Originally Posted by r-dub
There are two distinctly different types of trackstand, too; and the easier one to learn is the harder to hold. When I was just starting out trackstanding, I would slow at intersections, climb out of the saddle, and wind up like a spring. I could balance for 10 or 15 seconds, and then take off like a rocket, but would fall if the light took too long. Then I learned the seated track stand, the true zen. Come to a stop, and release all built up tension in the legs. Just slowly correct for any forces pulling you to the ground. This is a true track stand, the other is just slow falling.
I can trackstand on my road bike until the cows come home. But, its as you say: standing up, leaning the bike, pressing down on the forward foot while holding the front brake to keep the bike steady. Not the "true zen".
I recently built-up a fixie with a suicide hub, and I'm having trouble trackstanding on it. Maybe my chain's not tight enough because I have this deadspot between forward and backward pressure that seems to get me.
Should there be a little slack in the chain, or should it be tight w/no slack?
Thx.