Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - I can't figure out how to skid

Been riding fixed for a week or two now but just can't figure out how to skid/stop effectively. Tips?

Search the forum this has been discussed.
Stand up, lean forward, place crotch on stem, stop pedalling.
Note: Do not attempt if you are running a bum-bike fixie set-up.

yeah just really put your weight forward, off the rear tire (but not too much).

Your bike's probably broken.

its probably easiest on snow, wet pavement, grass etc.
#1 install a front brake (if you haven't already) until you've learned how to skid
#2 lean forward, putting most of your weight on the front wheel.
#3 lock your legs when cranks are horizontal, pushing down with your back foot and pulling up (a lot easier with clips/clipless) with your front foot.
#4 repeat as necessary
#5 go buy a new tire

you have to really move your weight forward and kinda backpedal at the same time. what works for me is to try to lift the backwheel off the ground while trying to stop the pedals. all in one motion. it's easy once you get the hang of it...and you will eventually.

Wait for a nice, rainy day. After it rains, the pavement will be in perfect condition for it, and you should be able to pick it up right away.

if you are heavy and/or you are running a higher gear it can be more difficult.

You should really learn how to skip skid. Skipping can stop you really fast. Here's instructions (assuming your most confortable with left foot forward):

As your pedals come around and your left pedal is just passed 3 o'clock, kinda hop both feet up (weight on your handlebard). Pull up with your left foot, push back with your right foot. This will do a little skid and as your back wheel sets back down continue pedaling. Just do this everytime your left pedal hits 3 o'clock. Once your good at that, practice with your other foot forward. You'll be amazed how fast you can stop.

The lean against the bars and lock the legs is pretty much just for skid contest. Or maybe not.

keep riding. once your legs are strong enough, you'll get it.

The lean against the bars and lock the legs is pretty much just for skid contest. Or maybe not.

It's for picking up chicks, actually...

Those of us who are over 30 typically prefer to use a front brake and not to skid, but anyways...

Another trick is to slam on the front brake just hard enough to unload/lift your rear wheel and then stop pedalling.

Those of us who are over 30 typically prefer to use a front brake and not to skid, but anyways...

Another trick is to slam on the front brake just hard enough to unload/lift your rear wheel and then stop pedalling.


Speak for yourself, though I don't skid that much.

That's cheating.

The lean against the bars and lock the legs is pretty much just for skid contest. Or maybe not.

Long skids are useful for timing purposes, but not the best thing for trying to stop quickly. Skipping/brake use is much more effective when it comes to that.

Dont wipe!

You are not a man unless you can skid no hands!

I can do that really well. Of course, it's usually on my face and following being disconnected from my bike, but there aren't any hands involved.

ffffffffffftttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt

Those dudes standing under that stop sign were a bunch of tools...

Nah, the dude with the springy stilt was a tool.

ya know the theory of teaching a kid to swim by throwing them in the water....
yeah, take off yr front brake and go down a big hill....you'll get the hang of it.

maybe just build up some leg muscles

Nah, the dude with the springy stilt was a tool.

Oh damn, I forgot all about that guy, he was the whole toolbox....

How much more damage & wear is all this leaning doing to front rim/tire?
Do you find that you go thru them often if it's done frequently?

I bent mine up on an older bike (although it was dept. store variety)

How much more damage & wear is all this leaning doing to front rim/tire?
Do you find that you go thru them often if it's done frequently?

Never noticed any wear or tear on the front through skidding.

Now the BB, chain, rear threads etc now thats another matter :)

Never noticed any wear or tear on the front through skidding.

Now the BB, chain, rear threads etc now thats another matter :)

That's probalby why I had to put a new BB in Saturday. And why my chain is all stretched out.

I'm not sure, but I might blame it on trackstands, too. I think they might be worse for the chain...

Oh damn, I forgot all about that guy, he was the whole toolbox....


how can you ever forget this guy....

skidding will come in time....

Here's a good visual:
http://www.oldskooltrack.com/files/images/****.skid.avi

how can you ever forget this guy....


Thanks for the visual. I still can't figure out what he was trying to accomplish.
We need to do another ride, that was a lot of fun...

How much more damage & wear is all this leaning doing to front rim/tire?
Do you find that you go thru them often if it's done frequently?...

i found certain tires, even somewhat expensive ones such as hutchinson carbon comp don't last too long skidding.

Thanks for the visual. I still can't figure out what he was trying to accomplish.
We need to do another ride, that was a lot of fun...

He wasn't trying to accomplish anything. The DPT has started handing those out for DUI drivers August last year. They clamp and lock them to your legs to prevent you from driving your car. At first they did not have the bouncy feature - they where more like skis. But then people started complaining about them because they slowed down your walk, so they came up with those bouncy stilts which they claim let you walk faster than the average human. Now people are complaining about backpain and hitting their heads at home. Bob Stillman the DPT spokesman said: "We are working on a new solution to make this form of punishment more comfortable. However, if it was up to me I'd add some chains and a shock colar. Driving under the influence is a serious problem and we have to stop it by all means necessary." We will see what they come up with next.

You too can be Stilt-Man
http://poweriser.net/product.html

And now back to your regularly scheduled thread.

46x17, where do your balls go?....when doing a no handed skid?

over 30 is no good? maybe that's why all my skid marks are in my shorts :D

46x17, where do your balls go?....when doing a no handed skid?

Put the teabags on the counter....

46x17, where do your balls go?....when doing a no handed skid?

I heard they retract like a turtle for protection.

He wasn't trying to accomplish anything. The DPT has started handing those out for DUI drivers August last year. They clamp and lock them to your legs to prevent you from driving your car. At first they did not have the bouncy feature - they where more like skis. But then people started complaining about them because they slowed down your walk, so they came up with those bouncy stilts which they claim let you walk faster than the average human. Now people are complaining about backpain and hitting their heads at home. Bob Stillman the DPT spokesman said: "We are working on a new solution to make this form of punishment more comfortable. However, if it was up to me I'd add some chains and a shock colar. Driving under the influence is a serious problem and we have to stop it by all means necessary." We will see what they come up with next.

is that for real?

Yes! First time the DPT got creative!

im embarassed to be affiliated with a group that finds over 30 responses to "I cant figure out how to skid" necessary.

Oh is that so, Mr Response #38.

aww...

looks like someone's jealous that he couldn't add anything productive to the "discussion." we'll make sure to call your cell next time so you can get "first post."

ha.