hand brakes dangerous in traffic?
03-06-08 | 11:08 PM
#76
Big Doofus
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,007
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From: Cascadia
Bikes: Trek 830 MTB, Fuji S10-S
Actually, this reminds me of https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dy-nz...eature=related this 
I'd better install that handlebar airbag
OK, now I really have to go.
03-06-08 | 11:55 PM
#77
A good grip is not necessarily a tight grip. A good grip is an unobstructed grip that allows you to apply the right amount of force for the situation. Putting brake levers between your hands and the handlebars hinders that. It might even force you to use too tight a grip (for example, lightening your grip might prevent you from squeezing the levers with enough force to skillfully engage the brake).
Which is exactly why it's a bad idea to either commit your hands to braking by putting them over the brake levers or commit them to steering by putting them under the brake levers. Using different extremities for braking and steering allows you to switch between the two more quickly, but if you are stuck being committed to one and can't switch fast enough then you might be tempted to do both simultaneously because you can't do either one with the necessary precision..
Which is exactly why it's a bad idea to either commit your hands to braking by putting them over the brake levers or commit them to steering by putting them under the brake levers. Using different extremities for braking and steering allows you to switch between the two more quickly, but if you are stuck being committed to one and can't switch fast enough then you might be tempted to do both simultaneously because you can't do either one with the necessary precision..
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It may not be fancy but it gets me were I need to go.
https://www.jtgraphics.net/cyclist_bicycles.htm
It may not be fancy but it gets me were I need to go.
https://www.jtgraphics.net/cyclist_bicycles.htm
03-07-08 | 12:29 AM
#78
META
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 945
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From: Madison, WI
Bikes: Gary Fisher Aquila (retired), Specialized Allez Sport (in parts), Cannondale R500, HP Velotechnic Street Machine, Dented Blue Fixed Gear (retired), Seven Tsunami SSFG, Specialized Stumpjumper Comp Hardtail (alloy version)
03-07-08 | 01:58 AM
#79
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 8,101
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From: Minneapolis
Yes, I can steer and brake at the same 'cause I have skills beyond mere mortals. I can also stand and pedal at the same time without falling off, -even with platform pedals. You don't always have to grip something to move it, hence you can steer without having a death grip. My thumbs/palms do most of the steering, leaving my fingers to do the braking.
JTGraphics' post also applies to me with road bikes. I only have two fingers on the lever. On a mountain bike, I have all 4 fingers on the lever and my thumb on the bar, but if I look at where my fingers land, it's only the outside fingers for the most part that actuate the lever. The inside fingers mostly grip.
JTGraphics' post also applies to me with road bikes. I only have two fingers on the lever. On a mountain bike, I have all 4 fingers on the lever and my thumb on the bar, but if I look at where my fingers land, it's only the outside fingers for the most part that actuate the lever. The inside fingers mostly grip.
03-07-08 | 09:12 AM
#80
ride for a change
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Minneapolis, MN
Bikes: Surly Cross-check & Moonlander, Pivot Mach 429, Ted Wojcik Sof-Trac, Ridley Orion. Santa Cruz Stigmata
To the OP's credit, it is one of the more entertaining threads I've seen in a while.
03-07-08 | 09:40 AM
#81
Big Doofus
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,007
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From: Cascadia
Bikes: Trek 830 MTB, Fuji S10-S
Yes, like a giant train wreck, I can't seem to stay away. I just wonder what bizarre opinion will pop up next-seats are over-rated? Wheels too round? Who knows? That's the excitement.
03-07-08 | 10:47 AM
#82
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,601
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From: Arizona, USA
Bikes: Mercier Corvus (commuter), Fila Taos (MTB), Trek 660(Got frame for free and put my LeMans Centurian components on it)
Hmmm, he hasn't posted in awhile. Perhaps he has been shamed or adjusted his handlebars. Just maybe, in a long shot, he feared becoming the next makeinu, merton, or R600durace. Be afraid, be very afraid young skywalker.
