Front brake vs. rear brake

[No Worries]

I get caught in the rain a lot. On corners, I just lean off the bike a little more to keep the bike more upright. Most of the roads out here are tar and chip which aren't affected much by rain. The big problem is wet steel. Manhole covers, temporary steel plates, and steel bridges are very slippery when wet. Also, slippery are the painted and vinyl pedestrian crossings and markers.

I use both brakes all the time. I'll use just the rear brake when I'm going uphill on several sharp curves. The rear brake slows the bike, keeps the suspension even, and I can downshift and exactly match the rpm with my right hand for a perfect exit. Most riders have a problem using the rear brake because their foot is so much stronger than their hand.

[Trip]

Originally Posted by No Worries

I use both brakes all the time. I'll use just the rear brake when I'm going uphill on several sharp curves. The rear brake slows the bike, keeps the suspension even, and I can downshift and exactly match the rpm with my right hand for a perfect exit. Most riders have a problem using the rear brake because their foot is so much stronger than their hand.

You have a much heavier bike than the modern sportbike as well. You want all the stopping power you can get on that thing. Cruzergirl is in the same situation. She isn't riding a cutting edge race bike. The rear brake can be effective if your front braking power is not up to the job of stopping the bike effectively. This isn't an issue for a light modern sportbike.