Gear ratio effect on stopping/skidding

skipping, and skidding. These things take a little time to learn. Def ride with both brakes at first, when you feel comfortable, take off the rear, and then the front if you like (though i would keep the front indefinitely).
First thing you need to do IMO is buy an 18 tooth rear sprocket.
48:18 is about 72 gear inches, which is generally considered about right for city riding, skidding skipping etc. My knees wouldn't last long brakeless on 48:15.

hey forms - you want that frame or not? you've got 10mins to pm me or it's gone so someone else.