"Bike Brakes", quality bicycle brakes are worth their weight in stopping power. Stopping when and where you need to can make the difference. You certainly do not want to stop past the edge of a cliff or half way through an intersection. It is an important safety practice to check the brake pads and braking system on your bicycle. A mud bath from your local ditch may be funny but there are more serious issues present if you run out of brakes in traffic conditions.
Bicycles are set up with factory brakes which are really good when applied in normal riding conditions. Wet conditions can make bicycle brakes less effective. A cyclist should allow more room to stop when riding in the rain or when using a bicycle in extreme conditions. Specific bike brake pads can be fitted to your bicycle to accomodate your biking style.
I remember when stopping my bike was achieved by jambing my well used sneaker between the fork and the tire, the front tire. This practice is pretty dangerous and definetly not suggested, especially if you still have your real teeth.
Stay safe and enjoy the trails.
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