Which brake first?

[Chargeride]

Whichever one is working that day

 

[GMA52]

Whichever one is working that day

Wait till they both fail then you won’t have to worry about hitting the brakes

 

[Gionnirocket]

Wait till they both fail then you won’t have to worry about hitting the brakes

But when they both fail.... which one should you use first?

 

[GMA52]

But when they both fail.... which one should you use first?

I am sure I would have a heart attack and not have to worry about it

 

[PedalUma]

The worst are MacFox. Most cannot stop and parents do not know how to adjust them, so the kids use their shoes.

 

[edobici_forza]

It depends.

Steep downhill:
Yesterday, riding my Creo down a short, but steep, gravel road (range of 6% - 23%) with ruts...first time riding that trail, I had my dropper down, gripping the drops, and standing on pedals... Initially I slow with light rear braking, to see the looseness of the Category 3 gravel/dirt. then lighten up the rear a bit and add front brake to control my speed (max 12mph) to navigate the ruts crossing the trail. some of the loosest steep stuff I've ridden on the Creo so far. Then I modulated front and rear, as needed.

Mild downhill: Usually I tap the rear brake first, then add the front, modulating it as needed.

Flat: First light rear braking, then finish with the the front brake.


Here is that steep loose section (thanks to Garmin + Strava):

- - - -

I was paying extra attention on the loose gravel, since I slid out on loose dirt, over hardpack dirt on a downhill off-camber turn, riding my MTB, two days prior.

 

[JL0256]

On dry pavement the front brake does most of the stopping, because weight transfers forward under braking. So for a quick stop you generally want both brakes, with a smooth squeeze on the front and the rear used to stabilize.

I don’t really think in terms of “which first” — I feather the rear, then progressively load the front. In low traction (wet/gravel) you use less front and keep everything smooth to avoid lockups. Rear-first as a habit can mean longer stopping distances, but grabbing front too hard is what sends people over the bars.

Rule of thumb: both brakes, smooth + progressive, adjust front/rear bias to conditions.

 

[stompandgo]

Whichever one is working at the time.

 

[Gionnirocket]

On dry pavement the front brake does most of the stopping, because weight transfers forward under braking. So for a quick stop you generally want both brakes, with a smooth squeeze on the front and the rear used to stabilize.

I don’t really think in terms of “which first” — I feather the rear, then progressively load the front. In low traction (wet/gravel) you use less front and keep everything smooth to avoid lockups. Rear-first as a habit can mean longer stopping distances, but grabbing front too hard is what sends people over the bars.

Rule of thumb: both brakes, smooth + progressive, adjust front/rear bias to conditions.

Exactly... anything else is just plain stupid

 

[williamming005]

Good question! You're right to be confused.

Your training is spot on for conventional bikes. On regular bikes, front brake does 70-80% of the stopping power because weight shifts forward when braking. Using it first (gently, then progressively) is the fastest, safest way to stop. The rear brake helps stabilize and prevent going over the handlebars.

But e-bikes add a twist:

1. Extra weight – The motor and battery (often in the frame or rear) make the bike heavier, especially in the back. This gives the rear tire more traction when braking.
2. Motor drag – Many e-bikes have some level of "motor drag" or regeneration when you stop pedaling, which can slow the rear wheel slightly even before you touch the brakes.
3. New riders – Many e-bike buyers are new to cycling or returning after years. The rear-brake-first advice is safer for beginners to prevent a front-wheel skid or going over the bars if they panic-grab the front brake.

So the video’s advice isn’t wrong – it’s just targeted at new e-bike riders for safety. For an experienced rider like you, your technique (front brake first, add rear) is still better for controlled, quick stops—just be mindful of the e-bike’s extra weight.

This seems like a very basic question but curious about your opinion.
There’s a YOUTUBE video supposedly posted by Rize, talking about the correct braking technique on Rize eBikes. The young lady confidently states you should brake with the rear brake most of the time and add the front brake if you want to stop quickly.
Now I’ve ridden bikes all my life and taken what they used to call the Advanced Cycling Test in Britain (la dee dah you say!!)
I was told and have always use the front brake first and added the rear 2nd, for prolonged down hill or quick stops.
I recall the reasoning being if you apply the rear brake first, especially on slippery surfaces, the back end of the bike will slide sideways and you’ll be a crumpled mess on the ground, you’ll be toast. Applying the rear brake first was a way to show you were a jerk; to intentionally skip the rear end and send up a spray of gravel.

 

[BEC111]

Brakes, who needs them; they only slow you down.

You must be a NYC bike messenger

 

[JGcycle]