking force while maintaining a relaxed grip. And, remember to engage core muscles to prevent skidding.
You must avoid hitting the brakes abruptly to prevent your wheels from locking up and losing control. Instead, just as we discussed in the rain or wet roads section, apply the brakes earlier and with gentle pressure to allow for reduced traction.
Also, watch out for obstacles such as icy patches, slush, mud, and debris. Here’s a handy guideline to adjust your braking accordingly in such situations:
- Icy patches: Apply gentle and gradual pressure on both the front and rear brakes to avoid skidding. Remember to keep your body weight centered and avoid sudden movements.
- Slush and mud: When riding on slushy or muddy surfaces, your brakes may not have the same grip as on dry roads, so give yourself extra time by braking earlier. Always apply gradual pressure on both brakes.
- Debris: Reduce your speed before reaching the debris, and then apply gentle pressure on the brakes while maintaining a firm grip on the handlebars to maneuver more easily.
Here’s a handy summary of my tips for braking in different traffic conditions:
Pedestrian crossing:
Stay attentive and look for designated pedestrian crossings, especially near intersections or crosswalks. You must be prepared to slow down or stop if necessary and approach pedestrian crossings at a controlled and lower speed to get enough time to react.
Use clear hand signals like extending your left arm straight out to the side to signal a stop or pointing your left arm downward at a 45-degree angle to indicate slowing down. This helps pedestrians and other vehicles on the road to understand your actions.
Roundabouts or intersections:
Reduce your speed as you approach a roundabout or an intersection. You must give the right-of-way to vehicles already in the circle by letting them go first and wait for them to pass before entering. Always be prepared to yield to other vehicles and pedestrians.
Merging lanes:
Before merging, check your mirrors, look over your shoulder, and signal your intention to merge by extending your right arm straight out to the side, parallel to the ground. This helps alert other drivers and cyclists of your actions.
Before merging, you must brake gradually to maintain control and shift your weight slightly back as you brake to maintain balance and prevent your front wheel from skidding. Remember to stay vigilant and keep an eye on other road users, including vehicles and cyclists.
6. Use Appropriate Brake Pads for Your Rims
Always use the appropriate brake pads for your rim material to prevent potential. You must avoid using brake pads designed for carbon rims on aluminum rims and vice-versa, as this will cause excessive wear or damage to your rims.
Here’s a handy guideline you must follow:
For aluminum rims:
Standard brake pads made of rubber or composite materials are suitable for aluminum rims. Some popular brake pad options for aluminum rims include Shimano Ultegra R55C4, SwissStop BXP, and Kool-Stop Salmon.
They are usually made up of an aluminum alloy, a combination of metals such as magnesium, silicon, or zinc. The alloy compound of these pads eliminates the risk of scratches, abrasions, or other damages on the rims while providing reliable braking performance.
For carbon rims:
Use softer brake pads with less abrasive compound to ensure proper braking performance, as carbon is more delicate than aluminum.
Some popular brake pad options for carbon rims are SwissStop Black Prince, Shimano Dura-Ace R55C4, and Campagnolo Carbon Rim Brake Pads. These pads are known for their compatibility with carbon rims.
7. Brake Before the Corner
Start by applying gentle and even pressure to the front and rear brake levers simultaneously. As we discussed earlier, 70% of your braking power should be applied to the front brake, and 30% should be applied to the rear brake in dry conditions.
This helps handle heavy braking more effectively as your front tire gets loaded with force and becomes slightly flattened out, increasing the surface area and creating friction with the ground.
However, apply both brakes evenly when braking before the corner in wet conditions. This means 50% of your braking power to the front and 50% to the rear brake to optimize your traction and maintain a safe speed throughout the turn.
8. Get Low—and Stay Off the Brakes—In Turns
Bend your knee and lower your body towards the bike frame at a slight angle of around 20 to 30 degrees to shift your center of gravity closer to the ground and lean your bike toward the inside of the turn, improving your balance.
