Ebike Brakes: Front Brakes vs. Rear Brakes

No matter how proficient you are in cycling, cycling safety must be mastered first. Cycling brakes are one of the important ways to ensure cycling safety, and it is also something everyone must understand when first learning to ride. Whether it is rim brakes or disc brakes, bicycles are equipped with two sets of brakes, the front one and the rear one. They are used to control the braking of the front or rear wheels of the bicycle.

disc brake bike

Different people's braking styles?

  • Brake front and rear simultaneously
Using front and rear brakes at the same time is the best way to stop a bicycle in a short distance for a beginner who is not yet proficient in riding skills. However, when you use the front and rear brakes at the same time, it is easy for the ebike to "drift" because the deceleration force of the front wheel is greater than the deceleration force of the rear wheel. If the rear wheel slips, the front brake is still activated, which will cause the rear wheel to slide. The wheel throws over the front wheel. Once the rear wheel slips, it tends to slide sideways rather than forward. At this time, the force of the rear brake must be reduced immediately or the rear brake must be fully released to restore balance.
  • Use front brake only
Many people have this question, will it not roll forward if only the front brake is used? In fact, this is what happens to riders who have not yet learned to adjust the front braking force. If you do not grasp the strength of the front brake and do not use the strength of your arms to resist the inertial force of continuing to rush forward, the sudden deceleration force will be too strong, the car will stop, but the person will often continue to move forward, and finally fall "head-over" ”, became a rider.
  • Use rear brake only

It is also unsafe to ride with only the rear brake, especially for riders who like to ride fast. In some specific situations, the rear wheels will leave the ground. If the rear brake is used at this time, the rear brake will actually be completely useless at this time. Moreover, the braking distance when only the rear brake is used will be longer than the braking distance when only the front brake is used, and the safety factor will also be greatly reduced.

Effective ebike braking

If you want to effectively stop the bicycle in the shortest distance, the best way is to pull the front brake until the rear wheel just floats off the ground, and firmly support your body with your arms to avoid leaning forward and causing the body to roll forward. , in addition, move the butt back as much as possible, and control the body's center of gravity until it can be mastered to the limit. This braking method is suitable for various braking conditions.

Because the body while riding and the car share the forward momentum and the downward force of gravity acceleration. At the same time, a resultant force is formed forward and downward. The braking force relies on the friction between the tire and the ground to weaken the forward component force. If we want to have a good braking effect, the more pressure we put on the bicycle, the greater the friction. So at this time, the front wheel will provide the greatest friction, and the body can provide greater pressure backward and downward. So in theory, reasonable control of the front brake of the bicycle will provide the greatest braking effect.

Electric Bike Braking in different environments

Dry and smooth road surface: On a dry road surface, the vehicle is less likely to slip and jump. Basically, the front brake is the main one and the rear brake is the supplementary one to control the vehicle. Experienced riders may not even need the rear brake.

Slippery Road: On slippery roads, slipping can easily occur. If the rear wheel slips, the body will easily adjust and restore balance. If the front wheel slips, it will be difficult for the body to control the balance. You need to use the rear brake immediately to control the vehicle and stop it.

Soft road surface: The situation is similar to that of wet road surfaces. The possibility of tire slippage is greatly increased. The rear brake must also be used to stop the car. However, the front brake can be controlled as appropriate to prevent the front wheel from slipping.

Bumpy roads: When riding on bumpy roads, the wheels are likely to jump off the ground. In this case, the front brake cannot be used. If you use the front brake when the front wheel jumps off the ground, the front wheel will lock, and landing with a locked front wheel will be a bad thing.

When the front wheel blows out: If the front wheel suddenly blows out while riding, do not use the front e bike brakes. If you use the front brake in this situation, the tire may break away from the steel rim, causing the car to overturn, so you must be careful.

Front brake failure: When the front brake fails, such as the electric bicycle brakes line is broken or the brake pad is damaged or excessively worn and can no longer function as a brake, we need to use the rear brake to stop riding.

Whether in theory or in practice, front braking will be the most effective. If you want to master the ability of front braking, you only need to constantly learn to master the critical point when the rear wheel floats, and control the vehicle well to prevent it from crashing. Only then will you slowly become a real cyclist.
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