Originally Posted by
nealjoslyn
Think about it like a back brake on a bike. The rear wheel only skids when maximum braking force is applied. If you apply less than maximum, the wheel doesn't skid.
Sorry, that's incorrect. Take a physics class and you'll understand. Sliding friction is less than static friction. The maximum braking you can achieve with the rear wheel is when it is on the threshold of skidding (but not actually skidding.) Less relevant but more important: the maximum braking you can achieve on an upright bicycle is when the front brake is applied enough that you're on the threshold of lifting the rear wheel (this only applies to clean dry pavement.) A front brake alone will stop you about twice as fast as a rear brake alone.