A key skill that all riders need to be able to demonstrate is effective braking. In a group ride, when someone is braking ineffectively or, worse, inappropriately, it can make for a very nervous and disjointed ride.
The Main Points
- Most people ride with their hands on the brake hoods with one or two fingers on the brake levers. This is to be encouraged in a group, because unless you are at the front of the group, you should always be ready to use your brakes immediately (so either on the hoods or in the drops).
- When riding in a group it is important that we do not grab our brakes every time the group or the person in front of us slows down
- The best strategy to gaining a small amount of slowing without causing disruption to the group, is to ‘feather’ the brake levers slightly. This brings the brake pads into gentle contact with the wheel rims which will slow the bike down enough to deal with most situations in a group ride without causing problems to the riders behind
- All riders should respond to the situations that they encounter with the interests of other riders in mind; grabbing a handful of brake unnecessarily or unexpectedly can have catastrophic affects on others whilst the culprit remains upright!
- The key to braking effectively is to LOOK AHEAD, typically three to four riders, and to anticipate any changes in pace in the group well before it’s necessary to respond with the brakes. In many cases, stopping pedaling or drifting slightly to the right/left to use the wind as a brake (known as “air braking”) will do the job just fine.
- In cases where braking is necessary/unavoidable then it should be combined with a clear call of “slowing” or “stopping”.
In this video, you will be shown the key skills required for effective braking. Of particular interest to us, is the section from 2:50 onward, where riding & braking (or not) in a bunch is specifically addressed.
Watch VideoPractice This
The next few group rides you go on, try and brake less using these strategies:
- Look further ahead than you ordinarily do – try and focus on the riders at the front of the bunch, even if you’re at the very back
- Watch the pedaling behaviour of the riders in front; if they start to freewheel, or pedal slower, there’s a good chance this will trickle its way down the group
- Manage your speed by adjusting your pedalling first; aim to ‘mimic’ what you see the riders in front doing
- Add an inch or two to the gap you leave to the wheel in front, increasing the “no brake required” buffer if the group slows a little
- Look for hazards up the road that may mean the group needs to slow down (roundabouts; pedastrian crossings; traffic lights) – try easing off the pedals slightly beforehand just to be ready if needed
- When you would ordinarily go for the brakes, resist the urge for just a little bit longer
- Focus on minimising the impact your braking has on the riders behind; “think then respond“
Key Takeaways
- Braking heavily in a group can have serious consequences and should only be done with the thoughts of others in mind
- Good braking skills and judgement about when and when not to use our brakes only comes with experience and practice, practice, practice.
- It’s not the role of our ride leaders to be cycle coaches – everyone can help each other; a quiet word if you see something that could be improved is all it may take to help make the ride safer
- Communicate any feedback professionally and respectfully.
Any questions or comments on this post, please email development@southperthroulers.com.au
I am not sure if anyone knows but on the 18th March, the Indian Pacific Cycle Race will start from the South Mole in Fremantle at 6am and finishing at Sydney Opera House. An epic trip and the riders are totally unsupported. I’ll be there to cheer them on.
My two pennies worth on the subject of braking in a group; instead of keep on feathering the brakes, you move to the side a little, and it puts you into the wind some more, naturally slowing you.