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@Uoeno
42/17 is absolutely fine if you're somewhat new to fixed gear riding and want to learn how to skid. I made the unfortunate mistake of learning to skid on 48/16 Brakeless .. and as a rookie to fixeh's. There really isn't a ratio that is "too low" for practising and learning skidding. Once you have learned the basics of skidding on a low-ish ratio, you'll be able to skid more comfortably on higher ratios. I find around 70GI to be the perfect ratio for skidding, maybe a bit lower to conserve one's knees. Would not recommend trying to skid in nearly track ratios unless your knees are made of steel.
Plus you can do whip skids a lot more easily at lower ratios, and they will definitely "impress teh women*"