A key part of the driving proficiency test is the emergency stop. An emergency stop can often be an important part of cycling. The difficulty is that if you slam on the brakes, the back wheel will start to skid and you could lose control. Therefore, a good technique is to know how hard you can brake without losing control. Obviously if the weather is wet, it will be much more difficult.
- Find a stretch of road where you can practise.
- Get upto a decent speed.
- Then apply the brakes hard, putting slightly more pressure on the front brake than the back break.
- As the back wheel starts to skid or lift off the ground reduce pressure on the front brake slightly you have found the maximum that you can apply without losing control.
- If you lean your body weight to the back of your saddle and keep head low, you will help stabilise the back wheel and reduce incentive to skid.
In wet conditions don’t apply more pressure to the front brake, you will have to allow more time and distance to stop.
This technique is important for descending and technical time trials. It is important for knowing the speed that you can approach a tight corner.
See also: Tips for faster cornering on a bike
What about if you are going up or down a mountain,how would it work then?
The same principles should apply, however you have to ride within your limits if the mountain is very steep or likely to have unexpected obstacles. Also worth bearing in mind on steep descents there is more risk of going over your handlebars using front brake.
What about if you are going up or down a hill how would it work then?