Technique Tip Thursday: What Exactly Is Pedal Kickback?
Hello nerds, Happy Thursday unlike any other. Today I wanted to take a moment to talk about a few things pertaining to mountain biking technique: Braking and pedal kickback.
We all know not to brake in corners, but have you ever wondered why? Well, take a look at this video to familiarize yourself with the forces at play when you hit the brakes in the video below.
So the gist of pedal kickback and the forces that take place when suspension compresses when braking can be broken down into a few tangible feelings.
This is Mathew Woodall's - the creator of that video up there - breakdown of what goes on with pedal kickback.
"When people talk about more pedal kickback from high engagement hubs like the @industry_nine hydra on this @forbiddenbikecompany_nz Druid. This video shows that if your wheel is spinning even slowly the effects are removed. Hence the reason people talk about how bikes ride so much better and your suspension feels smoother when you don’t lock up your brakes."
Mathew pretty aptly sums it up: If you want to feel more balanced on your bike and avoid your rear wheel breaking traction and your pedals not trying to send your feet off the back of the bike, try feathering your brake instead of locking it out to keep that wheel moving even just a tiny bit.
Next time you're out on a ride try experimenting with measuring how far it takes you to stop by locking your rear wheel up then try again by feathering the rear. Compare the distances and try to pay attention to the amount of control of your bike and your braking you feel with each option.
That is an accessible and tangible way to learn the effects of pedal kickback and the power the rear brake has over traction and control.
Related: Budget Bike Corner: Cam McCaul Shows The Versatility Of An Affordable Hardtail
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