Singlespeed bike tricks??

mezzinator

Izzythedan sent me an email yesterday of some bloke in a cheesecloth khaftan leaning way over the handlebars and doing a burnout on what looked like a MTB. (Actually, it might have been Dan in disguise)

Burnouts, trackstands and riding backwards... Are there any other tricks to learn on a fixie that anyone knows about? I want to be able to do some awesome stuff come track season

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I'm pretty sure theres more to life than being really really good looking, and one day I hope to find out what that is...

Peter Hummers

Trackstands are about it for me ... but they're a good reason for stopping at traffic lights and collecting stares. After I learned trackstands on a fixed I was soon able to do them (for a shorter time) on a road bike, too.

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-Peter Hummers
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izzythedan

I'm still working on the trackstand. Nearly fell on my arse the other day.

SaintAndrew

is there any good how to on trackstands?


i've seen some before but they really didn't give me the gist of it.

mezzinator

[ 63XC.COM | HOW TO | FG 101 | TRACKSTANDS ]



Found this on the Interweb...

To trackstand is to balance on the bike while stationary. The pedals are at 3 and 9 o'clock and the front wheel is canted towards the front foot. Trackstands give you balance both left-to-right and front-to-back. Trackstands look cool. And they're useful. On the street, a trackstand at a red light keeps you on the bike, feet in the pedals, ready to hit it when the light turns green. But don't be distracted by the gawks of pedestrians who think they're seeing something impossible!

In the velodrome, trackstands help you win sprints. In matched sprint competitions, racers use trackstands to get in back of each other. "In back??!! Aren't they supposed to be in front to win the race?" Well, at the finish line, yes. But before that point, being behind of the other racer can be an advantage. Only the finish counts, even if the race takes a long time. So if you can force the other rider ahead of you, you'll be able to save energy riding in their draft, and then burst around the last quarter lap in a great sprint finish!

Preparation

All the balance drills you've been doing will help with trackstands. Also, before you start practicing, it helps to choose a direction. For most riders, a trackstand is easier to learn on one side than the other. Trackstands can be assisted by a slight incline, such as the slope of the velodrome, or the rise in the crown of the road as you ride on the edge. My own riding, for example, is mostly along the right sides of New York City streets. I encounter inclines on the crown of the road which slope up and to the left. So I learned trackstanding first to the left (Figure A). Riders in the UK or the velodrome might find it easier to learn trackstanding at first to the right ( Figure B).

Which foot first?
Comfort is another important factor in choosing a direction. Which is your "leading foot"? The "lead foot" moves to the front when you ride a skateboard or wind up to kick a football. Some folks find it easier to learn trackstanding with the lead foot forward, even if the slope in the crown of the road would dictate otherwise. You can learn to trackstand on both sides, without canting the front wheel, without hands, and regardless of the slope. But, while learning, it makes sense to concentrate your efforts.

The Steps

1. Decide on a direction. Ask your body which foot likes to lead, consult Figures A and B, try a few things and make a decision. The following steps assume the L foot forward direction, as in Figure A, but you can swap 'em easily.

2. Find a place in your practice parking lot that has a gentle slope in the proper direction. The slope should be of just a few degrees, like the crown of a paved road.

3. Make sure you're not clipped in. Ride toward the slope. Find a line of approach that puts the slope uphill to your left.

4. Stop when your L foot is forward, R foot to the rear with the front wheel turned 30-45 degrees to the L. The pedal angle will be horizontal, or perhaps the front will be slightly above the rear pedal, approaching a 10 o'clock - 4 o'clock angle.

5. This step is easier to do standing on the pedals than seated. With the front foot, push gently uphill against the slope for a few seconds, then release the pressure and let yourself roll back down a few inches. Repeat this several times until you feel the back and forth trajectory becoming more solid and stable. You will notice that because the front wheel is at an angle, your motion is side-to-side as well as forward and backward. This movement in both dimensions is where your stability comes from.

NOTE: On flat ground, and partly on this gentle slope, the backward motion is accomplished by pressing down on the rear pedal. Freewheel riders supply the backwards resistance with their brake(s).

6. Concentrate on getting the forward and backward roll of the front wheel as slow and stable as possible. You shouldn't need more than 12 inches of trajectory. And the better your balance becomes, the shorter this distance can comfortably be. You can try it seated, but standing is easier at first. Looking into the middle distance is actually better for your balance. But at first, since you're still getting the angles and positions down, it's almost impossible to resist looking down at the front tire!

7. As you rock back and forth seeking a slow and stable motion, you will start to notice a point along the trajectory where you feel very well balanced. This is the "sweet spot," a place of peace and equilibrium. At first it feels like a very small and delicate place. But as you practice, it starts to open up and become easier to reach. You'll be able to stay longer and longer. This is your trackstand.

8. Play around. You can help open up the sweet spot by approaching the slope with your front pedal a bit higher or a bit lower. Try it seated. Try to hit it also on flat ground. Every once in a while, try the trackstand on the opposite side. You'll feel shaky and uncoordinated on that side, which will make you appreciate you nice it is to do on the side you're accustomed to!

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I'm pretty sure theres more to life than being really really good looking, and one day I hope to find out what that is...

SaintAndrew

thanks ese.

climbo

plenty of vids and pics of tricks here.

http://oldskooltrack.com/

Fignon le Grand

Track stands are quite easy once you get going move the bars to the side and rock back and forwards a little! It may be easier to try on a slight slope at first and then let the bike natuarlly rock back a little.

I am currently mastering the "fly off dismount" made up title. Its when u dismount fling over one leg as u prepare to dismount and then let the other pedal throw u off the back of the bike on the upstroke. (does this make any sense) u then catch the bike and look really cool. Well not for the first 50 attempts obviously and dont use clip ins until u have mastered it!

HUSS

Try you-tube... www.youtube.com search for fixie or fixie tricks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5mxMOGLiRw

Thomas Edison is filming this one.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bu2MrSxuPz8

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2007 Bianchi Pista(Green), Front Brake. Bars changed out. 48/16 some hills. To go faster, push harder.