Also, avoid braking while turning the corners. Instead, reduce your speed before the turn, as discussed earlier.
You must lower your outside pedal before braking to get low during the turn. If you’re turning right, position your left foot slightly higher than your right foot and vice versa. Always look ahead through the turn and relax your grip on the handlebars for easy maneuvering.
9. Different Types Of Braking Techniques
Riders use several braking techniques to enhance their control over the bike and stopping power. Each method has its advantages and is suitable for different situations.
For example, two-finger braking can provide quick and precise stopping power in tight spots, while modulated braking helps maintain traction and stability. In this section, we will discuss more braking techniques, so let’s dive in.
Here is a handy guideline for different braking techniques:
Two-finger braking:
Squeeze the brake levers with index and middle fingers. By using only two fingers, you maintain a secure grip on the handlebars while still having enough control and leverage to apply the brakes effectively.
Using two fingers instead of your full hand gives you better control over your bike and access to the other controls, like gears. It’s a popular technique among cyclists.
Modulated braking:
Gradually increase or decrease the pressure on the brake levers rather than abruptly slamming them on or off.
By modulating your braking, you can smoothly and precisely control your speed and stopping power. This technique is handy when maintaining traction on slippery surfaces or navigating tight corners.
Trail braking:
In this technique, we apply the rear brake first and then the front brake. This helps maintain bike control as you navigate a corner or curve while also letting you retain control, adjust your speed, and optimize your line through the turn.
One specific thing to remember regarding trail braking is the gradual release of the brakes while entering a turn.
Staggered braking:
We apply more pressure to the front brake than the rear brake in this technique. Apply more pressure of about 70% to the front brake while simultaneously applying about 30% of pressure to the rear brake.
The idea behind staggered braking is that most of the weight of the bike and rider is transferred to the front wheel during braking, which allows for more effective stopping power. However, it’s important to remember to use both brakes together and not rely solely on the front brake, as that can cause the rear wheel to skid.
Feathering:
Instead of squeezing the brakes hard and keeping them fully engaged, you must gently apply and release pressure in short intervals during braking. This gives you more control and modulation over your braking power and allows you to make smoother adjustments.
This technique is commonly used when you need precise control, such as navigating tight corners or maintaining a steady speed.
Cadence braking:
This method is steadily pulsing your brakes to maintain bike control on steep descents or slippery surfaces. Instead of applying constant pressure to the brakes, you alternate rhythmically, squeezing and releasing the brake levers.
This ensures you don’t lock up your wheels or skid and prevents the brakes from overheating or losing effectiveness during long descents. Cadence braking also effectively manages your speed by modulating your speed and maintaining a consistent pedal rotation while braking. This helps prevent sudden surges in your pedaling rhythm.
Threshold braking:
This technique uses maximum brake pressure without exceeding the threshold where the wheels tend to lock up. It’s the point just before the wheels stop rotating and start skidding and pushing the brakes to their limit, up to the traction threshold.
The threshold for wheel lock-up can vary depending on several factors, but as a general guideline, it’s often recommended to avoid exceeding 70-80% of your maximum braking power to prevent the wheels from locking up.
This technique is commonly used in emergencies or when you need to decelerate rapidly.
10. Choosing The Right Rim Material For Your Brakes
The rim’s material significantly impacts your braking performance and durability because different materials have different friction and heat resistance levels. When the rim gets too hot due to prolonged braking or excessive friction, it can cause the rim to warp or deform, compromising the braking system’s effectiveness.
Two common materials are carbon and aluminum, which both support the tires and help with braking. However, they have different qualities and performance because of their material properties.
So, let’s dive into these differences between aluminum rims and carbon rims:
- Aluminum rims have excellent braking performance, especially with the correct brake pads, typically made of a softer rubber compound called “alloy-specific brake pads.”
