How to Improve Your Braking

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Start by finding an appropriate level open space to practice in.

   A dirt parking lot or short grass field is ideal.
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   Step 2: Place two rocks

   These make your target stopping line.
   
   You should have plenty of room to ride straight at the gap between them to build up speed, and you should have plenty of space on the other side of them in case you don't stop right on the line. , Stop pedaling and coast with both feet level.
   
   Squeeze both brake levers and try to stop with your front wheel perfectly on the line (center of the wheel between the cones).
   
   If either wheel skids, release some pressure on the appropriate brake lever.
   
   Repeat several times building up speed.
   
   You should have a good idea of where you need to start applying your brakes in order to stop on the line. , You will need more stopping distance, so go back to your original speed.
   
   Practice until you can stop on the line consistently using only your back brake. , Again, start slow and work up.
   
   It is very important that you not lock-up (skid) your front wheel.
   
   Practice this until you can stop consistently on the line. , You will find you can stop in a much more controlled manner than you could before. , The motion is much like a very fast push-up.
   
   This momentarily increases the force on your front tire, giving the tire more grip.
   
   With more grip you can brake harder without locking your tires. ,, This allows your legs to take much of force instead of your arms.
   
   This will let you ride longer without getting tired, as well as give you better control of the bike while braking. ,
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   Step 3: or water bottles 4 feet (1.2 m) apart near one end of the area.

4. 4

   Step 4: Ride towards the line at a running pace.

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   Step 5: Switch to using only your rear brake.

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   Step 6: Switch to using only your front brake.

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   Step 7: Resume using both brakes simultaneously.

8. 8

   Step 8: Pump your arms downwards quickly and with force just as you start to apply your brakes.

9. 9

   Step 9: Pump with your legs into the pedals to increase force on the rear wheel.

10. 10

    Step 10: Keeping your pedals level

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    Step 11: drop your heels so your feet point up 30 degrees while braking.

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    Step 12: Compare your stopping distance and control while braking to when you started

13. 13

    Step 13: you should now be able to stop in a much shorter distance.

Detailed Guide

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