It must be emphasized, however, that too much front brake use can pitch you forward, so it is good to practice a slight rearward shift of the body as you increase pressure on the front brake. Practice brake use on a safe, level area to find the combination of stopping power that feels best for you. Make sure you can comfortably reach both brake levers and squeeze them effectively. Brake levers can be adjusted for reach so a person with a small hand can get a good grip, even on a large lever. Practice routine stops and then work up to quicker stops.
Most brakes have barrel adjustments near the lever that can be easily used to set proper tension.
You should also check to make sure your brake pads, front and rear, are hitting evenly on the rim and not rubbing on the tire. This can cause unnecessary tire damage. Practice braking in all terrain and conditions. Remember that wet rims will inhibit stopping power by 10 to 30 percent, so use extra caution in damp conditions. The idea is to be prepared to slow down or stop quickly in all conditions and in any emergency.