__________________
Sunrise saturday,
I was biking the backroads,
lost in the moment.
Sunrise saturday,
I was biking the backroads,
lost in the moment.
03-07-08 | 11:06 AM
#83
JRA.
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 505
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From: Boston, MA
Bikes: '07 IRO Mark V, '01 Cannondale Jekyll 3000, '07 Rivendell Atlantis
03-07-08 | 11:58 AM
#84
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,601
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From: Arizona, USA
Bikes: Mercier Corvus (commuter), Fila Taos (MTB), Trek 660(Got frame for free and put my LeMans Centurian components on it)
Oops. Sorry, Too early in the morning. I am shamed! 
Although now my comment about the lifted handlebars in relation to his chain tool thread makes perfect sense.
Although now my comment about the lifted handlebars in relation to his chain tool thread makes perfect sense.
__________________
Sunrise saturday,
I was biking the backroads,
lost in the moment.
Sunrise saturday,
I was biking the backroads,
lost in the moment.
03-07-08 | 12:12 PM
#85
JTGraphics' post also applies to me with road bikes. I only have two fingers on the lever. On a mountain bike, I have all 4 fingers on the lever and my thumb on the bar, but if I look at where my fingers land, it's only the outside fingers for the most part that actuate the lever. The inside fingers mostly grip.
. As an old motorcycle racer this is how its done, ask any rider and you'll get the same answer. You shouldn't be using the outside fingers for the lever.
__________________
It may not be fancy but it gets me were I need to go.
https://www.jtgraphics.net/cyclist_bicycles.htm
It may not be fancy but it gets me were I need to go.
https://www.jtgraphics.net/cyclist_bicycles.htm
03-07-08 | 12:18 PM
#86
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Reston, VA
Bikes: 2003 Giant OCR2
03-07-08 | 12:33 PM
#87
Tortoise Wins by a Hare!
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Looney Tunes, IL
Bikes: Wabi Special FG, Raleigh Roper, Nashbar AL-1, Miyata One Hundred, '70 Schwinn Lemonator and More!!
You may be happy to hear that I am working out the bugs on a braking system that doesn't require the use of hands or feet. It is a collection of small face sensors that can detect when you smile, and then send an electronic signal to a modified disc brake unit. It applies braking force in relation to how big your grin is. I figure this way when I see a hot chick (and pretty much lose control of my hands and feet) my bike will automatically stop so I can talk to her. In extreme cases of beauty it may launch me over the handlebars, but either way I think she'll be impressed.
03-07-08 | 12:42 PM
#88
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,601
Likes: 0
From: Arizona, USA
Bikes: Mercier Corvus (commuter), Fila Taos (MTB), Trek 660(Got frame for free and put my LeMans Centurian components on it)
You may be happy to hear that I am working out the bugs on a braking system that doesn't require the use of hands or feet. It is a collection of small face sensors that can detect when you smile, and then send an electronic signal to a modified disc brake unit. It applies braking force in relation to how big your grin is. I figure this way when I see a hot chick (and pretty much lose control of my hands and feet) my bike will automatically stop so I can talk to her. In extreme cases of beauty it may launch me over the handlebars, but either way I think she'll be impressed.
__________________
Sunrise saturday,
I was biking the backroads,
lost in the moment.
Sunrise saturday,
I was biking the backroads,
lost in the moment.
03-07-08 | 12:50 PM
#89
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 40,863
Likes: 3,115
From: Sacramento, California, USA
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
That chain thread was epic. Funniest thing I've read on BF since Nathan Fabian.
03-07-08 | 01:37 PM
#90
JRA.
