If you’re a fixie enthusiast, you’ve probably heard of skidding. It’s the technique of stopping your bike by locking the rear wheel and sliding it on the road. It’s a fun trick that adds some thrill to your everyday commute. However, some fixie riders might have noticed that they can’t skid despite multiple attempts.

Why Can’t I Skid on My Fixie?

For many new riders, skidding on a fixed gear bike can seem like an elusive skill. Despite efforts to lock the legs or shift weight forward, the bike may still resist skidding. This can be frustrating, but it’s important to remember that learning to skid takes practice and patience.

4 Possible Reasons Why Your Bike Won’t Skid

There could be several reasons why your fixed gear bike won’t skid:

1- One common issue is the imbalance between the force required to skid and the Flegs, or the force created by the rider’s legs as they try to stop the bike. If Flegs are less than Fgliding, skidding becomes impossible.

2- Another reason could be the lack of traction caused by worn-out tires with poor tread patterns.

3- If the bike’s rear wheel doesn’t have a fixed cog, skidding won’t be possible. It’s also worth noting that skidding requires practice, technique, and confidence. If you’re a beginner or haven’t tried skidding before, it may take some time before you can master it.

4- The rider’s weight distribution and body position can affect the bike’s ability to skid.

Trying to Lock Your Legs: Is it the Right Approach?

While trying to skid on a fixed gear bike, locking your legs might seem like the most obvious approach.

However, it may not always result in a successful skid. Leaning forward a little to shift your weight towards the front wheel is necessary to make it easier to skid. Locking your legs while leaning forward can make it more effective. Nevertheless, it’s important to be careful, especially if you’re new to skidding.

Another thing to consider is trying to “lock” your legs while still seated on the saddle. It may not instantly stop the pedal rotation, but resisting the pedals will enable you to slow down and eventually skid.

Throwing Your Weight Forward: How to Do it Right

In order to learn how to skid on a fixed gear bike, it is important to throw your weight forward properly. This involves putting all of your weight on the front of the bike, with your crotch directly over the stem.

It is important to note, however, that throwing your weight forward alone will not necessarily result in a successful skid.

Instead, it is advisable to also put weight on your stronger foot, and to practice on a flat surface at a slow to moderate speed. By doing this, you will be able to perfect your technique and get a feel for how your bike responds to the changes in weight distribution.

It may take some time and practice, but with persistence and dedication, anyone can learn how to skid on a fixed gear bike.

The Importance of Weight Distribution While Skidding

Knowing how to properly distribute your weight while skidding is crucial for mastering this fixed gear technique. It’s not just about locking your legs and hoping for the best – you need to bring your weight forward to get the rear wheel to lock in place.

But it’s important to maintain proper balance and control throughout the maneuver. The convex-concave rule applies here, with the mobilizing force coming from the concave joint surface (your pedals) and the resistance coming from the convex joint surface (the road).

By finding the right balance and using your body weight to your advantage, you’ll be able to skid with precision and confidence.

Skidding with Pedal Straps: Tips & Tricks

Using pedal straps when skidding on a fixie bike is a popular technique that offers several advantages. It can create a more efficient transfer of power from the rider’s legs to the wheel, allowing for quicker and more controlled skids.

To use pedal straps effectively, it’s important to adjust them properly so that they fit snugly over the top of the foot. This will ensure that the rider can apply force in a downward motion and that the foot won’t slip out of the straps during the skid.

It’s also a good practice to use both straps for added stability.

Pedal straps can be an excellent tool for skidding on a fixie bike, but riders should be aware of the risks of getting their foot caught in the strap during a fall.

Skid Patches: What They Are and Why They Matter

Skid patches are an important aspect to consider when it comes to skidding on a fixed gear bike. These patches refer to the portion of the rear tire that will make contact with the ground during skids.

Ideally, you want to have as many skid patches as possible to prolong the life of your tire. This is why it’s important to rotate your tire regularly to ensure even wear.

More skid patches also mean more control during skids. For example, with only one skid patch, your skid will tend to pull you in one direction.

However, with multiple skid patches, you can choose which patch to use for better control.

Understanding what skid patches are and how they work can greatly improve your skidding abilities on a fixed gear bike.

Rear vs. Front Brakes: Which One to Use for Skidding

It’s important to note that using the front brake on a slippery road surface can lead to the front wheel sliding, making it safer to rely on the rear brake in such situations.

However, some fixie riders prefer using the front brake for skidding as it makes use of the larger weight on the front wheel, allowing for more effective braking.

Ultimately, the choice is up to the rider and their personal preference.

In addition to the choice between rear and front brakes, it’s also essential to ensure your tires are gripping well and have the appropriate tread pattern for optimal skidding performance.

Tires and Skidding: How Different Tread Patterns Affect Performance

Skidding drags the tire along the pavement, which can quickly wear through the tire’s rubber. Choosing a tire with a harder compound can help reduce rolling resistance and improve skidding ability.

But it’s not just about the hardness of the tire compound. The tread pattern also plays a role in how well the tire grips the pavement.

Different tread patterns can affect the grip of the tire, which can impact the ability to skid. It’s important to choose a tire with a tread pattern that’s designed for the type of riding you plan to do.

For example, if you plan to ride mainly on wet roads, look for a tire with a tread pattern that’s designed to improve traction in wet conditions.

Learning to Skid: Practice Makes Perfect

Even those who have been riding for years may struggle with skidding at first, but with persistence and patience, it can be achieved. It’s important to start on a flat surface and practice at a slow to moderate speed. Trying to lock your legs may not be the best approach, but throwing your weight forward can help to move your center of gravity towards the front wheel. It’s also important to pay attention to weight distribution while skidding and to consider pedal straps for added control.

References
https://www.bikeforums.net/fixed-gear-freestyle/858197-i-can-t-skid.html
https://www.pinkbike.com/forum/listcomments/?threadid=52380
https://www.campfirecycling.com/blog/2011/04/30/fix-curious-an-experiment-in-fixed-gear-commuting-part-1
https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/skills/technique/beginners-cycling-skills/
https://www.montereycountyweekly.com/archives/2013/0919/trick-bike-movement-gives-youth-an-outlet-police-a-headache/article_e150c6f4-209e-11e3-9cd1-001a4bcf6878.html
https://bicycles.stackexchange.com/questions/65236/is-it-normal-that-i-find-it-hard-to-skid
https://singlespeedgoldcoast.com/2012/04/27/how-to-skid-a-fixie/
https://www.purecycles.com/blogs/bicycle-news/9547445-skid-patches-and-saving-tires