The alloy-specific rubber is lightweight, durable, and has corrosion-resistant properties, making it an ideal and compatible material for aluminum rims. Aluminum alloy (a combination of aluminum and other metals) also allows for effective heat dissipation, preventing overheating.
Aluminum rims often have machined brake tracks that provide better grip. Machined brake tracks are the braking surface on a rim that has been precisely machined to create a smooth and consistent surface for the brake pads to make contact with.
- On the other hand, carbon rims offer a lighter, stiffer ride, but their braking performance varies due to heat dissipation and modulation.
The lighter and stiffer ride enhances the overall braking performance. However, the heat dissipation and modulation factors do sometimes compromise the effectiveness of braking. Braking with carbon rims requires more careful modulation and adjustment than aluminum rims.
The reason carbon rims have lower heat dissipation properties is due to the nature of the material. Carbon fiber is a good insulator and does not dissipate heat as effectively as aluminum.
This results in higher temperatures being generated during braking, which will negatively affect the overall braking performance of carbon rims as the high temperatures can cause the brake pads and rotors to heat up, decreasing their effectiveness and resulting in brake fade.
Brake fade can result in longer stopping distances and reduced control over the bike. Along with that, high temperatures can also increase the wear and tear on the braking components, potentially leading to faster deterioration.
Additionally, carbon rims also have weaker braking performance in wet conditions because carbon fiber is not as adequate at channeling water away from the braking surface. This reduces friction between the brake pads and the rim, leading to longer braking distances.
11. Proper Care For Your Braking System.
A well-maintained braking system provides reliable stopping power, allowing you to respond quickly. Regular care and maintenance also help extend the lifespan of your braking system, preventing premature wear and tear and reducing the need for costly repairs and replacements.
To prevent your rims from overheating or cracking, clean them with a soft brush or cloth to remove accumulated dirt or grime over time. You must dampen a soft cloth with water or a gentle cleaning solution and gently wipe the fabric over the dirty areas. Avoid contaminating the pads with oil or grease.
You must also regularly inspect them every month for wear and debris buildup or after every rainy ride, as debris can accumulate quickly in the rain. Make sure to replace the pads if worn or damaged.
Similarly, regularly clean the rotors and brake pads for disc brakes to remove dirt, grime, or debris. You can use isopropyl alcohol or a specific disc brake cleaner like Muc-Off disc brake cleaners, the Finish Line Speed Clean, Shimano disc brake cleaner, etc.
Additionally, if you have hydraulic disc brakes, check the brake fluid level and ensure it’s within the recommended range indicated on the brake reservoir or specified in the manufacturer’s manual. For example, it may be marked as “MIN” and “MAX” on the reservoir, or there may be specific milliliter (ml) measurements like “MIN 15ml” or “Max 25ml” provided.
If the brake fluid level is low, it could indicate that there might be air bubbles or contaminants in the brake system. This is why you may need to top it up or bleed the brakes. Bleeding the brakes helps remove air bubbles and ensures proper hydraulic pressure in the system.
12. Remember to Relax!
Lastly, you must remember that being in a calm state of mind can enhance your overall enjoyment of the ride. Cycling is not only about getting from point A to point B but also about the experience of riding.
When you’re tense or gripping the handlebars too tightly, it can make it harder to steer and maneuver.
Let’s discuss a few tips to help you stay relaxed during your ride:
- During cycling, concentrate on breathing by taking deep breaths through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. You must inhale slowly and exhale even slower. This helps reduce tension in your body.
Here is a breathing technique you can try: inhale deeply for a count of 4, hold your breath for a count of 4, and then exhale slowly for a count of 4. Adjust the count based on your comfort level and lung capacity.
- Keep your hands relaxed on the handlebars, allowing your elbows to bend slightly and absorb any shocks. A tight grip on the handlebars causes your arms to tense up, making it challenging to handle the bike in emergency braking situations. So, loosen your grip on the handlebars and apply a gentle pressure of only 2-3 on a scale of 1-10.
