dpc1192

Does not having straps or clipless make skidding alot more difficult? I'm riding a 48 18 so it's not very stiff, but I really cannot get skidding down at all. I can skid sometime but I have to get out of the saddle and really lean forward and lock my legs.

I've watched countless videos and they just say "peddle backwards or lock your legs" and I try and it just seems really difficult

GENESTARWIND

Why are you riding fixed gear without foot retention in the first place?

dpc1192

I use a front brake and am pretty new to it

Jared.

So why again do you have no foot retention? Neither of those are reasons.

dpc1192

because the pedals I have didn't come with straps or clips ?

MNTC

Some claim putting the forward foot under the pedal for leverage with both legs is helpful... I would also recommend foot retention, and avoiding skidding in favor of braking to save tire wear.

Robofunc

Foot retention is crucial. Also, why is skidding more important than stopping? You'll stop faster if you keep your weight to the rear, apply back pressure (with foot retention) and use your front brake.

stryper

Don't listen to the negative Nancys. You don't need foot retention.

If you want to skip without it, you can use the first skid I learned. Ted Shred himself taught me this before I had foot retention. He called it the Jamaican skid. Simply put your forward foot under the pedal and pull up with it while you push down with the rear foot.

dpc1192

I mean I just want to be able to skid so I can have fun with it when I'm riding and as I progress...

Elvo

This method also lets you shred unneeded skin off of your shins.

dpc1192

i'll try out some of these methods tomorrow and get back to you ! thanx

Leukybear 

Sounds like a good way to skin the tops your legs below the knee...

How about skidding with a clenched rear brake or a coaster brake?

europa

The lads aren't being negative, they're concerned for your health and safety. Fit foot retention.

europa

That's what you need to do. Sorry matey, but it's all about weight transfer forward to get the weight off the rear wheel ... and this is why I can't effectively skid (too old and fat and lazy to get it all working properly, but I know what I'm doing wrong). Same deal with wheelies, they are all about weight transfer backwards - get that right and there's no effort in them at all (I can do them).

The 'countless videos' are all put up by cool dudes who can do it and are trying to show you how cool they are by doing it, but not giving any reasonable advice. Look for the really basic videos that stress foot retention and really get you moving forward off the seat. Get your skids working that way and then, as you get better, you'll find you'll be able use less extreme methods. It's always easier for the experts.

Ted Shred is an idiot who's 'advice' has hurt more people than he's helped. But people are welcome to an alternative view if they like.

murrellington

Yo my dude, you gotta get foot retention. You are having a hard time skidding because you don't have retention. And balls to the stem is no way of stopping. All those videos you are watching are probably people with straps. Once you get them I'm sure you'll wonder why you didn't have them before.

stryper

The pedals are moving away from your shins at that point. You'd have to be pretty bad at bikes to hurt yourself like this.

rndstr

I never tried it but my brain asks what happens when you try to skid with putting your foot under the front pedal but you--for some reason--can't actually skid? The rear pedal comes up and mashes into your calves?

dpc1192

any suggestions for some good cheap straps or clips ?

thewilson 

Try these

inCOGneto

I personally don't understand how anyone can ride with straps. first of all they are freaking ugly in my opinion and I would imagine it harder to get your foot out in a emergency. Of course I have been using clipless pedals for many years which started with mtb so maybe im just bias. But yes I agree some form of foot retention is a must, straps being cheaper than clipless to start out with

MattoftheRocks

Bikecycling is really no fun at all without brakeless skidz. If I couldn't skid I would just ride the bus.

dpc1192

got a set of wellgo straps/clips at my local shop for 12 bucks.. they're plastic but do the job, and now my bike is all up to speed.

Carcosa

^ You'll be happy you did.

Riding fixed without foot retention is like strip clubs. At first it seems like a great idea and after about 15 minutes you realize your time would be better spent at home on Redtube.

inCOGneto

Well done sir

Huffandstuff

Or spinning a cadence above normal, like you do when you want to slow down.

For some reason I'm reminded of this kid I saw a while ago, we were sitting outside a bar and saw some sweet fixie kid nuts on stem skid in front of the patio, then looped around to lock his bike. He's the kind of person that would Ted shred so don't be that guy and get retention.