Originally Posted by
daxr
...braking on an MTB is a whole different problem. You have a higher center of gravity to begin with - the BB is higher and the riding position is usually more upright. Then you have a front suspension fork that loads up, dropping the front end and beginning the "pitching you over the bars" motion. I commute on an MTB and shifting back in the seat to "panic stop" position is a regular habit braking.
Braking on a mountain bike is only slightly different from a road bike. The bottom bracket and the center of gravity
are slightly different, however the differences aren't as great as you'd think. As you have pointed out, braking on a mountain bike is less than optimal compared to a road bike. Using the same techniques that you would use on a mountain bike would only increase the braking ability of a road bike.