I'm a bit paranoid about locking up the front since the time I accidentally did it on a slippery bridge and went face-first into the pavement. (Not for the first time, either...) Nevertheless, I did lock up both front and back wheels in April doing an emergency stop for a stoplight that tried to fool me, and managed to keep it upright and balanced to a full stop. Very cool.

Don't be tempted to rely on using the front brake too hard. Hit some sand or a rock and you'll be eating pavement and tooth chips for dinner. Since these things are a matter of habit you don't want to start developing bad habits, or they'll bite you hard when you find yourself in an emergency situation. Rear brake first, then start soft on the front.

bkr