Retraining the brain.

I have always used my middle, ring and pinkie fingers to brake keeping my index and thumb wrapped around the throttle. In preparation for the upcoming cold weather riding I bought some new gloves that are too thick, pinching my index finger between the brake lever and the throttle.

So, I've been trying to use the more standard index and middle finger braking but I just can't get my brain to accept it as normal. I feel like I have less control of the throttle. I have to turn my wrists in a slightly awkward angle. It feels very unnatural. I'm sure with more time it will become second nature I'm just having a hard time making the adjustment mentally.

Anyone else had to retrain your brain after years of doing something a certain way?

Rotate the brake lever on the bar so you don't have to twist your wrist at an odd angle? As for the brain, it takes time to retrain. I moved the trash can in the kitchen and two weeks later I would still go to the old spot without thinking about it.

In reply to EastCoastMojo:

I would love to rotate the lever. However due to the shape of the new bars the master cylinder fouls the upright of the bars. So I can't move the levers to a better position.

Nick (Not-Stig) Comstock wrote: Anyone else had to retrain your brain...

I've heard it can be done.

I saw your post and tried to brake that way....how did you get into that habit to start with? Do you clutch with those fingers too? I couldn't do it. I'm usually index and ring (EDIT: derp, meant index and middle) on the brake and usually just the index on the clutch, especially if I'm standing up. Can you move the levers inwards on the bars? I've found that helps with most bikes.

Always done the index/middle on both sides, and I even have adjustable levers.

Have to use all for fingers to get the clutch in.

I don't know how I got into that habit, it's just the way I've always done it.

I can't move the levers at all. The fairing and the design of the handle bars have them locked in.

I went on a couple hour ride yesterday and only slipped up twice, so I'm getting better.

How do you guys control the throttle under braking (ie revmatch) if your index finger is on the brake? Don't you need some rotational torque to move the handgrip?

Hmm... hadn't thought of things like this. From DH bike racing, it's been drilled into my brain to one-finger brake with my index finger. As a result, all of my mtn bikes are set-up with the levers so that I can only grab the end of the lever with my index finger (for maximum leverage).

gearheadE30: how in the hell do you brake with your index (1st) and ring (3rd) fingers? I'm sitting here trying it and my fingers don't want to do that.

Flynlow wrote: How do you guys control the throttle under braking (ie revmatch) if your index finger is on the brake? Don't you need some rotational torque to move the handgrip?

This is what I'm having the most trouble with. I've been clinching with my pinky and rotating my hand. It just feels awkward because I have not been accustomed to moving my hand like that.

Ian F wrote: gearheadE30: how in the hell do you brake with your index (1st) and ring (3rd) fingers? I'm sitting here trying it and my fingers don't want to do that.

My middle finger would get crushed between the lever and handgrip. I wouldn't be able to brake all the way.

Want to talk about retraining the brain for riding? Go from a 70hp, 510lb bike with mediocre brakes and "handling? what's that?" to 395lbs, 110hp and stupid. I've had to relearn EVERYTHING I thought I knew about riding over the last 16+ years.

With that said.... I Use the index and middle fingers for braking and the pinkie/ring finger on the grip. Even with the thicker gloves the smaller fingers don't get caught. With the gloves I have the palm under the thumb has a grippier texture that allows the wrist to blip the throttle as needed.

Flyinlow: even with the index and middle finger on the brake, you've still got a palm, two fingers, and a thumb on the grip. That's enough to twist the throttle pretty easily, once you get used to it. If your throttle is really hard to turn, it might be worth looking into new cables. If you aren't used to rev matching while braking, it will take some getting used to. I guess as far as difficulty, it's not much different than a heel toe downshift in a car where you're doing two things with one appendage.

Ian F: That's how I've got my levers as well, in as far as I can get them for leverage and control. Good levers are also usually adjustable for master cylinder preload and maximum throw, which can help fine tune the reach if you have smaller hands.

I fixed my post. I brake with the index and middle. Index and ring would be rather difficult, haha.

Bobzilla wrote: Want to talk about retraining the brain for riding? Go from a 70hp, 510lb bike with mediocre brakes and "handling? what's that?" to 395lbs, 110hp and stupid. I've had to relearn EVERYTHING I thought I knew about riding over the last 16+ years. With that said.... I Use the index and middle fingers for braking and the pinkie/ring finger on the grip. Even with the thicker gloves the smaller fingers don't get caught. With the gloves I have the palm under the thumb has a grippier texture that allows the wrist to blip the throttle as needed.

At least you learned. I went from a Magna to a Concours and had it for a whole 2 weeks before running out of talent.