what is the cloth padded thing on top tube
 

i see it on all fixed gear bikes and i am sooo bewildered

Keeps the tubing warm in cold weather.

another way for fancy people to spend their parents' money.

i thought it was a thigh protector

it is. . .

It is, if you're doing fancy skids. It's also a nut/labia protector, and a dent protector and a scratch protector when locking up.

it also comes in different forms:
-small and plastic $50 (njs certified)
-small and plastic $2 (home made)
-bandana
-old tube and a bit of tape
-just a bit of tape
-extra bar-wrap (any bar wrap material)
-knit stretch of yarn

speaking of skids. who does one do that. when i put back pressure the pedal pulls me up. i keep putting more and more pressure backwords but i just go up slower

Shift your weight forward (crotch to the stem). You need to unweight the back wheel to skid.

http://www.63xc.com/gregg/101_10.htm

guys, let the jokes fly. as stated in her "backwards fork" thread, this is now the third question that we have taken seriously... someone's gotta start with the hazing.

this one is worst than the last one

ok, i'll tell you how it goes. I might lose my eggs i the process but all worth it

i concur wholeheartedly. the bike forum has a "search" function that will answer all questions.

seriously, letting someone go without a beating after trying to fit a front wheel onto a frame with the forks installed backwards was one thing... now we politely answer what top tube pads are for (which should be obvious) and now answering how to skid? we held our tongues from the first mention that it was a mercier even....

these are serious questions. some other guy asked how he stops. now that's crazy. and the fork thing, it was dark in my apt and it was my first build. like i said earlier, i'm a biochemist so i don't get my hands involved in things alot. i was very proud. you can laugh, but in ten minutes' i'll have other crazy question and someone will answer.

my excuse is i didnt realize it was the same person and im feeling nice.

why am i making excuses for being nice? this place is ****ed up. :D

Do you mix chemicals in a dark lab?? Why would you build a bike in a dark apartment??

i used a tampon wrapped in a piece of waxing tape for mine.

PP Brooklyn 10pm on Thurdsays, all your questions answered

wow, pp brooklyn. that is way deep.
I just don't have good lighting in my apt. dark labs are for photo's. I work in an organic lab. plently of light and im the only female obsessed with bikes. i've become an outcast.

where's teiaperigosa?

i know!!
i'm so not used to this.

but i guess its a nice break for all of us

i think you're one here too by looking at the posts.
jk, well...
DAMN IT..
i have to be meaner

It's for handstands.