Why is it such a sin to use the rear brake
 

Yes, I understand that it is more efficient to use the front brake as it has (presumedly) more power, but I stop just fine using the rear brake and avoid the chance of getting an endo.

95% of stops in commuting are planned coasting slow downs/stops anyway so I don't need to stop on the dime. If it is a panic stop I will use both brakes anyway.

I wasn't aware it was taboo to just use the rear brake...

If you aren't used to using the front brake, doing so in a panic increases your chances of doing an endo. I learned that one the hard way.

If you are used to using the front brake, you have almost no chance of doing an endo.

Who said it was a sin?

I use both brakes most of the time. When the roads are icy I mostly use the rear brake.

Who said it was a sin?

Most of the time I use both brakes. When the roads are icy I tend to avoid using the front brake.

Using JUST the rear brake for a CONTROLLED stop is OK, if it works for you.

Using JUST the front brake for a CONTROLLED stop is OK, if it works for you.

Using JUST the rear brake for a PANIC STOP will likely not end well, i.e., across the hood of a car. (Happened to me.....)

Using JUST the front brake for a PANIC STOP will likely not end well, i.e., "dead sailor". (Happened to me.......)

Using BOTH brakes for ANY stop will almost always result in a superior stopping experience.

It's your bike and your ride; you make the call. But if you crash into me, the failed stop will be the least of your problems.

Yeah, me neither. I use both for best effect too, for the reasons that DX-MAN put out so clearly. It's the hipster culture that came out with this dumb excuse to justify the lack of rear brakes on their fixies.

It's sin because it goes against St. Sheldon's teachings (ironically, he was an atheist...)

http://sheldonbrown.com/brakturn.html

i think andy_k has it right. you develop muscle memory with brake control when you use the front brake. so if you never use it, then all of a sudden use it, you risk doing it wrong. i got used to using my front brake as my first brake pretty quickly and it's habit now. I still also use them in combination of course, but front brake first.

Well, he didn't confer the sainthood on himself. If just using the rear brake keeps you from crashing into things, awesome. Why are your panties in a bunch about it?

It's not. Use both brakes and learn to modulate them correctly under different conditions/situations.

I generally use both brakes whenever I am stopping or slowing down, regardless of my speed and whether its from coasting or in a panic stop. The front brake actually checks my speed and the rear allow me to control of the bikes attitude. I often apply the rear slightly ahead of the front, especially in slick conditions or when in a turn, but even then I will use some front brake to reduce speed. In fact the only time I don't use the rear brake is when I am doing a stoppie (nose wheelie to you motorcycle types), and even then I will often apply just a bit of rear so that I can better feel when the rear wheel lifts off the ground.

To be honest I've never known anyone to use only the front or only the rear brake except for noobs.

I saw a couple of posts on here that referred to him as St. Sheldon so I just play along that theme for entertainment purpose.

Also, "panties in a bunch" is a rather sexist phrase in my opinion and couldn't possibly be interpreted as respectful for either sex.

I look it this issue with the same curiosity as issues like why it's such a faux pas (or fashion "sin") to wear sandals with socks, etc... So, I'm merely trying to pick the brains of others here to get more perspective on the issue.

I wear socks when wearing sandals to prevent sun burn and keep the insect bites to a minimum.

I find it easier to modulate braking power if I use both brakes.

I too use both front and rear breaks. Most of the time it is planned light breaking and use both or alternate. When need to stop fast, use both and even hard breaking, I do not go over the bars.

Think I have only done that once, ever. First time using a bike with hand breaks. First and only time have made that mistake. Learned the hard way, that hurt like hell.

Probably why it's so popular a retort. My apologies for offending -- it just seems like there's been a lot of front versus rear brake debate (and trolling) lately. Sheldon himself acknowledged that there were times when the rear brake was the one to prefer.

It's only becomes a Sin when not using both front and rear brakes in rainy weather and non Kool Stop Salmon pads.

I'm finding it harder than ever these days to tell when people are trolling.

If i think about it, i use both brakes, but mostly I'm just covering the rear brake, i.e. hardly putting any effort into the rear brake. Mostly when just riding instinctively, I use the front exclusively. This can get you in trouble, if you don't have the learned skill of modulating the front brake.

If you do, you have better control over your stopping.

It's ok, I'm not all that offended. Also, this forum has such a high standard in language use (which is a great thing) I just feel comfortable to be a bit more picky.

Coldfeet. If there is a topic that has been debated over and over, or asking a question that is meant to resurrect a very pulverized horse, or something in line of politics/religion in a forum where it doesn't belong, then it would considered trolling.

I have been following this forum for almost 5 years now and I have never seen any discussion in that. And my cousin who recently has got back into biking asked me the same question so I decided to "pick the brains" here.

Treating trolls online is the same as treat trolls we mean in the physical realm. If you actually answer their trolling questions well, then that would defeat their purpose of trolling. And usually their respond would be something even more outrageous in order incite new "responses". Then you can know for sure it's a troll.

I hope I have not exhibit any of the above behavior.

Apparently, calling things a Sin, in Tennessee, is an industry of its own.

i brake with both brakes because i find it works best for me.

i don't care what St. Sheldon has to say on the matter.

i'm an agnostic fundamentalist; religion in any form has never appealed to me.

This is one thing that I disagree with him and declare him wrong. Use both brakes.

People make all kinds of weird declarations about commuting, like it's a magical netherworld of cycling.

* In commuting, you almost never have to stop without planning it in advance.
* In commuting, bike fit is unimportant, and might even throw you off.
* In commuting, it doesn't matter to anyone how fast you go, and you aren't allowed to care because you're commuting.
* In commuting, bike weight doesn't matter. That isn't exactly true, the heavier the better.

This could go on and on and on...

[citation needed]