In a message dated 3/16/03 10:30:47 AM Pacific Standard Time, magpie@messengers.org writes:
> i just always hear the "wear a glove" braking idea from all my fixed no
> brakes friends, and i think of it as an urban legend or old wives tale at
> this point...
>
No it's not urban legend, it IS an old track trick, and if you look at enough
pictures, you'll see old trackies missing a couple of fingers.
I have personally used the technique for years (and still have my fingers).
When running double or triple toe straps, taking your foot out to push on a
tire is not an option. The proper technique for using your hand is to press
with your palm on the tire, in FRONT of the fork crown. You need a thick
glove because it gets hot fast and stays hot for quite awhile. It's not for
stopping, it's for getting rid of too much speed so you can get back under
leg control.
On the road I like to run a front brake controlled by a Campy bar end
shifter.
Stevan Thomas
Alameda, CA