- Remember to smile! A simple smile reduces tension and boosts your mood, making the biking experience enjoyable. Researchers at the University of Kansas discovered that smiling reduces the body’s reaction to stress and lowers heart rate under stressful conditions.
Braking Systems: Disc Brakes & Rim Brakes
There are two main types of brakes: disc brakes and rim brakes.
Let’s dive into the differences between disc and rim brakes.
Disc brakes
use a rotor attached to the wheel hub and caliper that squeezes brake pads against the rotor to slow down or stop the bike. They are positioned at the center of each wheel.
When you squeeze the brake lever, the disc brake caliper clamps onto the rotor to provide stopping power. These brakes thrive in wet and muddy circumstances where regular rim brakes may struggle. A potential downside is that they are heavier than the rim brakes.
Rim brakes
rely on pads gripping the sides of the wheel rims to slow down your bike. They are lighter and easier to maintain than disc brakes.
When you squeeze the brake levers, the brake cable pulls the brake calipers, pressing the brake pads against the rim. This friction between the brake pads and the rim creates the stopping force.
Their stopping power is more effective in dry conditions. When the rims are dry and moisture-free, the brake pads can grip the rim effectively, providing optimal stopping power.
However, rim brakes can be less effective in wet or muddy conditions due to the reduced friction when the rims are wet, resulting in longer stopping distances.
When choosing between disc and rim brakes, ask yourself the following questions:
What type of terrain and weather will you primarily be riding in?
If you often ride in wet or muddy conditions, disc brakes are more suitable.
The braking force in disc brakes is applied directly to the rotor, located at the center of the wheel, rather than relying on the rim surface. This allows disc brakes to maintain consistent stopping power even when the rims are wet or covered in mud.
The brake pads on disc brakes typically contain a special resin compound mixed with metal-ceramic powders. This unique composition lets the pads maintain their grip even in wet conditions.
Rim brakes, on the other hand, perform less well in wet or muddy conditions because the braking surface becomes slippery, reducing friction. This makes it harder for the brake pads to grip effectively, resulting in longer stopping distances.
What is your budget?
Disc brakes are more expensive than rim brakes, especially if you need to upgrade your wheels for compatibility because they require additional components such as rotors, calipers, and hydraulic systems.
The price difference can vary depending on the specific models and brands. On average, good quality disc brakes can range from $50 to $200 or more, while rim brakes can range from $20 to $100 or more.
How important is weight to you?
Rim brakes are lighter than disc brakes, as they have a simpler design with fewer components than disc brakes. Rim brakes consist of lightweight calipers and pads that attach to the frame. In contrast, disc brakes have additional components, such as rotors and heavier calipers.
On average, a set of rim brakes weighs around 300-400 grams, while a set of disc brakes can weigh 0.5 to 1kg, which is about 500 grams more than rim brakes.
However, the weight difference between the two types of brakes might only be enough to noticeably affect your overall riding experience if you ride uphill sections a lot or frequently participate in competitive cycling events where every gram matters.
Different Braking Systems In Different Countries
In countries like the United States, Canada, and New Zealand, the front brake lever is on the left side of the handlebars, while the rear brake lever is on the right side. This setup uses the right hand to control the rear derailleur or shift gears, so having the rear brake lever on the right side allows easier access with the right hand.
On the other hand, countries like the United Kingdom, India, Japan, and Australia have the front brake lever on the right side while the rear brake lever is on the left side. This setup uses the right hand to control the front derailleur or shift gears, so having the front brake lever on the right side allows easier access.
To make remembering the braking setup on the bikes easier, here are a few handy tips:
Mnemonics:
Use a memorable phrase to associate the brake levers, for example: “Right is Rear.” Or if the setup is different, switch the phrase to “Left is Front.”
