Braking, how to?

Hi all I'm still fairly new to contributing to the board although have been enjoying it for quite a bit. Bit of background before my question so you know where I can coming from. Until fairly recently I rode mostly single speeds but now have thrown away the rear brake, finally flipped the flop and graduated to full fixed. Just recently bought rg37's Bob Jackson off him and am loving it - there are some picks up on his thread. Don't know why it took me so long to make the switch but so glad I have.

This might be bit of a newbie question (sorry) but I please bear with me...

Is there a technique to emergency breaking by locking the back wheel without dislocating both hips? I ride every/most days and I am now ridding at speeds close to when I had two brakes but am aware my current stopping distance is not as short as it could be. I have tried breaking hard (at low speeds) but just can't seem to get it right. Is it just a case of practice makes perfect or is there something I am doing wrong?

Thanks in advance

Use the front brake. :P

Out of the saddle, lean forwards until your bollocks are sitting on the stem, lock legs and away you goooooooooooooooooooooooo

Sounds rediculous the first time, but its the best way to get to grips with skid stops. The further forward your weight is the easier it is.

But yeah, I'll echo what those above are saying. If you've got a problem stopping, stick a back brake on. DOn't compromise your safety for fashion.

going completely brakeless means being 100% sure nothing untoward will ever happen to your drivetrain

a back brake really isn't necessary. a good front brake is all you need (unless you plan on long rides with lots of hills).

practice on wet and slick roads, i found that helped me at first. also it's better to try skidding at a higher speed rather than going super slow.

bombadil a back brake really isn't necessary. a good front brake is all you need (unless you plan on long rides with lots of hills).

Until you're riding in the wet.. or on loose stuff.. or ice.. or or or..

Skidding the rear is all about unweighting the rear wheel and timing the locking of your legs.
It's only real useful for situations when a front brake is BAD (above) or skidding for fun. :)
Search for "skip stops", "skidding", "how to skid", etc.

astrozzack practice on wet and slick roads, i found that helped me at first. also it's better to try skidding at a higher speed rather than going super slow.

It is easier to get the feeling on a wet road, also some surfaces are more sticky than others so look for smooth road to play on. Go to a car park after it has rained and have a play.

and edit the title of your thread to 'braking'
I was expecting to find people sharing their tips on how to bust out a headspin or a flare!

.

Sorry should have said I have a front brake, I'm not a total loon.

Thanks for the tips they seem to be generally to lean further forward, get some of the weight off the back wheel and get some bigger balls and go a bit faster. I'll read the other threads too.

I don't ride faster than I can reasonably stop it's just in case some fool in a 4x4 pulls out in front with no warning.

Ricky . it's just when some fool in a 4x4 pulls out in front with no warning.

;)

'brake'

it's fucking spelt 'brake', for fucks sake

If you are asking about how to stop your bike in as quick as time as possible, then in dry conditions the front brake is all you need. Make sure it is working properly and that you have good pads and a short pull distance.

As pointed out though, in low friction conditions such as wet / ice / gravel etc. then it can be useful to have both brakes (if you have them) operating. I'm not sure whether you would ever apply the front brake and skid the rear at the same time - I certainly don't. In the example of a 4x4 pulling out on you on a dry road, I'd be straight onto my front brake and looking for a way round. Failing that, try not to get under it's wheels ;-)

If you are talking about stopping quickly without a front brake, using only leg braking / skidding, then hockey stopping is a good technique for scrubbing speed quickly. It's basically doing a skid stop but sending the back wheel a bit sideways. You get more friction that way, as the tyre is sliding sideways along the road, rather than in a straight line. I think the tyre / rim then act a bit like an edge of a ski does, when stopping.

And, if you are talking about skidding for fun / showing off, then balls over the stem is the way to go. Obviously, the more you unweight the rear wheel, the less actual braking you will be doing.

Anyway, hope this helps. Stay safe.

nimhbus 'brake'

it's fucking spelt 'brake', for fucks sake

Nimhbus: Spreading the love since 1952.

1975, actually.

I would say skidding is very useful in the 4x4 situation. In a straight line front brake only is the quickest method but away from that rear brake become more and more useful. The best thing about skidding is it allows you to change direction quicker than any other method so is an important skill IMO..

Fuck's sake...

Its a fayre kop

Platini

Fuck's sake...

it's not grammar, it's spelling.

Correct spelling is just one part of proper grammar, which any true pedant would know.

Hello, I am also fairly new to fixed gear cycling. I have found that the gear ratio also plays an important part.

I started off in the summer on 48:16 and could never really do a skid stop. However, I changed to 48:17 for the winter to help protect my knees and I find I can skid stop very easily. Now I dont know if this is because I have been practising more, possibly. But I am definitely finding it easier on this slightly lower ratio. This is regardless of road conditions too by the way

Cheers

their, their, i do'nt beleive their's any reason to get upset. Your write though, its' good practise to type stuff propper.