skid spots on a SS
#1
Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2009
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skid spots on a SS
are skid spots as important on a single speed as they area fixed? right now im running a 48/18 setup and wanted to change to a 48/16 which only has one skid spot. but since im not really skidding will this effect my tires very much?
#2
my quads hurt...
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: 703
Bikes: 2010 langster, 2009 fuse 2, 2009 transition
considering you can't 'skid' on a ss i'd say it doesn't really matter. you can lock up the rear wheel with the rear brake (you should have one on a single speed) but thats kinda counter productive. just use your front brake and for your sake id recommend never coming back to this thread again.
#4
-
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Banned in DC
To actually answer the question, no the gear ratio does not matter, because the pedal rotation is not fixed to the tire rotation. I do notice on my polo bike that certain spots wear down more, but I'm not sure why. Perhaps the tire tends to drag longer on spots that are already worn down.
#6
coasterbrakelockup
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From: parts unknown
Bikes: surly steamroller w/coaster brake, electra single speed cruiser, specialized rockhopper commuter, no-name single speed folder, 700c ultimate wheel, 24" unicycle, specialized bmx lsd, single seat single speed huffy tandem, pink upsidedown parade bike
#7
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considering you can't 'skid' on a ss i'd say it doesn't really matter. you can lock up the rear wheel with the rear brake (you should have one on a single speed) but thats kinda counter productive. just use your front brake and for your sake id recommend never coming back to this thread again.
#8
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To actually answer the question, no the gear ratio does not matter, because the pedal rotation is not fixed to the tire rotation. I do notice on my polo bike that certain spots wear down more, but I'm not sure why. Perhaps the tire tends to drag longer on spots that are already worn down.
#11
my quads hurt...
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: 703
Bikes: 2010 langster, 2009 fuse 2, 2009 transition
#14
Dances With Cars
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Toronto, Canada
Bikes: TBL Onyx Pro(ss converted), Pake SS (starting to look kinda pimped)
#16
my quads hurt...
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: 703
Bikes: 2010 langster, 2009 fuse 2, 2009 transition
i was just simply stating the front brake will be way better than locking up the rear wheel. and i've yet to come across the situation where i need to lock up the rear brake. i prefer to stop in the shortest distance possible. in what situations are you talking about? im curious. (no sarcasm)
#17
Dances With Cars
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Toronto, Canada
Bikes: TBL Onyx Pro(ss converted), Pake SS (starting to look kinda pimped)
Hello, my name is Traffic Jammer and I'm an ******* too.
You were also stating:
This is wrong. A skid is a skid regardless of how it is actuated.
Locking up the back wheel to toss it out/scrub speed to crave around a car bumper in traffic (sometimes stopping is simply not an option) unlock when the back is at the correct angle and attack with mucho gusto. Bad for the wheel but dagnabit fun as hell in heavy traffic. The look of horror from people in cars around you is a bonus. Racing down a spiral parking garage access ramp is a great opportunity to see just how good you are on the back wheel. Sometimes you just have to drift the corner, moto style (inside foot hovering just off the ground) depending on how much speed you're carryin'. Skids, not just for stopping. The front brake is great indeed, but I prefer both front and back in unison with varying degrees of 'on' depending on conditions. Never touch the front brake in the ice and snow = fall down go boom I find I have more control over everything on a SS in traffic than on a FG, might be why I'm generally faster, because I can draft the cars and what not alot more safely than on a FG , feathering the rear brake to control speed.
Seriously? You're kidding right?
Big "scene" in the 703 is there?
You were also stating:
Locking up the back wheel to toss it out/scrub speed to crave around a car bumper in traffic (sometimes stopping is simply not an option) unlock when the back is at the correct angle and attack with mucho gusto. Bad for the wheel but dagnabit fun as hell in heavy traffic. The look of horror from people in cars around you is a bonus. Racing down a spiral parking garage access ramp is a great opportunity to see just how good you are on the back wheel. Sometimes you just have to drift the corner, moto style (inside foot hovering just off the ground) depending on how much speed you're carryin'. Skids, not just for stopping. The front brake is great indeed, but I prefer both front and back in unison with varying degrees of 'on' depending on conditions. Never touch the front brake in the ice and snow = fall down go boom I find I have more control over everything on a SS in traffic than on a FG, might be why I'm generally faster, because I can draft the cars and what not alot more safely than on a FG , feathering the rear brake to control speed.
Big "scene" in the 703 is there?
Last edited by TRaffic Jammer; 11-30-09 at 05:34 PM.
#22
Dances With Cars
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Toronto, Canada
Bikes: TBL Onyx Pro(ss converted), Pake SS (starting to look kinda pimped)
It will be smaller obviously. If the tension and wheel position are killer right now, look for a half link. This will shorten your chain ever so slightly. Concentric BB's or hubs work too if you have too much money, but apply the KISS principle and you generally can't go wrong. When in doubt ask your trusted wrench, if you don't have one .... find one....and bring beer.
Last edited by TRaffic Jammer; 11-30-09 at 05:58 PM.
#24
my quads hurt...
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 197
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From: 703
Bikes: 2010 langster, 2009 fuse 2, 2009 transition
i don't know what you mean by 'scene', but im pretty sure there isn't one in my part of virginia. i just use my bike to go to work and back. but for me, brake pad cartridges are way cheaper than my tires. but i see what you are saying though...
#25
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2009
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if your just running a single speed get a chain tensioner. they are cheap, easy, care free, and let you change sprockets at will.








