Originally Posted by
neubilder
...knowing how to pull the levers? I've never had issues with brakes. I use brakes sparingly (avoid stop and go) and have seldom worn out pads and have never worn out rims or had problems stopping even in wet conditions (except on my old Raleigh which has 45+ yr old brake pads which are almost useless in the rain). And that includes long daily commutes, fast day rides, bike tours across Europe and N.A.
There is more involved in knowing how to
use the brakes than pulling the lever. Therein lies the problem with most brake issues. People think that all you have to do is "pull the lever". But effective braking involves weight shifts, when to use them, how much pressure to apply, awareness of surface conditions, etc. From what you say, I think you understand more about braking and the subtleties involved than most people do. But most people don't know all that much about how to effectively stop a bike in
all conditions...hint: it's not simply pulling the levers.
Originally Posted by
neubilder
That said, good quality brakes are more effective regardless of the experience level of the rider. Well designed brakes are safer and instill more confidence in any rider regardless of experience because that they have more sensitivity, better regulation of braking force, and if well set up feel as smooth as silk which results in better 'feel'. This doesn't result from technique but from the quality of the brakes, cables, and pads themselves.
I don't disagree but most all brakes are well designed. They just may not be adjusted properly but most all of them are well designed.