Do you cover your brakes?

[Grey Thumper]

Just wondering what the forum thinks. I recently had a conversation with a coupla guys with opposing points of view.

[Wrider]

Theoretically? Anytime you perceive a possible fast stopping scenario is when you should cover your brakes.

I usually do it in stop and go traffic, or when I'm slightly above the speed limit and know a cop may be near... lol

[sapaul]

depending on which one also. I ride with the balls of my feet on the pegs, moving them to brake or change gears, the front brake I cover.

[ceemes]

In traffic, always, when cruising at highway speeds on an open road, not so much.

[jstark47]

Theoretically? Anytime you perceive a possible fast stopping scenario is when you should cover your brakes.

This.


Mostly I do it during my "80 mph bumper-to-bumper" commutes on the interstate in rush hour. Not so much for in-town stop-and-go where the stopping is more predictable.

[Grey Thumper]

Theoretically? Anytime you perceive a possible fast stopping scenario is when you should cover your brakes.

Yep, this.

I pretty much cover my front brake all the time. You just never know, and every fraction of a second less reaction time helps. (The only exception is when I'm doing a u-turn or similar tight maneuver, to avoid accidentally hitting the brake).

A friend recommends having all fingers on the grips at freeway speeds though, reasoning that at those speeds, braking situations are fairly predictable, and it's more important to have a secure grip on your handlebar.

Makes sense. I'll try alternating and seeing if I'm comfortable with it.

[storysunfolding]

I cover them when I feel there may be a need to use them or when railing or track riding.

[IntoTheWind]

Nope.

[Anant]

I always cover my brake when I ride my bike.

[MmeMagpie]

Only when I expect to be using them, which is in town (these people are morons), near intersections, exit and entrance ramps, and tight interstate traffic. My hands are small, so I have to reach for the darned thing. I don't need that kind of fatigue in my life.