[snozolli]

The rear brake is very important for initial braking, in order to transfer weight to the front, which allows harder braking without locking up the front tire.

When you initially hit the brakes, your braking potential is split around 50:50. At absolute maximum potential braking force, your rear tire is near lifting, so it's around 100:0.

That said, if you only have one brake, it's better to have it on the front than the rear.

[JohnFen]

Interesting. I have to replace the shoes on my rear brakes about 10 times more often than my front brakes.

But then, if I'm not going very fast, I only use my rear brake. That might explain it.

[snozolli]

I have to replace the shoes on my rear brakes about 10 times more often than my front brakes.

That just means that you brake with your rear the most. I'm talking about maximizing braking potential.

I've been riding motorcycles for decades and it's drilled into you to practice panic stops regularly, which habituates the transition from 50:50 braking to 90+% front brake. I don't think many cyclists do this exercise, but they'd probably benefit from it.

[jackvalentine]

Do you ‘ride the brake’ to control your speed a lot?