Cycles of all sorts

As a moving vehicle brakes, the vehicle applies a forward force on the road, and the road applies an equal and opposite backward force on the wheel. When braking a bike at the absolute maximum possible, all the force has transferred to the front wheel and the rear wheel is on the point of lifting. It follows from this that the front brake should be used for stopping, not the rear. Many riders are reluctant to use the front brake fully for fear of going over the handlebars, and some old-fashioned training encouraged use of the back brake. Modern direct-pull cantilever brakes (e.g. Shimano's V-brake) are very effective. Riders who are unfamiliar with these brakes might easily apply more brake force than intended and lose control. Novice or returning riders should learn how to brake properly using primarily the front brake. A prudent rider practices braking and turning until they have a good feel for how the bike will handle under heavy braking. On a well-maintained bike and having practiced properly it is very unlikely that a rider will go over the handlebars when braking.

Rim brakes generate heat. On long descents, or stopping from speed, this causes the brakes to lose efficacy - this is known as brake fade (cars get this too). If the rider sits up straight, air resistance will provide much of the braking force, and the cycle will reach a limiting speed of under 25mph except on the steepest of roads. The rear brake can also be used to gently slow a descent. The front brake should be used in combination with the rear so as to avoid overheating either one. Disc brakes are less prone to this, but it does still happen.

Water degrades braking efficiency. Rim brakes in particular will not work until the rim is dry, potentially losing valuable seconds. Always brake early in wet weather, and if the roads have recently been dry watch out for oil lifted from the road surface. Steel rims become close to frictionless in the wet. When steel rims were the norm it was possible to buy leather brake blocks which worked in the wet; these are now very hard to find. In practice the best thing to do with a steel rim may be to replace it with an aluminum one.

 Bicycle brake systems are used to slow down, or brake a bicycle. There have been various types through history, and several types still in use today.