Braking performance and tyres

bikeboon

Hi all, recently there have been a few discussions on the subject.

In my experience the stopping distance is way too long when travelling 18mph or faster. Dry weather, road surface, sharp brakes and regardless of the type of tyre. Sharp brakes - I mean the wheels are locked and the tyres start skidding, but due to their low width and relatively hight pressure (compared to cars and motorbikes) the bike skids quite a distance.

However, I could be wrong. Any views whether a particular type of tyre materially improves the stopping distance? If so, appreciate if anyone can recommend a particular band/type (am on 20x1.25 )

Thank you.

Moodyman

If you can't stop safely and quickly from 18 mph, then you're going too quick for the conditions.

Also, learn to do emergency brakes - just like they teach in driving. There's plenty of info on the net.

I've often slammed on the brakes due to a car pull out and never felt like I was losing control.

Edit - I've got multiple bikes with different brake types - caliper brakes, mechnical disc and hydraulic disc. All perform well so long as the pads are set up right and the brakes applied correctly.

asprilla

Which tyre is skidding?

If you want to stop quickly then you shouldn't lock the brakes. If you are primarily using your back brake then as you slow your rear wheel will lift as your weight shifts forward. You should mainly use your front brake if you want to stop quickly, but don't lock up.

Your braking distance is always going to be longer than that of a car though, at any speed.

beverick

Asprilla wrote:

Which tyre is skidding?

If you want to stop quickly then you shouldn't lock the brakes. If you are primarily using your back brake then as you slow your rear wheel will lift as your weight shifts forward. You should mainly use your front brake if you want to stop quickly, but don't lock up.

Your braking distance is always going to be longer than that of a car though, at any speed.

Firstly, maximum braking effort is achieved immediately before the tyres begin to skid and with both brakes applied.

On a surface which provides good grip, (ie firm, smooth but tactile, dry and flat) both brakes should be used together with sufficient effort being applied to the both wheels to hold them at the point they are about to lock-up. Typically 75% of braking effort will be applied to the front wheel.

However, pushing your weight over the back wheel as you slow up will maximise grip on the rear wheel with little impact on front wheel grip and increase overall braking effect.

Bob