is it against the law to have one brake on a bike rather than 2? coz i got 2 immense disc brakes but only want to keep the one on the rear but dont know if it will be illegal to do so. ??
2007-04-05 05:54:07 · 14 answers · asked by Tom W 2 in Sports ➔ Cycling
Yes, it is legal.
You have to ask yourself, "Why?".
It isn't cool to have 1 brake. People will think it is dumb. Most of your stopping power comes from the front brake so you should stick with that brake.
Would you be considering this same thing on a motorcycle or car? Same physics.
Maybe this is a darwin exercise that will eventually strengthen the gene pool. Do it. If you were really cool you'd go without brakes and crash into bushes & parked cars every time you wanted to stop.
2007-04-05 11:20:51 · answer #1 · answered by Andrew W 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
UK law
It is against the law to ride a cycle or permit the cycle to be ridden if it has defective brakes.
If your remaining brake is capable of stopping you, including during wet weather, and if you need to stop quickly when going down a steep hill, then it is legal to use that.
Interestingly, even when we are dismounted and pushing the cycle, (as you will need to do if your brake fails), we are still regarded as riders, not pedestrians. But as we are then in control of the cycle, and can stop it at will, we are legal even if the cycle has no working brakes.
It is always a good idea to have two brakes though, even if you have a different type of brake for the front, as it can prevent some long walks if a brake, or cable fails.
2007-04-05 06:24:05 · answer #2 · answered by Sprinkle 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want only one brake go for the rear only (dirt jump style); whatever you do don't heed the horrendous advice about having only a front brake - I had this after I busted my back brake, it was scary, you can't stear whilst braking and you can't use the brakes at all if you're going down a hill.
Who lives in a country that cares about bicycle laws anyhowz?
2007-04-06 05:53:21 · answer #3 · answered by amtghota 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In most states it is legal to only have a single break. In fact, some bikes only have a single break. Bicycles sold with "coaster" or foot brakes, often only have the one. Fixed gear bikes ridden on the street technically don't have any brakes. It's best to check the DMV manual for your particular state though.
2007-04-05 05:59:10 · answer #4 · answered by Jay P 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Legal, but not advisable.
Keep both brakes on.
The front one has more braking power, but it can turn you upside down too.
So, not only if a brake fails is good to have another, also for more practical reasons, like stopping with both wheels on the road!
You skin could thank you for it (as your bones, scull, etc.)
2007-04-05 23:57:26 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can have only one but for gods sake put it on the front otherwise you will just lock your back wheel slide and fall off or go straight into a car.
2007-04-05 10:23:54 · answer #6 · answered by Roman H 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, it's not illegal, but why OH WHY would you want to remove 70% of your stopping power? If all you want to do is skid down the trails, do us all a favor and take up knitting.
2007-04-06 02:10:05 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is legal to have only one brake. it doesn't matter if it is in the front or the back
2007-04-05 07:19:39 · answer #8 · answered by Chad F 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I dont think theres any requirement in the UK to have brakes.
I would have thought one would be legal but not advisable.
2007-04-05 06:02:05 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
in the uk it is a requirement to have 2 and why do you want only 1 anyway!!!!!
2007-04-08 05:55:05 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