Anyone else run "reversed" brakes, right hand front?

[sir pball]

Tangential to my last post, and a discussion on Reddit..

I ride a motorcycle as well as a bicycle; my muscle memory and mental response is definitely 100% moto so I reversed the brakes on my cycle for my own sanity.

I've found that even for no reason, it's better all-round - I can not only brake harder with my right paw on the front, but also modulate and control better. I routinely speed into turns faster than my pack and usually don't even slow down as much through the bend. Understanding weight transfer and steering dynamics helps too, but having the control over the main brake is the factor.

Anyone else doing this?

[Boxerfan]

1. I used to do that....

I raced Formula Singles in the 80's. I also rode downhill MB and I reversed the front brake-as you said muscle memory.

I recently took up riding a bicycle for exercise but I don't get into critical braking situations that much .

I gave up MC racing and all MC's after a broken neck at Sears Point '86.

[sir pball]

2. Fair answer

Sorry you had to quit motos, they are fun.

Routinely riding both, I just like consistency - when I panic brake on my bike my left toe involuntarily dips down. I figure it's better to grab the left hard (clutch) and blindly modulate the right...

[Tom Traubert]

3. I did this on my cyclocross bike.

Not because I rode an MC, but because it’s easier to dismount on the left side of the bike and run with the bike while feathering the rear brake with the left hand. I reversed the brakes when my racing days ended.

[marble falls]

4. That's interesting. I never thought about it, but it makes good sense for both reasons.

[gopiscrap]

5. welcome to DU