My new bike!
Well, actually it isn't new, but I converted my 23-year-old Cannondale to fixed gear. I've had it since I was 13. It's a little small now (54.5 cm, and I usually ride a 56), but it's perfect for riding around in the cul-de-sac while my kids ride their bikes and trikes. Any suggestions on how to learn to stop without brakes? I know some bunny hopping and skidding is involved, but I'm having trouble getting the hang of it.
0
Comments
To come to a complete stop, unclip one foot, but leave it on the peddle. Slowly continue to peddle with the clipped in foot. When the clipped in foot starts to come back up, put back pressure on the peddle and cause the bike to stall. At this point put the free foot on the ground and you have stopped.
You might also want to practice doing track stands on the bike to help with balance development. A lot of times when people stop on a fix gear they tend to lean towards the foot that is still clipped in and end up falling over.
There is also the cool kids way to get off the bike. While you are slow peddling, unclip one foot. When you start to take the down stroke with the clipped in foot, whip the unclipped foot behind the bike and onto the ground while you grab the stem and the saddle with your hands. As the bike launches forward unclip the remaining foot and just start walking. You will see the pros do this. I usually end up in a pile next to my bike when I try.
I had my first crash with it yesterday, and I wasn't even riding. I've gotten used to my Shimano cleats with rubber traction pads on the corners. I put my old LOOK cleats on an old pair of shoes, and these don't have rubber. I slipped down the front steps and landed on my butt, much to the amusement of my 3 year old and 7 year old. Nothing injured, though.
Old skewl kewl!
This is also good to practice so you can be a marvel coming into T2. After unbuckling from the shoes, and pedaling the last few 100 meters with feet out of the shoes, then pull this trick after six hours in the saddle!