# @mtbgate on Instagram

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/C6ZvH6TC3eR
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/17006179-mtbgate-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/6b49924967.jpg
- **Posted:** 2024-04-30T22:19:22.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** MTB-GATE - Mountain Bike is our #lifestyle (@mtbgate) — https://gondola.cc/mtbgate

## Caption

roxybike_coaching Perhaps THE most underrated skill out there is: BRAKING!

Why underrated? Because most people think it’s a “basic” skill, but in fact (as an expert skills coach), I can tell you:
👉 a LOT of riders could optimize their braking skills (and many fears are caused by the error I am showing on the right - or other bad braking habits)

The error I am showing is: pulsing the brake, i.e. grabbing it and then letting go again.

Why is it an error?
In steep and loose sections, it causes an abrupt acceleration, followed by a sudden (and often uncontrolled) deceleration, which causes a loss in traction (see the dust behind my tire) 💨

Being able to MODULATE your brakes throughout a technical section (see the video on the left) is KEY to control and thus confidence!

How to maintain control & gain confidence?
✅ Control your finger finely to constantly adjust the braking power to changing grip conditions
✅ Upgrade your brakes to an easy to modulate setup with just the right amount of power. (I ride MAGURA MT7 with rotor size 203 mm)
✅ Set the brake lever to fit your finger length, hand width and place your finger on the outside end of the lever. (I ride the full-adjustable HC3 one finger lever)
✅ Use a brake model and rotor size that suits your riding style and weight. (NO, bigger is not always better, because too much power is hard to control) As an example, I ride 180 mm rotor size (front) and 160 mm (rear) on my XCO bike.
✅ Practice skid-free braking on varied terrain regularly!

Did you find this helpful? Save it, share it and comment below 😍🙏

#whostopsyou #mtbcoaching #mtbtips #braking

## Stats

- **Views:** 57
- **Likes:** 9
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 0

## Tags

mtbtips, mtbcoaching, whostopsyou, braking

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