When you apply one or both brakes, the bike begins to slow, but your body wants to continue at
the speed at which it was going. This causes a transfer of weight to the front wheel (or, under
heavy braking, around the front wheel hub, which could send you flying over the handlebars).
A wheel with more weight on it will accept greater brake pressure before lockup; a wheel with
less weight will lock up with less brake pressure. So, as you apply brakes the bike, to transfer
weight back on to the rear wheel; and at the same time, you need to both decrease rear braking
and increase front braking force.
Two keys to effective speed control and safe stopping are controlling wheel lockup and weight
transfer. Practice braking and weight transfer techniques where there is no traffic or any other
hazard or distractions.
Everything changes when you ride on loose surfaces or in wet weather. It will take longer to stop
on loose surfaces or in wet weather. Tyre adhesion is reduced, so the wheels have less cornering
and braking traction and can lock up with less brake force.
Moisture or dirt on the brake pads reduces their ability to grip. The way to maintain control on
loose or wet surfaces is to go more slowly.
Practice the use of your bicycle at slower speeds in a flat, empty area. Practice again after any
change to your bicycle.
If your bicycle does not operate as necessary, or if different parts are necessary for the safe
operation of your bicycle, consult your dealer.
Learn the Power of Your Brakes
The power of bicycle brakes changes with the Use Condition of the bicycle. If it is necessary for
your bicycle to have more—or less—power to stop, consult your dealer about brake adjustments
or other brake options for your bicycle.
Modern brakes are very powerful; they are made to stop a bicycle in wet or muddy conditions. If
your brakes are too powerful, take your bicycle to your dealer for adjustment or replacement of
the brake system.
Use your brakes carefully.
Always ride with a safe distance between you and other vehicles or
objects; use your brakes. Adjust distances and brake forces for the conditions in which you ride.
Bicycles are made so that the left brake-lever controls the rear-wheel brake and the right brake
lever controls the front-wheel brake.
If your bicycle has two hand brakes, apply both brakes at the same time.
Warning: Brake force applied to the front-wheel suddenly or too fully could lift the rear wheel off
the ground or cause the front wheel to slide out from below you. This could decrease your
control and cause you to fall.
Apply both brakes at the same time and move rearward on your bicycle.
Change Gears Correctly
The left shift-lever controls the front derailleur and the right shift-lever controls the rear derailleur.
Use only one shift-lever at a time. Change gears only when the pedals and chain move forward.
Do not change gears when you ride over bumps; the chain could jam, miss a gear, or fall off. If
the chain jams or falls off, it could cause you to lose control and fall.
F O R M E B I K E S . C O . U K
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