Thread: Smooth Skidding
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Old 06-16-05 | 03:16 PM
  #15  
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noisebeam
Arizona Dessert
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Joined: Jun 2004
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From: AZ

Bikes: Cannondale SuperSix, Lemond Poprad. Retired: Jamis Sputnik, Centurion LeMans Fixed, Diamond Back ascent ex

Originally Posted by travismcgee
I have been riding fixed for a year at 49x18 with a front brake. A month ago, I started to train myself to skid. There is no question that getting your weight forward is a big help. A smaller gear helps as well. Until last night I thought any skid would require major concentration and good body and foot position. Last night, I was riding in the saddle at 20+ mph when a woman crossed into my path with her dog on a leash. I locked up the rear wheel immediately, much to the shock of all three of us. Practice makes perfect.
Why didn't you use the front break? I find with front brake in an emergency I apply it, lean rearward and lock up rear wheel. That is fastest stop from 20mph+, hard front braking and just enough rear tire reverse to be skidding/verge of skidding.

If I lean stand up & use no front brake and skid, its a longer stop. If I lean stand up use front brake and skid rear wheel, it can be quite dangerous.

Al
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