this is why i use the wonderfully random ratio of 44x17. i do have about 8 well defined skid spots, but i think that is how all 17 of them blended (some are only 2-3 inches long, others are 8-10 inches long. i also skid with either foot, and don't hold it in one spot while skidding. sometimes i like to backpedal a bit. it makes life more fun. i still don't know why people use 3:1 and 4:1 ratios. just tweak it a bit and learn to pedal a bit harder, or spin a few rpm more. your body will adapt.