On my mule I have short reach brake levers and canti brakes that are adjusted properly and have fresh shoes. The front brake is so strong that if applying even when walking the bike, unless the rear brake is applied as well, the rear wheel gets off the ground (even at 1 mph). I use this as a show and tell to people whom either let ride my bikes or sell bikes to. What I tell them is: always use only the rear brake if you want to slow down and if you want to use the front brake, like to come to a complete stop, you always have to use the rear brake as well... I think that the little demo I give makes them understand.