Each of these practices increases the stress on every part of your bicycle. Frames or parts under high stress may fatigue
prematurely, causing them to fail and increasing the risk of injury to the rider. To decrease your risk of injury, avoid these
riding practices.
1.4.5 Use your brakes carefully
Always keep a safe stopping distance between you and other vehicles or objects. Adjust stopping distances and
braking forces to suit riding conditions.
If your bike has two hand brakes, apply both brakes at the same time. Over-use, or mis-use, of a front-wheel brake,
such as using only the front-wheel brake in an emergency, could cause the rear wheel to lift from the ground which could
cause you to lose control.
Bicycles are normally manufactured with the right brake lever controlling the front-wheel brake and the left brake
levercontrolling the rear. This set-up is "normal" for the UK. If you want your brakes setup European style, contact
your bike shop.
Many models of modern brakes are very powerful; they are designed to stop a bike in wet or muddy conditions. If you
feel your brakes are too powerful for your riding needs, take your bike to your dealer for adjustment or replacement of
the braking system.
WARNING
Applying sudden or excessive stopping force with the front-wheel brake may cause the rear wheel to lift off the ground,
or the front wheel to slip out from under you, which can cause you to lose control and fall. Apply both brakes at the same
time, and shift your weight backwards on the bike while braking.
Cooper
Bicycle Owners Manual 19
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