Braking is one of those things that
you just do right, wrong here are a few little tips to help you stop
and stay in control.
Most of you braking power comes
from the front brake, the reason for this is that you apply the
front brake and your weight moves forward giving the front wheel
more traction and thus braking power. The only problem is that too
much front brake and you are over the handlebars, which is why its
best to use both brakes evenly and apply the rear brake before the
front.
Having said the above try braking
using the front brake only. When braking move your weight backwards
by straightening your arms and moving your body backwards, this
will help keep the back wheel down and stop you going over the handlebars.
If you can get used to using only the front break it will increase
your breaking efficiency.
Move your weight backward during
braking, this increases the bite of the rear tyre.
In mud of loose conditions use
more rear brake the front as the front wheel will be forced to plough
because of the weight and momentum of the bike.
If the terrain is steep move
your weight back in order to keep the weight even between the wheels
or mainly over the rear wheel, don't actually sit on the rear wheel,
that can be painful.
As mentioned in the cornering
section, skidding gives no control, be at the speed you want to
be before you get to the corner/obstacle and me controlled as you
go round or over, faster in the long run.
Hanging onto the brakes only
causes the pads/ rims to heat up and causes break fade, us in short
stints.
Never Never break in the air
... I don't have to explain do I ?
Balance