Front Brakes (how you use them)

[NTECUK]

Having read a few threads on hear and the general banter at work I am curious to find out just how many people use 2,3 and 4 fingers on the front lever.
Obviously this depends on how long your digits are.
Oh normal situation not the heart in mouth emergency stop times.

[PyroUK]

With shorty levers (or more accurately cheevers) I use 2 generally. With the standard levers I had to use 4 as my gloves were too big for the lever to close enough.

Although even with shortys I do use 3 or even 4 on occasion when I'm feeling a bit crazy and want to treat myself

[Bibio]

full length levers (cheevers) with 3 fingers (middle, Ring and Pinky) while index finger controls throttle. this allows braking and blipping at same time.

[Spank86]

Having read a few threads on hear and the general banter at work I am curious to find out just how many people use 2,3 and 4 fingers on the front lever.
Obviously this depends on how long your digits are.
Oh normal situation not the heart in mouth emergency stop times.

4 fingers.

My lever will pull to the bar if I need it to and I wouldn't want to have to try it and get my other fingers caught. Plus I wouldn't want to run out of grip.

I also feel that 4 fingers gives more precision

(I can also see this thread disappearing into innuendo very fast, I'll try to keep my part clean[dammit, failed already])

[Scoobs]

4 fingers.

My lever will pull to the bar if I need it to and I wouldn't want to have to try it and get my other fingers caught. Plus I wouldn't want to run out of grip.

I also feel that 4 fingers gives more precision

That ^^^^

That's how I was taught and it has stuck. Can still blip the throttle on downshift even with four fingers on the brake.

[NTECUK]

4 fingers.



(I can also see this thread disappearing into innuendo very fast, I'll try to keep my part clean[dammit, failed already])

I was expecting a
"I used to use two fingers when it was new and tight,but over the years its loosened of that I now have to use 4 to get the same effect".
Stop sniggering at the back and overhaul your brakes and fit new lines :twisted:

[BanannaMan]

Two but I have large hands.

[haggis]

Two fingers (index + middle) on shorty lever for me. Three on clutch to pull away, then one, I think....

4 fingers.

My lever will pull to the bar if I need it to and I wouldn't want to have to try it and get my other fingers caught.

When I went for my MOT, the tester was tut-tutting my mate for too much lever travel on the Fireblade. There shouldn't be an issue with fingers getting trapped if u grab a handful. Luckily he had span adjustment left on the levers.


Just so u know.

[Spank86]

When I went for my MOT, the tester was tut-tutting my mate for too much lever travel on the Fireblade. There shouldn't be an issue with fingers getting trapped if u grab a handful. Luckily he had span adjustment left on the levers..

I've actually recently adjusted my levers so the bite quicker, Not sure if they still pull back to the bars now, will have to check next time I'm out.

I still feel more controlled with 4 finger braking though, maybe if I get round to getting a dirt bike that will change.

[dkid]

Two on the brake, four on the clutch. I have one hand stronger than the other for some reason...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[littleoldman2]

All four, just out of habit from the days of cable operated drums.

[Nutsinatin]

Rest all four fingers on the lever but only pull with the middle two.

[EssexDave]

Two. Two on the clutch for downshifts too.

[Red Herring]

Two on both clutch and brake, to many years spent trying to hold onto the bars.....

[Jayneflakes]

I am from Somerset, so use all seven fingers on the brake and the other six on the clutch. :smt104

[DJFridge]

I can't believe you're all so consistent. "I always use 3" "I only use 1".

Personally, I use 1, 2, 3 or 4 fingers depending on the circumstances, my mood, what day of the week it is.....

[Mrs DJ Fridge]

Three on both brake and clutch, always.

[Balky001]

2 for me. I do know someone that does use 4, 3, 2 then one on track. OCD..

[Niall_farley]

Usually two for break and three for clutch I think but as djfridge said it's not constant it's just how I usually do it I guess

[NTECUK]

It's kinda bearing out what has been bought up by statistics.
Apparently in emergencies often the rider can't get full power to the brakes because you trap your fingers.
Now me though I'm usually two fingers just ready to pinch the brake in filtering or situations were your likely get a shock (state board on the ride in to work last week?) that pulls across your path. Your more apt to snatch on the brake and lock.
It's confusing all the different ways how people teach bike skills....

[Nobbylad]

2 on both clutch and brake....never really understood/managed to do 1 finger effectively.


Oooo'eerrrr missus

[flymo]

I use whatever feels comfortable at the time. Does it matter?

[NTECUK]

Depends who you talk to Flymo.
Some people get hung up on things.
Just like in life there's not necessarily one way.
If someone is going to coach you in reaching iam or rospa standards depending on who you get they seam hung up on it.
Seeing how I've personally do braking changes with the situation I'm in.
If I'm in a nadgy tight bit of maneuvering I'm index, thumband pinky on throttle. The Two covering the brake are strong enough to brake hard but probly not lock the front wheel.
But when I'm normally bobbin along I'll use 3, with Mr pinky jumping on board when I can reach the lever (I have a good solid brake btw).
But you know what it's like if someone is going to coach you, but they get a bee in there bonnet.
I'm still wondering if it's worth the effort......

[flymo]

I think what's more important is the pressure you apply to the lever, and how severely it is done.

I spent a long time on the track over the years and one area that really made a difference to lap time was braking technique. Its amazing just how firmly the brakes can be applied without locking the wheel if done correctly. If you can master that point for the road you arm yourself with some serious defensive riding skills, both against other drivers and the weather.

The weird thing is that a front wheel lockup feels the same at 30 mph as it does at 130 mph, the only difference being the length of the skid mark. But the all important feeling is what you are aiming to recognise, if you know what it feels like as the wheel begins to lock you'll be able to react. If you have no idea then you'll either drop it or not apply the brakes hard enough.

[NTECUK]

Yes that true.
But you also need to be aware that not all of us can feel the point before the lock only the pop up of the front when it's happened.
But being focused on the number of fingers is as far as I perceive it is, if you cannot bring the lever far back enough to achieve the lock because you have the remaining fingers between the lever and the bar it's valid.
But 20 mph filtering it's as much throttle /clutch and rear brake control as well as the front if you need to stop sharply.

[flymo]

Yes that true.
But you also need to be aware that not all of us can feel the point before the lock only the pop up of the front when it's happened.
But being focused on the number of fingers is as far as I perceive it is, if you cannot bring the lever far back enough to achieve the lock because you have the remaining fingers between the lever and the bar it's valid.
But 20 mph filtering it's as much throttle /clutch and rear brake control as well as the front if you need to stop sharply.

I get that, but my point was that its something that you can learn and practice fairly easily.

[SIII]

Two fingers on the brake - middle & ring. These are your strongest fingers. Comes from kayaking. Is spoiled a bit when using gloves with linked ring & pinkie fingers. Poor wee pinkie is dragged along !!!

Two fingers on clutsh index & middle, speedy ping of clutch lever, if not on full blat and going for clutchless shifts.