Riding Style--Finger on the Brake

[sledheader]

Ok this may sound dumb, but I can't get used to riding with my finger on the brake. I've tried it a few different ways and I just can't get used to it. I can't get used to riding with a finger on the clutch of a dirtbike either, and I've been riding both my whole life.

My issue is that when I go to make a maneuver, I just habitually squeeze the bars. When I grip the bars, I naturally squeeze the finger that's on the brake too. It feels awkward like I'm going to fall off when I have that finger out there and gas it because I need to grip to keep from sliding backwards!

THis is one of those things that I'm trying to work on improving with my riding style and I just can't seem to get it. Any tips? What finger do you use? I've tried with both my index finger and my middle finger and neither one felt any better than the other...

 

[Staple_STI]

Ok this may sound dumb, but I can't get used to riding with my finger on the brake. I've tried it a few different ways and I just can't get used to it. I can't get used to riding with a finger on the clutch of a dirtbike either, and I've been riding both my whole life.

My issue is that when I go to make a maneuver, I just habitually squeeze the bars. When I grip the bars, I naturally squeeze the finger that's on the brake too. It feels awkward like I'm going to fall off when I have that finger out there and gas it because I need to grip to keep from sliding backwards!

THis is one of those things that I'm trying to work on improving with my riding style and I just can't seem to get it. Any tips? What finger do you use? I've tried with both my index finger and my middle finger and neither one felt any better than the other...

Easiest fingers are index and middle finger combined. Your issue isn't this but seems to be the intense manner of a "grip and rip" style riding. I find I am fairly loose gripped on my bars which helps with the braking technique.

 

[FatDogX]

I use the middle finger but I also change out the brake lever to an AMP brake lever. The AMP has a different profile and for me it seems to help and allow a more natural spot for my finger. I also put some hockey tape around the brake level to create a little notched cushion area for my finger to fit in.

Have you tried turning the brake level downwards?? I noticed that actually can help too. It puts the brake in a more natural position for your hand and finger.

 

[sledheader]

Easiest fingers are index and middle finger combined. Your issue isn't this but seems to be the intense manner of a "grip and rip" style riding. I find I am fairly loose gripped on my bars which helps with the braking technique.

That's exactly it. If I don't "grip it" when I "rip it" I feel like it's gonna rip me right off...Always has seemed that way no matter what I'm riding

I use the middle finger but I also change out the brake lever to an AMP brake lever. The AMP has a different profile and for me it seems to help and allow a more natural spot for my finger. I also put some hockey tape around the brake level to create a little notched cushion area for my finger to fit in.

Have you tried turning the brake level downwards?? I noticed that actually can help too. It puts the brake in a more natural position for your hand and finger.

Yeah I turned the throttle upwards and brake downwards, but it doesn't get away from habitually "gripping it and ripping it". It sucks to pin the throttle and accidentally pin the brake at the same time lol.

 

[boondocker97]

If it feels like you are going to go off the back of the sled when you get on it, you might need to adjust your overall riding stance a bit. Do you find that you are standing straight up with your legs straight most of the time? If so, try moving your feet back a couple inches on the boards so you are naturally leaned forward just a little bit. This will help transfer some of the load straight through your legs and help your feet hold you in place rather than relying entirely on your arms. Having handlebars that are too tall or too far back can contribute to having to stand straight up on your sled too. In my neutral riding position I have about a 5-10 degree bend in my elbows and 10 degree bend in my knees. This will help you feel more loose and ready to react to movements as well.

 

[sledheader]

I don't know that it feels like I'm going to slide off the back more than I think I might. I guess more psychological than physical is what I'm getting at. I haven't really thought about my feet as much in the past, it's always been a more how it feels. I think I tend to ride the front of the boards more than the back though...

 

[Dirty Steve]

I use my index finger and, as mentioned above, I use an AMP brake lever that puts the lever closer to the grip.
Skinz also has an adjustable brake lever that may be good for you.
I used to really grip tight and I used to get cramps in my elbows and fore arms.

I made a conscious effort to relax my grip and arms, and keep just the tip of my finger on the brake lever and it seemed to help quite a bit.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[HBlakes]

I keep my index finger on the break. Start riding downhill mountain bike. You'll die if you don't have a finger on the break. Then the muscle memory translates over to the sled.

Plus downhill is fun as hell and a great cross training for sled season!

 

[Jaynelson]

Ya coming from DH bike...always rode with finger on the brake even before Burandt said it was cool.

 

[kidwoo]

Meh.

Don't sweat it. If you can ride your dirty bike without a finger on the clutch, then you've already programmed yourself to know when you're going to need it. And I'll bet money that when you're on or off the clutch a lot on your bike, you cover it. Same with a sled brake.

That's they way I ride mountain bikes (yes dh bikes especially). If you know you're not going to need the brake, why bother. Control that beyotch.

Just because someone else rides that way doesn't mean it's "proper" or what you need to do, or you're doing it wrong.


-Fellow member of team death grip

 

[Chewy22]

I use to be the same. Then at another time in my life I decided to do stupid sh!t on sport bikes and it forced me to keep both my index and middle fingers on the clutch and break levers. It took some time but became natural. That transitioned to dirt bikes and snowmobiles. Like you I've ridden both my entire life. It's so natural for me now that it drives me crazy when I jump on a timber sled at the dealer and there is no damn brake lever. Ive never rode a snowbike but think not having the front brake lever would bug the crap out of me, even though it's not needed.