jcd11235 0 #1 July 9, 2009 When I bought my most recent bicycle, the first thing I did was to put my front brake lever on the right and my rear brake lever on the left. This configuration makes more sense to me (personally), since most of my stopping power comes from the front brake and I'm right handed. I rarely even use my rear brake. I know that in the US, it's most common to have the rear brake on the right and the front brake on the left. I also realize that in some countries, the opposite configuration is typical. What is your preference, and why?Math tutoring available. Only $6! per hour! First lesson: Factorials! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 24 #2 July 9, 2009 Left. The power you need on the lever is minimal in my opinion. One big use of the rear brake is when in a pack or paceline, if you do need to slow down very very slightly, you would keep on pedaling while applying very low level and precise amount of break in the back. I think having a setup that allows you more precision to the rear is better. EDIT: besides, its alot more mucking around to switch the sides now with integrated brake/shifters Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jcd11235 0 #3 July 9, 2009 Quote Left. The power you need on the lever is minimal in my opinion. One big use of the rear brake is when in a pack or paceline, if you do need to slow down very very slightly, you would keep on pedaling while applying very low level and precise amount of break in the back. I think having a setup that allows you more precision to the rear is better. That makes sense. I tend to ride alone or with only one other person, so I never considered that. Quote EDIT: besides, its alot more mucking around to switch the sides now with integrated brake/shifters Shifters? You must have one of them newfangled fancy bikes with more than one gear!Math tutoring available. Only $6! per hour! First lesson: Factorials! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kj126 0 #4 July 9, 2009 I simply transitioned over to right hand front brake ue to years of racing moto-x and the same configuration of my bikes.I Am Sofa King We Todd Did!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DrewEckhardt 0 #5 July 9, 2009 QuoteWhen I bought my most recent bicycle, the first thing I did was to put my front brake lever on the right and my rear brake lever on the left. This configuration makes more sense to me, since most of my stopping power comes from the front brake and I'm right handed. I rarely even use my rear brake. Right. You have better dexterity in your right hand, braking forces go up when the rims get wet, and it's consistent with motorcycles. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SWATcop 0 #6 July 9, 2009 Police Mountain Bike School 1999: "Right is rear in brake and gear"Kevin Muff Brother #4041 Team Dirty Sanchez #467 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
funjumper101 15 #7 July 10, 2009 Every bike I have had since I was 10 has had the front brake moved to the right handlebar. I learned to ride motorcycles when I was 10. I HATE riding other peoples bikes with the brake on the left. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SWATcop 0 #8 July 10, 2009 Quote Every bike I have had since I was 10 has had the front brake moved to the right handlebar. I learned to ride motorcycles when I was 10. I HATE riding other peoples bikes with the brake on the left. I would surely endo if I rode your bike.Kevin Muff Brother #4041 Team Dirty Sanchez #467 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
justinb138 0 #9 July 10, 2009 Quote Quote Every bike I have had since I was 10 has had the front brake moved to the right handlebar. I learned to ride motorcycles when I was 10. I HATE riding other peoples bikes with the brake on the left. I would surely endo if I rode your bike. I did that a few years back after riding a dirtbike all day. Was coming up on a driveway pretty quick and grabbed a fistfull of brake to slide the back tire. Grabbed the wrong one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydemon2 0 #10 July 10, 2009 Im not sure what is more shocking, that little rhyme or that the police actually have a bike school. I thought it was standard to have it on the left, at least in the US.Beauty is only skin deep, but ugly goes clean to the bone! I like to start my day off with a little Ray of Soulshine™!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LongWayToFall 0 #11 July 10, 2009 It is weird, because I ride a dirt bike that has been converted to an auto clutch (rekluse) so that there is no clutch lever, only brakes. I still am ingrained such that when I am on a bicycle, I expect rear wheel lock up with right lever, so when I get on my dirt bike I have to remember it for a second. But riding a normal street bike is no problem, clutch on left. I guess my brain is ok with remembering when I am on a bike or BIKE. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SWATcop 0 #12 July 10, 2009 QuoteIm not sure what is more shocking, that little rhyme or that the police actually have a bike school. http://www.ipmba.org/Kevin Muff Brother #4041 Team Dirty Sanchez #467 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
futuredivot 0 #13 July 10, 2009 left-on the right it would get in the way of my little bellYou are only as strong as the prey you devour Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rlucus 0 #14 July 10, 2009 Brake on the right, because the clutch is on the left :) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Icon134 0 #15 July 10, 2009 The rear brake is on the right... and for that matter... it is the brake I'm more likely to go for first... because if I apply too much braking power on my front brakes (without applying the rear brakes) I'm more likely to go flip the bike in just about any situation...Livin' on the Edge... sleeping with my rigger's wife... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jcd11235 0 #16 July 11, 2009 Currently the poll is Left: 16, Right: 12. A larger proportion of riders have their front brake lever on the right side than I expected to see. Thanks for the responses.Math tutoring available. Only $6! per hour! First lesson: Factorials! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andy9o8 0 #17 July 12, 2009 Front on left, because it's been that way for me ever since I was a young kid, so I just stick with the muscle memory that I know best. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JackC 0 #18 July 12, 2009 Quote Brake on the right, because the clutch is on the left :) This is the correct answer. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IMALSUTIGERFAN 0 #19 July 12, 2009 Quote Quote Brake on the right, because the clutch is on the left :) This is the correct answer. Before I leave the bike shop with a new bike I get them to move it for me for the same reason....only the clutch goes on the left... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
