©2011
Hand Operated Brakes
Hand operated brakes have a separate hand lever to operate front and rear brakes.
Front hand brake levers are located on the left side of the handlebar, and rear hand
brake levers are located on the right side of the handlebar. Hand operated brakes may
be used alone or on some models in conjunction with foot operated brakes. It is OK to
operate one brake at a time, or all together, depending on your style, comfort, and
riding conditions, however, be careful to pay close attention to front brakes locking up;
If the front brake is applied too quickly or too hard, the front wheel can stop
turning resulting in a front pitch over or cause the bicycle to lose steering
function leading to a crash.
To best avoid this, apply the front and rear brakes simultaneously, while shifting your
body weight back slightly to compensate for braking force. As terrain changes, the
rider must practice and learn how each bicycle will respond in a new terrain or weather
change. The same bicycle will react differently if it is wet, or if there is gravel on the
road etc. Always test the brakes and be sure you feel comfortable with the reaction.
If the riding conditions are too steep (off road for example) and you are unsure,
dismount the bicycle and walk past the questionable terrain before riding again.
Remember that as you apply the brakes your weight will want to shift forward,
and the wheels will want to stop. See Assembly and Maintenance for further
information on brake adjustment. (Fig. 2.12)
BEF
ORE Y
OU RIDE
2.12
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