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Old 06-14-13, 01:53 PM
  #46  
sreten
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Originally Posted by rpenmanparker
I don't disagree. None of the conventions have any true impact on safety. Just do what you want. But I don't think dominant hand assigned to rear was ever chosen for reasons of strength or feel, but rather first or quicker automatic response. Take the edge off with the rear then think about how to use the front. All BS i'm sure.
Hi,

Strength and feel have everything to do with a bike with only a rear brake,
most would insist on it being fitted on the right, but the same reasoning
leads to the right controlling the front brake on a performance bicycle.

The USA (especially for children) doesn't like front brakes, AFAIK only
a rear brake is needed in most States (bad idea), and the USA is quite
happy to have the front brake on the left for coaster rear brakes.

In the UK signalling to go right across traffic is much more important
than signalling to turn left, its the opposite in the USA, and some
ascribe the differences along the lines of - with only a rear brake
turning left (UK), right (USA), without indicating is OK if you need
to brake, but turning right (UK), left (USA) needs to be indicated.

It fits it with most casual riders preferring the rear brake.

Still there is no doubt for me for most basically the right should
control the front brake - but the spanner in the works is only
having to have one (usually) rear brake. However the above
I think explains why it was still on the left in the UK and
why we ended up with the front brake on the right, and
why its the opposite in the USA, and it actually makes
more total sense in the USA with only a rear brake.

rgds, sreten.

For motorcycles clutch left, brake right is a no brainer,
as is controlling the front or rear brake with hand or foot.

Gears on bikes are always left front, right rear,
nothing to do with the braking arrangements.

Last edited by sreten; 06-14-13 at 02:28 PM.
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