This thread is confusing. Mostly due to the fact that Sheldon says there are times when you should use the front and rear brakes. He just makes it a point that using both brakes at the same time, all the time, is not a good habit and learning to use both brakes individually and as a pair will make you a better cyclist.
I think it's muscle memory for me now, but whenever I brake VERY hard in a panic I shift my weight back. Probably stems from my initial fear of descents and going over my bars when braking.
Originally Posted by
SweetLou
That is just nonsense! If just using the front brake in a panic stop will not likely end well, how will adding the rear brake make it better? If you panic and squeeze the front brake too hard or don't use proper braking technique and do an endo, then using or not using the rear brake will make no difference.
If it's a true panic stop your #1 goal is to stop. Using both brakes will do that. Shifting your weight back can, most times, prevent you from flying over. I don't even know if I'm doing it properly, but the times that it does happen my body shifts down and back and I've never gone over.