When should you 'square' or 'straighten' the handlebars during a quick stop?

When should you 'square' or 'straighten' the handlebars during a quick stop?

• A. In the last few feet of stopping.
• B. At the start of braking.
• C. While still moving into the curve.
• D. After you have rolled to a stop.

Answer: (A)

During a quick stop you want the bike to stay stable and track straight as you finish braking. The front end can begin to steer or wobble if you remain in the curved path while the brakes are still loaded and weight is shifted forward. By squaring or straightening the handlebars in the last few feet of stopping, you align the front wheel with the direction you’re about to head, which stabilizes the finish of the stop and makes it easier to start moving again in a straight line. If you straighten too early, you risk fighting a turning input while you’re still braking; if you wait until after you’ve stopped, you lose the stability benefits during the final approach. So, the best time is toward the end of the stop, just before you come to a complete stop.

During a quick stop you want the bike to stay stable and track straight as you finish braking. The front end can begin to steer or wobble if you remain in the curved path while the brakes are still loaded and weight is shifted forward. By squaring or straightening the handlebars in the last few feet of stopping, you align the front wheel with the direction you’re about to head, which stabilizes the finish of the stop and makes it easier to start moving again in a straight line. If you straighten too early, you risk fighting a turning input while you’re still braking; if you wait until after you’ve stopped, you lose the stability benefits during the final approach. So, the best time is toward the end of the stop, just before you come to a complete stop.