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 505
Likes: 0
From: Boston, MA
Bikes: '07 IRO Mark V, '01 Cannondale Jekyll 3000, '07 Rivendell Atlantis
03-07-08 | 02:25 PM
#91
Portland Fred
Joined: Oct 2005
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Bikes: Custom Winter, Challenge Seiran SL, Fuji Team Pro, Cattrike Road/Velokit, РOS hybrid
Ok guys, I think I understand him now. Picture a road bike, the normal curve handlebars have been rotated up so the curves stare you in the face and the brakes are now towards you and not pointed down the road. This sounds like the situation our OP is in. I see lots of these guys around (they do it to incorrectly to get a more upright position). I say this half in jest, but it makes all of the above arguments sound sensible if this is the dangerous handbrakes he is talking about.
03-07-08 | 04:13 PM
#92
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
i ride a track bike for commuting, what would i know about brakes?
03-07-08 | 04:22 PM
#93
just thought I'd add to the flavor of the......uh.......discussion
break
brake
break
brake
__________________
shameless POWERCRANK plug
Recommended reading for all cyclists - Cyclecraft - Effective Cycling
Condor Cycles - quite possibly the best bike shop in London
Don't run red lights, wear a helmet, use hand signals, get some cycle lights(front and rear) and, FFS, don't run red lights!
shameless POWERCRANK plug
Recommended reading for all cyclists - Cyclecraft - Effective Cycling
Condor Cycles - quite possibly the best bike shop in London
Don't run red lights, wear a helmet, use hand signals, get some cycle lights(front and rear) and, FFS, don't run red lights!
03-07-08 | 04:56 PM
#94
META
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 945
Likes: 3
From: Madison, WI
Bikes: Gary Fisher Aquila (retired), Specialized Allez Sport (in parts), Cannondale R500, HP Velotechnic Street Machine, Dented Blue Fixed Gear (retired), Seven Tsunami SSFG, Specialized Stumpjumper Comp Hardtail (alloy version)
markhr,
You will be forgiven for breaking my screen w/ your massive images only because the desired effect is funny.
You will be forgiven for breaking my screen w/ your massive images only because the desired effect is funny.
03-07-08 | 05:02 PM
#95
__________________
shameless POWERCRANK plug
Recommended reading for all cyclists - Cyclecraft - Effective Cycling
Condor Cycles - quite possibly the best bike shop in London
Don't run red lights, wear a helmet, use hand signals, get some cycle lights(front and rear) and, FFS, don't run red lights!
shameless POWERCRANK plug
Recommended reading for all cyclists - Cyclecraft - Effective Cycling
Condor Cycles - quite possibly the best bike shop in London
Don't run red lights, wear a helmet, use hand signals, get some cycle lights(front and rear) and, FFS, don't run red lights!
03-07-08 | 05:04 PM
#96
Conservative Hippie
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,268
Likes: 0
From: Wakulla Co. FL
Day-ummm. That brake looks big enough for a Fatboy Harley.
03-07-08 | 05:07 PM
#97
META
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 945
Likes: 3
From: Madison, WI
Bikes: Gary Fisher Aquila (retired), Specialized Allez Sport (in parts), Cannondale R500, HP Velotechnic Street Machine, Dented Blue Fixed Gear (retired), Seven Tsunami SSFG, Specialized Stumpjumper Comp Hardtail (alloy version)
03-07-08 | 05:16 PM
#98
simply bikin'
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 404
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From: Asheville, NC
Bikes: 2009 Specialized Roubaix Pro; 2009 Specialized Tricross Sport; 2009 Specialized Rockhopper 29er Comp; 2006 Flyte Arsenal; 2001 Bianchi Reparto Corse Boron XL; 2007 Raleigh One Way; 1986 Raleigh Alyeska Touring
03-07-08 | 05:18 PM
#99
Conservative Hippie
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,268
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From: Wakulla Co. FL
03-07-08 | 09:45 PM
#100
Tortoise Wins by a Hare!
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Looney Tunes, IL
Bikes: Wabi Special FG, Raleigh Roper, Nashbar AL-1, Miyata One Hundred, '70 Schwinn Lemonator and More!!