I thought I'd ask your opinions, and try out the Poll option just because it's there. But please feel free to post all comments, not just a vote in the poll.
The last time I got new brakes, I asked the LBS to adjust the levers so I didn't have to reach so far. They told me they like to ride with their fingers engaging the brake levers a little bit, which is why they set up the brakes to not engage right away. (I also prefer my brakes to be rather touchy, so that as soon as I start squeezing the levers, I starting braking. Whereas the way they had them set up, you squeeze for for a good half inch or so without any brake engagement.) Now, I am just not used to doing this. I don't put my fingers on my brake levers until I think I'm going to need to slow down. I've tried to change my habits, and give their method a try, but it is hard to teach an old dog new tricks. But if all you cool mtbers tell me this is how you do it, I'll make a concerted effort.
FWIW, I've got Hayes hydros fr and back on my bike. And my hubby kindly adjusted the reach to the levers for me, and the "grabbiness" of the brakes, even though he keeps trying to talk me into mushier, ummm, I mean a more modulated setup.
Spike
The last time I got new brakes, I asked the LBS to adjust the levers so I didn't have to reach so far. They told me they like to ride with their fingers engaging the brake levers a little bit, which is why they set up the brakes to not engage right away. (I also prefer my brakes to be rather touchy, so that as soon as I start squeezing the levers, I starting braking. Whereas the way they had them set up, you squeeze for for a good half inch or so without any brake engagement.) Now, I am just not used to doing this. I don't put my fingers on my brake levers until I think I'm going to need to slow down. I've tried to change my habits, and give their method a try, but it is hard to teach an old dog new tricks. But if all you cool mtbers tell me this is how you do it, I'll make a concerted effort.
FWIW, I've got Hayes hydros fr and back on my bike. And my hubby kindly adjusted the reach to the levers for me, and the "grabbiness" of the brakes, even though he keeps trying to talk me into mushier, ummm, I mean a more modulated setup.
Spike