manual63
10-17-2005, 11:40 AM
Here is some good info about front brake usage written by Wheels in the "Stop Skidding!" thread that got way out of hand....:)
This is good stuff.
Once you get used to using your front brake more effectively you'll find that you can actually get around the corner faster. If your sliding your rear wheel around a corner you're actually loosing speed and have less control (skidding is being out of control) - they key is to even it out and maintain the best speed around the corner as possible.
Once you've slowed down enough without sliding, you can begin pedaling and "push" your front wheel through to the exit - and carry more speed all the way around with less effort.
Here's the rules I use:
1. Brake evenly when coming in to the corner, then begin transfering more brake to the front as you approach the apex.
2. Once you've reached the apex, you should be using very little rear brake (20%) then start feathering off the front brake just as your lean reaches the furthest point inside and begin pedaling.
3. Once you begin your transition back upright let go of the brakes altogether, push your arse into your seat - lean back just a bit and pedal hard.
4. You should find yourself in a drift (both wheels sliding evenly), you can control your direction by counter steering and transfering weight either towards your seat (more traction on the back wheel)- or forward on your bars (more traction on the front wheel).
If you're skidding around a corner you've entered the apex too sharp. Whichever method you use (skidding or controlled) make sure to swing out as much as possible before entering the turn. This also helps establish a smooth arc, so that when you begin your drift you won't be making any sudden adjustments before you hit the apex - and give you more control on the exit in case you need to drift the rear wheel a bit more (as in the described method).
Another thing that helps is to run as low of tire pressure as possible - lower pressure increases traction.
You'll notice that the turns a Theo were designed to be ridden this way - most of the turns have swooping entries and are far enough away from the inside pin (trees, rocks) to allow you to leaned over without hitting your shoulder.
Look at the backslope on the turns too, when possible - we build in a backslope that could be railed like a berm - this helps keep you pointed in the right direction on the exit of the turn, and gives you a last ditch point to pop off of. If you're leaning back you can hit the backslope and pop a power wheelie out of the turn.
Pop your wheel up, pedal and turn your bars to the point where you like to be - your bike will lean in and the wheel should land right where you want to be.
This is good stuff.
Once you get used to using your front brake more effectively you'll find that you can actually get around the corner faster. If your sliding your rear wheel around a corner you're actually loosing speed and have less control (skidding is being out of control) - they key is to even it out and maintain the best speed around the corner as possible.
Once you've slowed down enough without sliding, you can begin pedaling and "push" your front wheel through to the exit - and carry more speed all the way around with less effort.
Here's the rules I use:
1. Brake evenly when coming in to the corner, then begin transfering more brake to the front as you approach the apex.
2. Once you've reached the apex, you should be using very little rear brake (20%) then start feathering off the front brake just as your lean reaches the furthest point inside and begin pedaling.
3. Once you begin your transition back upright let go of the brakes altogether, push your arse into your seat - lean back just a bit and pedal hard.
4. You should find yourself in a drift (both wheels sliding evenly), you can control your direction by counter steering and transfering weight either towards your seat (more traction on the back wheel)- or forward on your bars (more traction on the front wheel).
If you're skidding around a corner you've entered the apex too sharp. Whichever method you use (skidding or controlled) make sure to swing out as much as possible before entering the turn. This also helps establish a smooth arc, so that when you begin your drift you won't be making any sudden adjustments before you hit the apex - and give you more control on the exit in case you need to drift the rear wheel a bit more (as in the described method).
Another thing that helps is to run as low of tire pressure as possible - lower pressure increases traction.
You'll notice that the turns a Theo were designed to be ridden this way - most of the turns have swooping entries and are far enough away from the inside pin (trees, rocks) to allow you to leaned over without hitting your shoulder.
Look at the backslope on the turns too, when possible - we build in a backslope that could be railed like a berm - this helps keep you pointed in the right direction on the exit of the turn, and gives you a last ditch point to pop off of. If you're leaning back you can hit the backslope and pop a power wheelie out of the turn.
Pop your wheel up, pedal and turn your bars to the point where you like to be - your bike will lean in and the wheel should land right where you want to be.