The Musashi is a great bike, but its braking system leaves something to be desired. There are two reasons for this - Tektro 725, side-pull front brake and Avid FR5 brake handles. Side pull caliper brakes have less mechanical advantage than the other types of caliper brakes. And, Avid FR5, long-pull, brake handles are designed to be used in conjunction with linear-pull and mechanical disc brakes, not caliper brakes (See:
http://www.sram.com/avid/products/fr-5-lever). This combination will hardly slow the bike down when just the front brake is applied at speed. I replaced the Avid handles with black, Shimano BL-R550, short-pull handles designed for use with caliper brakes (See:
http://www.shimano.com/publish/content/global_cycle/en/au/index/products/road/fl
at_handlebar/product.-code-BL-R550.-type-%7Cbl_road%7Csl_road%7C.html). The Shimano handles have a greater mechanical advantage, resulting in approximately 60% more cable tension than the Avid handles can provide. Took a test ride this afternoon. Nice improvement in front brake stopping power. The Tektro R538 rear brake will now lock up the rear wheel when the brake handle is squeezed hard, whereas before it would not. The handles cost $19.36 plus $4.45 shipping at Niagara Cycle Works, through Amazon. Well worth the money.