Brake it 'til you make it
A little finesse with the brakes kinda changes everything, you know?
One thing I love about riding (and writing) is how often I return to the basics—and find something new each time I do. Braking, for instance, seems straightforward at first, but it’s actually an incredibly dynamic skill that requires nuanced attention. It’s about more than just slowing down or stopping; it’s about learning how to control your speed, your bike, your fear, and ultimately, your experience on the trail.
Jamie often talks about braking as a gateway to flow. It’s not just about hitting the brakes to stop; it’s about building confidence and freedom, knowing when and how to let go (and not get hurt). We dove into this skill early, in episode 3, and we even reposted it as episode 31—it’s that important. And now, add this summary post to our tally of braking conversations1.
Without further ado…
A quick note on braking
Most riders start by instinctively leaning on the rear brake to slow down, only to later realize that it’s the front brake—packing about 70% of your braking power—that holds the key to both effective control and confidence on the trail. Learning to engage it thoughtfully, though, helps avoid the all-too-familiar over-the-bars (OTB) scenario, because safety here is not just about how well you stop, but also where your body is when you do so.
On steeper descents, the front brake becomes even more essential. A good rule of thumb: if you hear your rear wheel skidding, it’s a sign that you’re overusing the back brake and not using the front brake enough.
In short, braking is about control—not simply a response to fear, speed, or uncertainty. In fact, braking at the wrong time can make you less safe rather than more. Mastering the balance between front and rear brakes lets you stop quickly, accelerate confidently, and flow into turns without skidding, making for a smoother, safer ride.
But to feel this level of control, there are some fundamentals to keep in mind:
Here’s what we’ve talked about so far:
Front brake dominance: Most of your braking power—about 70%—lies in the front brake, and learning to use it effectively is key to confident, controlled riding. However, using the front brake requires a stable body position: drop your heels, keep your weight centered, and brace through your legs to counteract the bike’s forward momentum. When the terrain gets loose, rocky, or sandy, approach braking with extra care; releasing the front brake just before entering a corner or rough patch helps maintain traction and stability.
Body position and braking: Body positioning when braking is a dynamic process that requires more than simply leaning back. While moving back may feel instinctive, it actually reduces front wheel traction and control, especially on steeper trails. Instead, staying centered between the wheels and dropping your heels helps distribute weight more effectively, maintaining traction on the front tire and keeping your braking responsive. By straightening your legs, staying centered, and letting your body “drop in,” you can engage the bike without losing stability. This “stacked” position enhances control and reduces the risk of tipping forward, allowing you to navigate braking transitions with confidence.
Slowing vs. stopping: When it comes to braking, the front and rear brakes serve different functions. The front brake is your primary tool for slowing down and stopping quickly, thanks to its 70% braking power. In contrast, the rear brake is better for holding your speed steady without losing control. On straightaways or technical descents, using a bit more front brake allows you to adjust your speed efficiently. But as you approach a corner, releasing the front brake and letting the front wheel roll freely helps you maintain traction and stability. This keeps your ride fluid and reduces the risk of skidding or washing out. The trick is to slow down before the corner, then use the rear brake lightly if needed to hold speed as you exit, resulting in a smooth, controlled flow through turns.
Braking and traction: Braking affects traction, and understanding this can improve your control on the trail. When you brake, especially during turns or on rough terrain, you lose some traction as your tires grip less effectively. This is why braking in a straight line before entering a turn is crucial—allowing the front wheel to roll freely through the corner without engaging the brakes preserves traction and stability. On technical descents or loose surfaces, keep your braking light and steady, focusing on body position and balance to maintain the right amount of grip as you slow down.
Brake with one finger: For effective and controlled braking, practice using just one finger on each brake lever. Most modern hydraulic brakes are designed to provide ample stopping power with a single finger, allowing you to maintain a better grip on the handlebars and reduce arm fatigue. Placing your finger at the end of the brake lever gives you maximum leverage, so you can modulate your braking smoothly and avoid over-braking. Using more than one finger can lead to excessive braking force and reduces the amount of control you have over modulation, making it harder to fine-tune your speed on technical terrain.
Braking correctly takes practice: Practicing in safe spaces (parking lots, smooth trails) is essential. Over time, aim to workshop your braking skills in order to apply the right balance of both brakes in varied settings—whether navigating rocky trails or rolling through tight switchbacks.
Cue it
To build these skills, remember these simple cues:
“Drop your heels.” Brace yourself with your feet and your arms, and don’t allow your weight to move forward from center. If this happens, you’re not bracing enough. Center your weight by driving your heels downward; this adds stability and prevents you from tipping forward.
“70/30.” Apply 70% braking pressure to the front, 30% to the rear to maintain control. If you skid, you’re using too much back brake and not enough front brake. Try engaging front brake before the back to see how that changes things for you.
“Stay centered.” Keep your center of mass between the wheels, even during braking, to enhance balance and prevent skidding.
“One finger.” This one takes some planning/adjusting. Wrap your other fingers securely around the handlebar, and adjust the brake levers so that the outside edge of your hand aligns with the end of the handlebar. Position the brake lever so that only your index finger naturally rests on it, with the lever lining up comfortably at the crease of your finger for easy, controlled braking. Additionally, adjust the lever angle to keep your wrist in a neutral position, creating a straight line from your forearm through your fingers. If you’re experiencing numbness in your hands or pinching in your wrist, the lever angle likely needs adjustment to prevent strain and maintain comfort.
Practice Makes... Skillful
Building skill with braking takes practice, but incorporating it into your rides can be simple and enjoyable. Here are a few exercises to bring control and flow to your braking technique:
Flat-ground drill: Start on a flat surface and focus on using the front brake to stop smoothly without skidding. Begin slowly, working up to a gentle roll, so you can feel how the brake engages. Practice shifting your weight as you brake to keep your balance steady.
Cone zone: Set up a few markers—like cones, rocks, or sticks—and practice stopping at each one. Aim to stop without skidding by controlling your front brake pressure. Once you’re comfortable, increase your speed slightly or reduce the space between markers to build precision.
Slow-speed drill: Take it to a quiet trail or area with gentle terrain, focusing on slower speeds to feel your balance and brake control. Use the 70/30 brake split (70% front, 30% rear) to come to a smooth stop. Repeat until braking becomes second nature.
Trail stop drill: On a mellow trail, pick points to practice coming to a complete stop. As you brake, check that your weight stays centered, heels dropped, and your body engaged. Over time, this drill can improve your confidence with more technical stops on steeper terrain.
Each pass of practice builds your confidence and deepens your control. Braking may seem basic, but it’s a skill that unlocks a more confident and enjoyable ride. So as you hit the trails this weekend (is it still rideable where you are?), consider focusing on this foundational skill.
Keep an eye out for the next post, where we’ll dive into how these principles of braking translate to navigating life’s unexpected turns (or speed or hills or drops or whatever).
See you out there!
– Danielle
This post has been created with the help of AI and drew only on the original content from episode 3.