Bike Brake Lever Position For Beginners

EASIEST FIX TO RIDE BETTER

Video by Brian Niles / Treeline Cinematic
Sponsored by Fezzari Bikes

Do you want to know how to set up your mountain bike brakes and ride safer? Believe it or not, I truly believe that by simply adjusting the position of your brake levers from forcing a 2-finger brake technique to a 1-finger brake technique, you’ll be able to improve confidence, comfort and also make you a smoother, safer rider!

The idea for this video first started 10 years ago when I was riding with two guys who are excellent dirt bikers but had never mountain biked before. They both were falling over and losing traction regularly. After watching them I noticed both their brake levers were smashed up against the grips, forcing them to either have a week grip or poor braking. As soon as I slid their brake levers in on the bars, they felt a notable increase in confidence, comfort and control on the bike.

At a trailhead just last week I noticed a father and son with a similar issue and was torn between offering my advice and seeming like a know it all who was interrupting their father/son ride… I hope they see this video and it helps them and others unlock such an easy trick to make mountain biking easier and safer.