Re: [Fwd: RT Linked Brakes]

[Bob MacFarland <emoto1@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Tom Brown wrote:

>Bob:
>
>The way these brake work is that they use both brakes whether you use the
>rear pedal or the front lever.
>
Hence my question.

>  The rear pedal is very sensitive.  I
>adjusted my linkage (10mm wrench) so that I have to push the pedal further
>to get brake engagement and it's really helped with the sensitivity issue
>for me.   The new ABS system works better than the old one and it's more
>effective at letting you steer etc.   When I'm going downhill, I just use a
>low gear for rear wheel braking.   First gear at 4 to 6000 RPM is not
>unheard of for me.  The bike makes a racket, but you can do this all day
>without side effects.   If you're going very slow, to the point that 1st
>gear isn't slow enough, well, rear braking is only marginally effective
>anyway.  I just feather the brakes to keep my pace steady and make sure the
>way is clear so I won't have to stop mid-way down, avoid target fixation and
>go for it.  If I keep my head up and my attention on where I want to go
>rather than where I don't, I can usually steer out of any sliding trouble.
>
Yes, engine braking is good and all, but what I was trying to ask about 
in a specific way was experience downhill on mud or other slippery 
surfaces, where if one did NOT have linked brakes, one would wish toi 
apply the rear brake only. Have you any experience there that you could 
relate? I am trying to learn how much of a liability the linked brakes 
are under such conditions.

>>I would like to hear any firsthand stories from anyone with an RT that
>>    
>>
>has the linked brakes who has ridden it on bad surfaces, like muddy
>downhill dirt roads or any situation where one would ordinarily like to
>apply ONLY the rear brake. I like the RT, but end up on crappy roads a
>few times a year (not enough to want a GS) and the linked brakes concern me.
>
>Bob

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