bedtime

Yep, it's starting to get cold...

I've been practicing my track stand and peddling backwards in my living room (fixie bike) and found that not much space is needed for these tricks; I clear a 15'x 5' way.

Anyways, thought I'd share.

Prowler 

I spent a winter learning to track stand in my shop. Let's see, I needed a spot about 3' x 8'. Built a shallow ramp and learned on a freehub geared bike.

bedtime

Can I ask how long it took you to learn the track stand inside? Just curious; I'm only starting out and cannot hold more than a second or so.

Great idea, btw.

I purposely didn't do track stands outside this year but concentrated on tricks that could only be done outdoors (i.e., backwards handlebar riding, steering with feet, peddling standing on one peddle...) This leaves me with lots of time to do the motionless/on the spot tricks indoors during the winter.

tgenec86

I used to practice riding hands free on my rollers, but after 52 years and having broken a wrist a little less than two years ago, I decided that no one gives a (insert scatological term here) if I can do it, so I don't bother anymore...

Prowler 

I should mention that I was an old man. I just decided that there was not reason a 60yr old man could not learn to track stand. I did not know that I could not do it, so I did it. But yes, it look a long time and much persistence, being bull headed. At first, all I could do was fall off the bike. I then set up next to my vice with a 2x4 about 6ft long clamped vertically. I could then just grab that when I started to go over. Ease up against the ramp, wheel turned 45 deg to the left, cranks level with the floor, left foot forward. And just try, fail, try, fail, try...........

I'd say it took a couple of months. Only about 10 or 15 minutes a day. Give my body time to learn. Suddenly, one day I could stand for a second or so. Then one day it was 5 seconds, then 10. Progress was slow but steady. Wadda-ell! It was real cold and snowy and iced over outside. So stoke the wood stove, start the tunes on the CDs player and try, try, try.

Oh, and I had to switch feet. Being right handed, I'd been slowing and stopping with my right foot forward all my life. But, to take advantage of the crown in our US roads and riding on the right, I knew I had to stop with my left foot forward to track stand. That handicap'd me too. Took longer for me to learn. Well, being a dunce didn't help either.

Track standing is only a parlor trick and I do practice with every bike I test ride after servicing at the LBS. But the learning process VASTLY improved my slow speed and no speed balance which has proven to be very handy. I recommend it.

subgrade

I am right-handed, but my default stand-on-the-pedals position has always been left foot forward. Probably because I learned to ride on a bike with a coaster brake, so right foot backward was the natural position for braking.

bedtime

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this up! Your bike was likely a coaster bike? That would be much more difficult to do a track stand on than a single gear, direct drive bike like mine. I don't have the issue of falling; my one leg just touches the ground.

I found that it is much easier to move around inside or track stand on a very low gear (e.g., near 1:1). I suspect that the increased torque and response (e.g., from a tight chain) is able to make adjustments more quickly to keep balanced.

Peddling around in a very tight space indoors has been fun. I try peddling as slow as I can, or, I'll slow down into a track stand and try reversing out of it (fixie thing) and then try going forward again and repeat.

I really like your persistence; in the summer you'll be able to show off your new skills—if you got it, flaunt it!

bedtime

Could you describe what riding on your rollers is?

tgenec86

Sure - I use Kreitler Rollers - they are a bike trainer made up of three aluminum drums. The bike sits on top and the rear roller connects to the front roller with a band to spin the front wheel. Here is a picture of my daughter riding her rollers. It's exactly like riding on the road since you have to balance and have pretty good bike handling skills.

Prowler 

Yup, got Kreitler rollers too. To me it feels like riding on glare ice with solid steel wheels. Loose concentration and your flying off the side. But I persist on those too and I'm getting the hang of it. Again, winter only. I can clearly see the benefits so I won't quit. Smoother, straighter, steadier, better use of the whole crank circle. A fine change of pace from the mag stationary.

I'm a long way from riding rollers, no hands on the bars, texting and reaching for another beer.

wolfchild

I do my track stands outdoors all year round...Forget about indoor tricks. Spend some time in winter forum and learn some tricks on how to ride in winter and practise your tricks outdoors. It's a lot more fun riding outdoors than indoors.

Leebo

Try this, fat bike, wool layers and a big cup of HTFU.

tgenec86

Yes - I understand. But it's absolutely awesome that you now have a goal!!

livedarklions

How high is your ceiling?


https://recordsetter.com/world-recor...cle-chin/35859

MikeyMK

I'm struggling to do the work commute, school run, and shopping run indoors. I've tried, but i just get hungry and a load of phone calls.

bedtime

I could beat this record. All I'd need is some Gorilla Glue, a neck brace, and onsite paramedics.