Origamist said:Jim, we're not talking about emergency stops. What is under consideration is this:
Why are you so reluctant to explain yourself? As I've said, I roughly know my braking distances with both brakes, but not the rear only when I'm descending (which puts more weight over the front wheel). I was hoping you would enlighten me, why so coy?
I don't understand.
Do you have trouble controlling your bike while riding with one hand making signals?
In an urban environment, hand signals are necessary. Agree?
When faced with a descending stretch of road where signalling is necessary, do you let the bike freewheel to a speed without knowing whether it will stop when only one brake in utilised?
I wouldn't.
Do you not test the effectiveness of your brakes when you've done maintenance on them?
I do.
If you honestly don't know whether your bike will stop under rear brake application only down a hill, I suggest you use this nice sunny weather and empty road conditions ( footy on telly ) and FIND OUT.
Then, when you next roll down a hill and need to signal with EITHER hand, you will know your bike will stop with one brake only.
If your bike doesn't stop with only one brake applied, you'll know you can't roll down a hill of that gradient at that speed because your bike won't stop when you ask it to. Crash, bang, wollop!
Jeez. There are some on this forum who call themselves cyclists,,,