Stickers:
Place small stickers on your levers or handlebars to remind you which brake is which. This method is helpful for those riding a new bike or trying out someone else’s bike, and the stickers can easily be removed later.
Colors:
If you want, color-code the ends of your brake cables or levers to correspond with the front or rear brake location. Just be consistent with your color choices!
Along with the placement of brake levers on the handlebars, different countries also have variations in their preferred bicycle braking systems due to historical practices, cultural norms, and regulatory requirements. These variations can include differences in the types of brakes used and even the braking techniques taught and encouraged.
For example, in the United States, the most common braking system is the dual-pivot caliper brake, which is a type of bicycle brake system that uses two pivots to provide balanced and efficient braking. It consists of two arms that pivot independently and are connected to the brake pads.
When the brake lever is squeezed, the arms move inward, pressing the brake pads against the wheel’s rim, creating friction and slowing down the bike.
While in Japan, the center-pull brake is more commonly used. This bicycle brake system uses a single cable to actuate both brake arms centered above the wheel. When you squeeze the brake lever, the cable pulls the brake arms towards each other. As the brake arms move closer, the brake pads attached to the arms come into contact with the wheel’s rim.
Other countries may have their preferences, such as the cantilever brake in some European countries. This brake system uses arms mounted on either bike’s frame. Remember that these variations are not necessarily better or worse but reflect each country’s unique preferences and conventions.
Practice Your Braking:
Improving your braking skills takes time, and there’s no better way than getting out there and giving it a go.
Refer to the following guidelines to practice your braking techniques properly:
- Find a safe and quiet place to practice, like an empty parking lot or a quiet street with minimal traffic, no distractions, and potential hazards. Then, gradually increase your speed and practice applying different pressure levels to the brakes.
You could also create a slalom course to practice maneuvering through tight spaces or set up cones and markers to mimic intersections/lane changes and help simulate real-life situations. Arrange the cones in patterns that resemble common road scenarios, like a narrow path.
- Then, start by riding at a moderate speed, around 10-15 mph. Start braking by pulling both levers, but give a little more pressure to the front brake, around 75%, and about 25% to the rear brake.
You must aim to stop within about 20-30 feet (about 6 to 9 meters) of the cones you set up to mimic a real-life traffic situation.
- Lastly, repeat this exercise and gradually increase your speed as you practice. Also, incorporate different braking techniques, like using front and rear brakes together, to become familiar with it.
Conclusion:
Preventing collisions and maintaining your safety on the road depends on your ability to stop quickly and safely.
Following the tips in this blog post can improve your braking skills and have a safe and fun ride. Remember, it’s important to focus on aspects like hand position on the brake levers, grip, body positions, and having the right mindset. So, do it with confidence and control the next time you hit the brakes.
Happy cycling!
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is the recommended distance between brake pads and the rim?
The recommended distance between brake pads and the rim is about 1-2mm. This allows for optimal braking performance without the risk of the brake pads rubbing against the tire or rim.
2. How can I prevent my brakes from squeaking?
Dirty brake pads or misalignments can cause brakes to squeak. Regularly clean your brake pads and rims with rubbing alcohol, ensuring the brake pads align correctly with the rim. If the issue persists, it’s best to have a professional bike mechanic take a look.
3. What’s the best way to handle braking while going downhill?
When descending, use your brakes intermittently. Apply gentle and controlled pressure to maintain a safe speed. Avoid excessive braking, as it can cause your brake pads to overheat.
4. Should I pump my brakes or apply constant pressure when stopping quickly?
When stopping quickly, it’s generally better to apply constant pressure on the brakes rather than pumping them. Strict pressure allows the brakes to engage fully and maintain consistent stopping power.
5. What should I do if my brakes feel weak or less responsive than usual?
If your brakes feel weak or less responsive, check the brake pads, clean the braking surface, adjust cable tension, align the caliper, and check the brake fluid. If the problem persists, seek professional help.