Originally Posted by
hueyhoolihan
if the brake was applied at maximum pressure more than once in quick succession, i wouldn't be surprised if a bit of slack was introduced by stretching the cable, or more likely, a bit of excess friction, causing the problem.
Cable or housing friction is the most likely culprit. Brake cables don't stretch significantly with normal hand strength.
Regarding weight distribution: one of my bikes is a Lightning recumbent- it has very even weight distribution (45% front, 55% rear) and a really sticky front tire. I can pull the front brake as hard as I can without the tire skidding or the rear tire coming off the ground. On smooth pavement I swear I can hear the tire rippling. Fastest stopping bike I've ever had.