Originally Posted by
thebeard
only using a front brake (with no coaster) in a quick stop would not stop the momentum of the rider.
hmm? typo? any deceleration caused by either tire results in load transfer off the rear and onto the front. the reduced load on the rear reduces its braking ability while the increased load on the front increases the braking ability at that end. so, the harder you brake with a rear brake (or back pedal pressure with a fg) the less tractive ability it has. on the other hand, the harder you brake with the front brake the more tractive ability it gains.
anyways, using any brake (alone or with one on the other end) in any stop (quick or slow) nearly by definition stops the momentum of the rider. the exception is when you screw up (or have bad luck) and tires slide or you endo resulting in the nasty shiny-side-down sort of situation. but, the front will be able to decelerate the rider more quickly.
-kyle