• The left/right brake issue is to do with indicating. Imagine you are going down a hill and want to turn off half way down. If it is a left, not a major issue, you can just turn off, not cutting across any traffic. If you turn right you will be cutting across oncoming traffic, so you will want to indicate. If your front brake was in the standard position (LHS) this would be the only brake available to you, and using your front brake one handed is not recommended as your wheel will dip dangerously to the left. BS6102 part 1 1992 was the standard that dictated this, although it is being superseded by a raft of EN regs. The main issue with this is that STI's, ergo's etc. are designed to be used the other way round, so a lot of "roadies" will swap them round so as to have the use of their rear mechs while descending and using their front brake. You can still sell a bike in the UK with the brakes "Polish" , you just have to get the customer to sign some form of basic disclaimer.

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