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@deleted
This thread is full of fucking terrible advice.
OP: i'd recommend going for 48x19, it's nice and spinny.
Do not 'man up', if you value your knees. All these people skidding 80+ GI are going to be paying for physiotherapists' pensions in a few years time.
Do not 'lean forward more' if you are skidding to slow down.
Skidding is all about learning the point during pedal rotation to initiate the skid. IT HAS LITTLE TO DO WITH LEG STRENGTH. Once you have that, you can skid with your bum firmly on the saddle.
I can keep up with cars and buses on 42x17. Higher gears in london aren't necessary, and either impede the control you have over your bicycle, or increase the likelihood of severe damage to the tendons, muscles and ligaments in your knees.
Unless, of course, you have spent a few years training yourself up to the level of using a bigger gear. And even then, you're still setting yourself up for knee problems in later life.