How To Improve Cycling Braking Performance

Braking on a bike is not only about performance, it’s also about remaining legal and adhering to bike specific legislation, which dictates that a bike must have working brakes. Bikes used by adults in the UK must have two independent braking systems, namely a front and back brake. Furthermore, the regulations state that the brakes on your bike must be maintained in ‘efficient working order’ Most of us have fully working brakes, in good condition - and in this post we look at the things you can do to improve braking performance, whilst keeping your braking system in good condition.

Avoiding Braking

One of the best ways in which you can preserve the lifespan of your brakes, as well as improve your riding performance, either at a competition or recreationally - is to spend a second considering whether you need to brake at all. Whilst we urge all riders to stay safe, many riders apply the brakes when they feel they are travelling too fast, instead - look far down the road and anticipate any hazards or areas where you will need to scrub speed off, have confidence in your bike and the route ahead - and you can stay off the brakes when you don’t need to use them.

Don't Brake When Cornering

It’s pretty common knowledge and common practice not to brake when cornering. Although this is a pretty good strategy to use, sometimes it’s necessary to scrub speed off on a long, fast corner - or otherwise face not making it round. If having to brake when cornering, brake lightly and smoothly, and wherever possible - save the braking when travelling in the straightest possible line. When cornering, make sure to use both brakes, and apply them evenly and smoothly to avoid the risk of locking up.

Use The Front Brake!

Many of us, especially older riders - will remember being told to be careful when using the front brake, and many of us were told that using the front brake would almost always end up in the rider getting catapulted over the handlebars. Although some care needs to be taken when using the front brake - the front brake remains the most efficient and quickest way of slowing the bike down. If you plan the braking well, you can brace yourself ready for the rapid deceleration from pulling the front brake. It’s important not to overuse the back brake, or become overly reliant on it - as this can cause the bike to skid and lock up.

Feather The Brakes

As a sensible adult, you should never really be pulling skids on a bike. If you feel your bike skidding, or about to skid - feather your brakes rather than continuing to pull the brakes in with force. Look ahead and extend braking distances, so you do not lock up.

Expect To Slow Down

Read the road and when you expect to brake, altering your body position to cope with the rapid deceleration. Keep back in the saddle to keep your body weight over the rear of the bike, ensuring that your centre of gravity is low and to the rear of the bike, providing maximum stability.

Choose Disc Brakes

Although some puritan road cyclists stick to rim brakes for their stopping power - those looking for the best and most reliable braking performance will choose disc brakes over rim brakes every time. Disc brakes provide many advantages over rim brakes, with one of the biggest advantages being stopping power in challenging weather conditions - where rim brakes are more liable to skidding.

Get Used To Braking

Practicing braking is the best way to get used to braking under different conditions. Try applying 75% front brake, with 25% rear brake - also try and brake hard enough to almost skid - releasing the brake and get used to the braking/skidding point.