dabac said:I really don't know about that Euro rumor, and with US eyes I'm definitely in that category. Standard setup in Sweden anyhow is right rear and left front. Can't say I've made a point about studying other countries, but Germany seems to be that way too.
The "going over the bars" argument is something that resurfaces every now and then, and you can still get hybrids and city bikes that come fitted with a "brake modulator" as part of the front v-brake noodle. The "brake modulator" acts as a springy portion of the brake housing that compresses on brake activation.
I dunno, even with the best of gear a panic stop can still get you in trouble.
An alternate "explanation" is that in right side traffic a left turn is tricker than a right, so by having the less sensitive brake operated by the hand remaining on the bar you minimize the strain on the rider's concentration.
Note: don't bother arguing any perceived weakness of the above with me. I'm reporting it, not trying to sell it.
It might just as well be a case of assembly consistency - right operates rear brake/rd and left operates front brake/fd.
Then again, I don't see it as much of a problem. When riding in really slippery conditions(= ice, mud over rock) I kinda appreciate having the more sensitive hand on the rear brake. and in good conditions it's a non-issue. My braking ability is more limited by body position and arms braced or not than it is by left hand dexterity.
Where it partially originated.
Shifting and braking...not wanting to skid the front wheel while shifting with the right hand(downtube shifters, of course)
Musette bag grabbing while braking...again, not wanting to mess with the front brake.
Some carryover from motorcycles, which have the right lever hooked to the front brake.
I do it(right to front) cuz I do everything else with my right hand, like grab water bottle, grab food from pocket and want my left hand on the less strong brake(rear) but like anything in 'bikes', put 3 people in a room and ask an opinion...get four opinions.
