Bontrager Speed LimitTM manual Use your brakes carefully, Do not overuse the front-wheel brake

Use your brakes carefully

Always keep a safe stopping distance between you

and other vehicles or objects. Adjust stopping distances and braking forces to suit riding conditions.

Do not overuse the front-wheel brake

If your bicycle has two hand brakes, apply both brakes at the same time. Over-use or misuse of a front- wheel brake, such as using only the front-wheel brake in an emergency, could cause the rear wheel to lift from the ground which could cause you to lose control (Figure 3).

Figure 3- Overuse of the front-wheel brake can cause the rear wheel to lift

WARNING

Applying sudden or excessive stopping force with the front-wheel brake may cause the rear wheel to lift off the ground or the front wheel to slip out from under you, which can cause you to lose control and fall. Apply both brakes at the same time, and shift your weight backward on the bicycle while braking.

Make sure your brakes meet your needs

Many models of modern brakes are very powerful; they are designed to stop a bicycle in wet or muddy conditions. If you feel your brakes are too powerful for your riding needs, take your bicycle to your dealer for adjustment or replacement of the braking system.

Be careful when riding in wet conditions

No brakes, whatever their design, work as effectively in wet weather as they do in dry. Even properly aligned, lubricated, and maintained brakes require greater lever pressure and longer stopping distances in wet weather; anticipate the extra distance it will take to stop.