bouncybouncy

Please help mediate a tiff between my riding pal (and teacher)...

i am female with small hands (not miniture but glove size is small and the fingertips rarely reach the end of the gloves) just got a new set of Magura Marta hydros (just a little side note: the gloves i happen to be wearing are winter type gloves with no little grippie things on the fingertips...will take care of this issue immediately!)
so i say to my pal "my only complaint with these brakes is the lever is SLIPPERY! and they may be a tad too far away" now...supposedly they can be adjusted but we have not messed with that yet...here comes the tiff...
while saying this i was showing him how my hands fit...i was using my middle finger to pull the lever. he promptly corrected me saying i am supposed to use my index finger...which is not long enough to stay on the lever on bumpy/bouncy downhill sections and it is just not comfy!!! my question to you all is "what finger/fingers do you use to pull the brake lever?"

thanks...and if i am wrong i chalk it up to being a noooobie

Dannihilator

I use index only, but two fingers are easily acceptable.

junkyard

i use my index and middle together. it's just what is comfortable for me. i don't know that there is a right or wrong... just what works best for you.

SpiderMike

Asking which finger to use might give you the wrong idea. I can palm a basketball no problems, and still use my index and middle fingers. Its a habit from when I'd go dirt biking or three wheeling as a kid.

You mentioned that your levers are slippery. Put some sports cloth tape on the levers. I use the stuff in the winter. Yes it gets dirty, just change it out so often.

Deanoldo

Here's another for the index only. But like's been said, whatever is comfortable to you is best. For me, my hands are cramping just thinking about using the middle finger only It's also a good excuse to give the finger to everyone ahead of you.....

Dean

cryptid01

I typically use index fiinger only. If I start to get arm pump, I switch to middle only for some temporary relief.

Any of the first three options listed are common. Whatever works best for you is acceptable.

vw addict

I ride with the index on the front lever, and index and middle on the rear.

cydewaze

Hmmm, now that you've asked, I have no idea which fingers I use. I do for road, but not for mtn.

I'll have to hop on the bike when I get home and see what feels right, then I can answer the poll.

BetaBee

Whatever is more comfertable! The muscles in your middle finger connect to your forearm muscles better, and thus stronger. In rock climbing, i was told to use my index finger and ring finger more because of this. You might get less fatigue doing it your way, since it is more comfortable. But personally, i use my index and middle for both hands.

nodnerb

With most levers(not sure on hydros though), you can adjust the lever inward(starting closer to the bar) if you need to. You will probably have to slacken off the brakes a bit. There should be a small screw at the back of the lever that when screwed in, pushes the lever. Basically you are taking up some of the lever travel though so you don't want to go too far and not have enough brake.
I like your user name. ;p

lala

Slowing: middle finger. Actual stop : index and middle.

bac

I use only my middle finger to brake, and wrap the other 3 around the grip. I usually leave my middle finger laying on top of the lever when riding. I feel that this method gives me both a great grip on the bars, and immediate access to the brakes. Try it, you may just like it!

mx_599

index only here

pinkrobe

Index and/or middle depending on whether I'm trying to shift and brake at the same time. I'm using hydraulic discs, so I tend to use one-finger braking most of the time, whether it is the middle or index. Just do what feels right, and adjust your lever so it's easier to reach.

zx108

index most of them time.

Drunken Chicken

Index or if I'm doing some hard downhill where I need lots of braking then index & middle. Just middle feels weird as hell...

Karldar

This is how I actually use my brakes, as well. I think that's mostly because, if I'm only slowing down, the middle finger is the only one putting tension on the lever, tho. I still have my index finger on there, it's just not doing anything, really. Don't know if that's what lala meant or not.

myenzo

I have always used index and middle. I don't feel as secure if I only use one finger.

iamthetas

middle finger only for better modulation, unless Im in " uh oh,oh crap" mode then its all available fingers. I dont have small hands( XXL glove with fingers touching tips ). when I had cable breaks I used 2 or 3 fingers but since switching to hydros the "bird" gives me the best modulation to strength ratio and is most comfortable
Karldar your avatar is way cool I say once more

Chumley360

I usually use the index and middle fingers, but sometimes on light braking I use just the index.

Sonic_Molson

I use index,middle,ring. That's just how I do it for some reason, I'm surprised some do it with just one finger.

FCastigl

I use the middle and ring fingers, don't know why, guess its just what is comfortable.

WannaGetGood

I use my whole hand. Cuase my brakes suk.

Siu Blue Wind

I use my index and middle to rest on the lever. I guess it's from my motorcycle days of always covering the brakes.

Karldar

Hmm, hadn't thought of that. Wonder if that's why I do it....