Is it difficult to operate brakes on road bikes?

Question

I am seriously considering buying a new road bike. The only thing which is holding me back is the fact that the brakes are only on the drops. Is it still possible to operate the brakes with your hands on the tops? Are they difficult to get used to?

Answer 1

You can operate the brakes with your hands on the hoods but not at full pressure.  You can also get extra brake levers fitted under the top of the handle bars.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/images/bikedetai...

See top right corner

Answer 2

You can operate the brakes with your hands on the top of them and I often ride with my hands on the brakes but you soon get into the habit of using them quickly no matter what position you are using.

Answer 3

Not difficult.

The brake levers have a rubber cover - and the rubber cover has an upward-turned lip.  You rest the crook between thumb and index finger there - on top, above the brakes.  You can easily reach down with your fingers to brake from there.  There is also not much of a problem shifting a hand around onto the drop quickly to grab the brake.

You see alot of people riding around on road bikes - and (almost) none of them have trouble with the brakes.  If you are coordinated at all - I imagine that you won't have a problem.

When you start out, just take it easy until you get used to shifting and braking and everything.  You should have no problem.

Answer 4

Not difficult at all.

The advantage with drop handlebars is that there's so many hand positions - Just sitting under the levers, on the flats of the drops, on the brake hoods and on the top flat section. My favourite is the latter, especially on long stints. After riding a road bike for a while your reaction speeds will increase and you'll magically be able to foresee any dangers after travelling at the higher speeds a road bike offers.

So even when travelling at a good speed 18-20Mph, with my hands on the bars by the stem, I can still quickly jump to the brake hoods and stop relatively quickly (and safely) if needs be - You should have noting to worry about. Just make sure your wheels are true and you have a good amount of material on your brake pads.