Originally Posted by jrowedc
When the front brake is used correctly, skidding the rear will have exactly zero effect, because it will be slightly off the ground. The same usually applies on motorcycles. The front contact patch has enough purchase to cause the rear to lift off the ground, so you will flip before you skid the front if the brake is applied just right. Feel free to read up on this in any standard racing manual.
"Just right" apparently means something completely different to you than it does to me.
Racing is not applicable to commuting, or riding for fun, if you're raising the rear while stopping with the front, i'd suggest you need to work on your fluidity. (if this is the case, it's hard to argue that your not riding
extremly aggressively, and if thats your thing... please disregard).
As far as long smooth skids, they're simply not the best way to stop. (<-period)
If you're into skids (they are
KOOL), do like others have mentioned and "Put the teabags on the counter", weight distibution is everything.
However, if you want to
stop, use a front brake, or at lease learn to skip skid and work on your fluidity (i.e., always have a safe way out to save your ass for when you can't stop in time).
My $.02.
Carl.