Siu Blue Wind

Do you prefer an early grab or late grab when applying your brakes? Why?

Pheard

Any grab, is good grab for me.

Maelstrom 

I like a late grab. As close to the bar as possible. It allows for more modulation. Kind of hard to explain but I have it set so I have it partially pulled pre-engaged. I can nudge my finger slightly and it will brake.

vw addict

I perfer them to grab in the middle of the throw to the bar. To soon is to twitchy, to late is

Blazinall91

i like it in the middle were it won't pull much more without locking about 1/2 inch from the bar

2manybikes

Don't make it too late or you will not stop fast enough in the rain.

Dannihilator

I like an early grab.

Maelstrom 

Depends, I half pull the lever all the time. Most dhillers run them the same way as well. Instead of having to pull on them I can just nudge them and have modulation and nudge a little more and I stop. All the while it is basically like my entire hand is still on the bar.

pinkrobe

Mid-late on the front, mid on the rear.

[bEn]

Early-middle for me.

mcoine

early. 1 finger modulation at low speeds. both fingers for serious slowing at speed. I think it would help to mention what type of brakes you are using as well. I'm still on v's.. xtr. cantis and discs feel a little different.

Siu Blue Wind

Hayes nine on the hardtail and squishy, Canti on the rigid steel, V on the Trek.

Chone

I like a very short/close grab if thats what you mean, trials require you to lock and unlock the wheels constantly and well the rest is self explanatory.

I hope you mean what I think you mean.

Siu Blue Wind

I guess.....

For those of you who just put a choice, will you please explain why the preference? Thanks.

leonardotmnt

With a later grab you also have more leverage. But like others said you don't want it too late or you won't have brakes

mx_599

i demand early grab on my hydraulic brakes

reasoning:
during common braking, i want quick to instant results for my finger input. for uncommon braking (i.e. rapid decelerations, hard stops, and panic stops ), i do not want my lever to go much further than approx. halfway through it's range.

in my opinion, there is a point at which your grip strength, whether it be 1, 2, or all fingers, decreases through flexion. therefore, as stated above, i want hard braking to not cross the mid zone of travel where my finger strength to flexion ratio is greatest. there is a tension-length relationship for all muscles...fingers no different. furthermore, you never want to accidently have the lever meet the grip in a panic stop and not have your braking needs satisfactorily met.

this is my opinion and i will not waiver.

Siu Blue Wind

Makes a lot of sense, MX.................

gmoneyhobbit

actually you have less grip strength with your fingers extended

i prefer a mid catch, when i say mid i mean that im both halfway through the lever stroke but also *moreso* halfway through the power of my brakes. i prefer this as to having an early catch because i still run v brakes, and like i said you have less leverage/mechanical advantage when your fingers are more extended, rather than being cupped in more.

mx_599

right you are gmoney

..and less strength when flexed. optimal strength is in the middle...exactly where i want my lever for strong stops. since i am using HYDRAULIC brakes, i do not need much strength at my extended fingers.

Maelstrom 

Ummm...hmmm...no...your hand fully compressed on a grip/brake lever the correct size would be optimum. Try a grip strength tester power lifters use, you would have very odd physiology if your grip is stronger half way out. I have grips (very large) that fit my hand and match the level to that so it is almost pinching the lever. If I move the lever out any further I do not have the matching strength

With smaller grips I definately need more of a mid range, but I dont run those anymore.

Either way, everyones personal point is moot. I tried a hundred different variations throughout three bikes until I figure out the best for me. I need two different setups, one for my left (missing fingers) and one for my right (large and complete ) Try everything and everythig until you find your own range.

mtnbiker66

I dont run brake levers.

Dannihilator

That must be apparent with his riding.

gmoneyhobbit

missing fingers? how do you type?

Maelstrom 

I have been typing since I was 6. I adjusted my typing accordingly. All I have is a pinky, an index and the thumb. All of which only have one knuckle (basically three thumbs). I type around 80 words a minute ...

leonardotmnt

That's impressive Maelstrom. Maybe that's another weight saving feature weight weenies can incorporate?