No, no, no! Grabbing the tires was a sure way to break fingers. We just pressed our leather clad palms against the tire tread in front of the head tube. Doing this behind the head tube was another sure way to break fingers. All in all, a clamp-on front brake is a much better solution for street riding.
Martin Needleman Annapolis, MD
Quoting JB Froke <jbfroke@msn.com>:
> Youngsters listen up: As it was a long time ago, this discussion has
> reminded me - and brought a grimace to my countenance - of the time when
> we had no brakes and used two leather-gloved hands and two awesomely
> strong legs to slow our bikes. Or was that just a practical joke played
> on me (constantly a gullible novice) by the seller of my old Olmo.
> Then, other than five fingers (each) grabbing the tires, the only
> applied friction was from the tire-savers!
>
> JB Froke
> Pebble Beach, CA
>
> _______________________________________________
>
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