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Braking Technique

Cycling / Popular

Modulate front and rear brakes for safe, controlled stops.

What coaches agree on

  • Use both brakes together on every stop rather than relying on one - the front brake supplies most of your stopping power, so learn to trust it alongside the rear.
  • As you brake harder, shift your weight back by straightening your arms, pushing your hips behind the saddle, and dropping your heels, so you stay balanced and in control.
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  • Match your braking force to the grip you actually have - squeeze gently on wet, loose, or broken surfaces, and if a wheel starts to skid, ease off just enough to let it regain traction before reapplying.

Common mistakes

  • Grabbing a hard, sudden fistful of brake mid-corner instead of finishing your braking before turning in - this breaks your tyres' grip and is a common cause of corner crashes.
  • Snatching the lever on and off or pumping it instead of squeezing on with one smooth, progressive action, which unsettles the bike's balance and can trigger a skid.