I'm 6'1" amd near 300lbs and 48x19 was about the worst gear I've ever ridden unless I needed to go very slow and up lots of hills. Spinning way too much at a cruising speed. Wonderful for skidding and tricks though. I started at 48x16, went to 48x18 then back up to 49x16. I might consider going to a 47x16. Maybe you guys just ride slower or its super hilly and you need a 48x19 for it but my roommate rides a stock Surly Steamroller at 48x19 and him trying to keep up with me just cruising back from the bar is ridiculous.

Skidding is easiest with lower gear inch drivetrains and when you can apply leverage out in front of the stem to unweight the rear tire. I assure you, You can NOT lean over the bars so far that you'll tip forward. (Disclaimer: YouTube videos are proof of nothing LOL. I take no responsibility for your actions)

On the downstroke of your trailing leg (the one that would be in the back if your bike had a freewheel and you were coasting), hop up forward, lean your nuts on the stem, brace your arms putting all your weight out over the bars, lock your legs at 3/9 or somewhere near there and commit to not allowing your legs to rotate with the drivetrain. It's easiest of your front leg (if not both) is strapped/clipped in. Its also easier with speed. Slower means more friction on back tire so... just go faster, maybe a slow sprint after 2-3 hard pedals.

I consider weight a disadvantage to skidding unless you are running bullhorns allowing you to leverage way out in front of the stem. I'm running 100mm stems and straight or rider bars and since I weigh so much, its more weight on that back tire when I'm not leveraging it for skidding.

BTW, I refer to skidding as fun times, distance measured, black marks on light surfaces, goofing off, tricks. I like tricks but I hope you know how to skid/scrub stop/slow or have a front brake too