Gear ratio effect on stopping/skidding

And what he said.

you tell him chris

Firstly - sorry for incorrect use of term. I'm not really a bike expert and my first language is not English.

Also sorry for posting in wrong thread - this was reply to an older query so I thought I'd follow it up here.

Fkn heck - I get nervous just asking a simple question.

Any queries are really appreciated though! Will do those searches now. Thanks.

1. stripping chrome is not going to be fun for you. paint's not a problem, but chrome is a different matter. if the chrome is in decent shape, you'd be an idiot to strip it. armourtex can respray for cheap... use the search feature
   
2. you will not have a problem finding parts to fit. but keep in mind that you'll probably end up spending a few hundred quid to get this frame on the road
   
3. am i the only one here thinking that a track frame for sale in dalston for only £30 sounds really dodgy?
   

I don't think its a track frame, or decent. the shop in question has been rumored to sell stolen bikes, but there is no proof of this. However, my girl used to live across the road and her room mate took a bike over to that shop to get the puncture repaired, they charged her a tenner, patched the tube, didn't replace it, and dropped her bike while doing it.

Forgot the zero?
Even junkies and scallies charge more than that, maybe it is in a real state?

Thanks for all the tips so far. I think it's best to go with Armourtex who will do the spray for £60.

I'm not sure if they sell stolen bikes in this shop (I may be wrong). Basically the owner told me that they get given loads of old bikes from the huge Oxfam shop just across the road - he then either sells them complete or as parts.

Teddy: the frame looks strong enough - it's just the paint that makes it look knackered. I couldn't see any brand names on it - maybe it's some sort of an old "budget" frame? But it was chrome (or steel) and seemed light enough. I reckon it will be fine when re-sprayed and I'm prepared to fork out a couple of hundred quid on parts. I'm doing over a few months anyway. I need a new hobby - my girlfriend won't be happy!

Thanks again guys - and do drop by this shop if you happen to pass by. That Peugeot frame I saw last week was ace.

That Peugeot frame I saw last week was ace.

some how I doubt that

How come?

I mean for a budget road bike - it looked like it could become quite nice once a bit of work was done to it.

its a Pew-got.

Chris: leave off, you big grumpy goof!

speedwolf, I'd recommend that you leave the refinishing of the frame till the bike is ready and on the road. As for finding out measurements etc, if you're not confident to do it yourself, take the frame to a bike shop and they'll be able to tell you what kind of BB you need, what size seatpost it takes, what spacing it has at the back, etc.

Yeah, I spoke to my contact at Brick Lane Cycles (where I've purchased a really good bike from a few months ago) and he said he'd have a look at it for me.

Basically I want to build something I'm not too scared to leave locked outside a pub (for example).

With my current bike I'm shitting myself everytime I lock it somewhere.

I may even have a go

Hey - new here, having only just found it
I live in cambridge/London and decided to build a budget fixed wheel to play with (yes I did in fact just want to look bad ass!!). I essentially converted an old MTB and put slicks on it and stripped the gash paint off.

Went to try a skid stop on wet cobbles (less friction) and it went badly, and comically wrong. I ended up in a bin - not looking such a bad ass anymore!! Reasons for it going wrong
1-running 48/13 ment i couldnt stop the rear wheel
2-cobbles flick the rear wheel sideways
3-didnt commit to leaning forwards enough.

I have been suitably humbled and hooked - was also wondering if anyone had some deep-v wheels they don't want anymore...

blah blah my contact at Brick Lane Cycles blah blah blah

ooooooh check you out ;)

my contact at Brick Lane Cycles

1-running 48/13 ment i couldnt stop the rear wheel

That beats fiddy @ 97 GI.

Lucky you weren't rolling down a massive hill.

I did also have a front brake while 'learning', but it was only attached by duct tape so took two hands to use!!!

I just bought myself my first fixed gear bike.
And i'm having trouble braking.
I've tried locking my legs but i cant get the wheels to stop turning.
They just force my legs around.
Any ideas why ?

Thanks

Please tell me you have a front brake

Put your weight forward, and use your core as well as your legs or your hip will pop out ha, ha!
What tires you rolling on the back?

You said on the Fuji vs. Plug thread that you had just bought the Fuji- therefore you may still have the 49/15 gear on it?

I can skid that- on grass, or very wet tarmac, otherwise it's a little tricky.

If you want to skid easily get an 18T or 19T sprocket for the back.

Ignore me if you have changed to this already.

a) UTFS
b) get your weight right forward - balls on the stem
c) as well as pushing back with your rear foot, lift with your front foot - this will help unweight the rear wheel to start a skid
d) practice when it is raining / damp, not warm and dry (sticky tyres).

why do you want to skid? it wears your tyres out.

a) UTFS
b) get your weight right forward - balls on the stem
c) as well as pushing back with your rear foot, lift with your front foot - this will help unweight the rear wheel to start a skid
d) practice when it is raining / damp, not warm and dry (sticky tyres).

I would say that is only really helpful if you are skidding for fun/distance/looks/whatever, to stop you want to keep your weight as central as possible, rather than skid for as long as possible, which is what will happen if you move your weight that far forward, but everything else there is good advice.