learning to skid on the lowest practical ratio is highly recommended. i learned and stuck w/ 42x16. approx 70gi if i recall. i ran many different gears. anything above 70gi requires holding torque and strength to skid and keep skidding. why ppl ride a bigger gear than 70gi is beyond me, especially brakeless.. super pointless... and a quick way to to T bone someone ... ppl who ride bigger gears are slow.. uphill, short downhills, flat, in traffic, off the line.. and take forever to stop.

a lot of people neglect their rear tire.. if you're running a 28c rando or whatever... skidding is gonna be beyond tough, especially if you're learning. fat tires weigh more, grip better, and are usually a bit taller... which also ups your gear inches.

get urself a nice 700x23. like a michelin pro3 race.. skids quite easily.. same w/ vitoria rubinos, and just about any high end tire w/ harder rubber down the center

also... road geometry is actually easier to skid on than a track bike. to a degree.. being that a track bike's rear wheel sits further under you than a road/touring frame does... for instance, did u kno a schwinn stingway is a wheelie monster? doesn't look it, but it is...

also... understand skidding is 90% technique, 10% strength. and majority of that strength comes from your front foot RESISTING the natural motion of the pedals. keyword.. resisting.. not PULLING UP... or PUSHING back w/ your rear foot. in short.. lock your ankles. and the rest will fall in place...

hope this helps

and whomever said crankarm length doesn't matter.. c'mon now... try turning a boat w/ a steering wheel the size of your car's. simple lever