Originally Posted by August Spies
As for tricks...trackstands are BLOODY useful. No-handed ones provide a bunch of useful (but not necessarily traffic-related) options, like all them messengers who roll cigarettes and finish paperwork while waiting at stoplights. Bunny hops (not really fixie tricks, but very doable on a fixie with a little practice), especially at high speeds, when someone cuts you off into the curb CAN AND WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE.
I agree about trackstands: an incredibly useful and a skill all riders on any type of bike should acquire. I don't however see how a trackstand with both feet threaded through the triangle or while facing backwards helps much. Similarly I doubt skidding with one leg over the bars as far as possible really improves your ability to stop fast when you need to.
Bunnyhops aren't a trick in my book but a core cycling skill for almost every type of riding. One that I have not mastered as well as I would like sans-freewheel.
My point is that in general even the most ridiculous trials course or urban gap is in essence training basic skills that are essential for all MTB. In fact is it by far the best way to acquire and hone such skills. To such a point that I think it is worth it for novice xc riders to trash their bike ****ing around in this fashion some. Even with the inevitable equipment damage they will become better riders and gain key skills much faster then they would just riding the trails. I don't think no handed skids, wheelies or complex trackstands are anywhere near this useful.