Devilmaycare Cycling Fool
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Wynnum, Australia
Posts: 3,819
Bikes: 1998 Cannondale F700
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On braking, I generally try to avoid getting into situations where I'm braking so hard that the rear wheel lifts. I use both brakes all the time. In normal braking you still get plenty of brake power to the rear wheel (and if it does start to lift, shifting weight rearwards is always advised). I think it's a worthwhile habit to get into to use both brakes whether they're needed or not, so that when you do get in a panic stop you instinctively reach for both. Apart from anything else, it means your brake pads don't wear out as quickly, and when they do, front and rear go together. Less of a maintenance burden.
Of course, I now ride a recumbent, and the danger of endoing is much reduced. I've had it in emergency braking situations a couple of times, and while I did get the rear wheel skidding, I neither lost control nor endoed. I was surprised and impressed, really.