Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - hitting the skids

I'm ateempting to learn how to skid, but not having much luck. I've read the stuff by Greg Goode numerous times but I can't get the hang of it. Does anyone have any advice? I've been able to use skipping to some effect when slowing, but I watched a messenger skidding at slow speed while coming up to a stop light today and it was so damn smooth. I just can't figure out what I'm missing.

thanks
TimArchy

All I know is that you have to lean way over your front handlebar to unweigh the rear wheel to achieve a good skid. Bullhorns really help with that. Also, being clipped in makes it a lot easier to get the rear wheel of the ground.

That is how I now how to do it.

wait for a rainy day and practice somewhere safe...that will make it easier.

also remember that speed is your friend. you need forward momentum to keep yourself stable while you're leaning out over the bars.

-alex

practice on grass... a grassy hill at that... just be ready for it and pull up on the front foot, push down on the back foot... basically try to pedal backwards...

and you really don't need to lean as much as everyone insists, unless you're going for serious distance... i rarely lean much at all, i just get up in my regular posting position, only a few inches in front of the saddle...

Thanks for the advice all. I've been thinking that it might be easier to learn on new pavement just after some rain or something. The oil would make me skid more readily. But the grassy hill sounds better. More forgiving if I go down. I picked up on skipping by trying it every chance I got. The first time it actually worked it suprised the hell out of me and I almost ate asphault.

TimArchy

Speed is really important, if you're not going fast, you're not going to skid. Just go as fast as you can, put all your weight on your arms, and lock your legs. Practice. I'm not great at it, but I'm working at it.

a lighter gearing also helps. i can skid my 49x16, but it's tough.

yeah, I'm riding a 48x16, mostly b/c it's what the bike came with. But my student loans just came in so I'm goin' on a shopping spree.(the lack of funds was also why I am currently riding without a brake, but I don't think that will change just b/c I'm rich now) I unerstand how speed is neccessary, but I can't get over watching some kid downtown skidding his wheel while going like 5mph. I'm going to have to get up the guts to ask him to teach me how.

you dont have to be going fast to skid. i can pull one off while going at a walking pace. it's all about weight distribution and being comfortable with your bike.

oh, and not worrying about taking a spill or two. that helps as well.

hey, all you have to do is put all your weight on your handlebars, and lock your legs at the same time. since all your weight will be over the front wheel, the back wheel will just drag along. you don't really need to lean that far forward, just make sure your weight is over the front wheel. just keep practicing that. good luck

i hate to sound like a broken record, but if anyone wants to either see some crazy skids (ie guiness record world record track skids), or on the alternative to learn how to skid, should show up next weekend show up at seattle's courier messenger world championships. i promise this is the last time i'll hassle y'all about cmwc until after the event, when i'll have pictures and movies and stuff to show.

peace,
alex