Hi,

Meanwhile in the real world physics is physics and depends how you use it.

If you brake only using the rear wheel it will take theoretically ~ twice
as long to stop as only using the front brake. Theoretically to stop in
the shortest distance you should only use the front brake, applied to
an extent the rear is unloaded and effectively useless for braking.

(The further you can move your weight back the harder the
front brake can be applied for the rear unloaded condition.)

Practically most stopping isn't emergency stops, the front brake isn't
applied that hard and the back brake can also be used for a more
controlled stop - though its easy to lock up the back with more
front. In an emergency stop you should not use the back brake.
Using both brakes will be better than rear only, not front only.

(Except in slippery conditions, where you really won't want to
apply the front that hard, at all, and prefer the rear to stop.)

Some may prefer braking hard on the front but always leaving
some weight on the rear, so a little rear brake helps, and if
you lock the rear wheel its not a disaster, unlike the front.

Truth is you should only use the front brake, but practically
many people will stop quicker using both because they are not
used to and prepared to use the front brake to its full extent.

The physics is the same in all cases - and not the real issue.


Sounds like the hoods have been moved up the bars for comfort.
Sounds like looking from the left the bars should be rotated
clockwise to lift them up and the hoods moved further around.

rgds, sreten.

In my case (20" folder) I don't think the front brake is good
enough to ever unload the back wheel with my weight back,
so I'd probably stop the fastest using both brakes.
(My rear brake is deliberately adjusted to be much worse.)