Learning to control your bike is fundamental, and mastering the rear wheel skid is a fantastic entry point into the world of Trick Bike maneuvers. This technique, while seemingly simple, is not only a fun way to show off but also a practical skill that enhances your bike handling capabilities, especially on loose or slippery surfaces. It’s a foundational trick for anyone looking to improve their bike control and start exploring more advanced trick bike techniques.
The rear wheel skid, at its core, involves intentionally locking up your back wheel using the rear brake and allowing the rear of your bike to slide. This might sound daunting, but with a bit of practice, it becomes a natural and intuitive part of your riding. The beauty of this trick lies in its accessibility; it can be practiced at moderate speeds and on various surfaces, though softer surfaces like loose dirt or wet pavement are ideal for beginners to minimize tire wear and reduce the risk of losing control.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started with rear wheel skids on your trick bike:
- Find the Right Environment: Choose a safe, open area with a loose surface like gravel or damp pavement. Avoid dry asphalt initially as it can be harder on your tires and requires more control.
- Build Up Moderate Speed: Pedal to a comfortable, moderate speed. You don’t need to be going fast to initiate a skid.
- Anticipate Your Turn: As you approach a point where you would naturally turn, prepare to initiate the skid.
- Apply the Rear Brake Firmly: This is the crucial step. Pull your rear brake lever hard and decisively to lock up the back wheel.
- Steer and Control: Once the rear wheel is locked, you’ll feel the back end of your bike start to slide. Steer in the direction you want to skid. The amount of steering input will control the angle and direction of your skid.
- Release to Regain Control: To stop skidding and regain normal control, simply release the rear brake. The back wheel will regain traction, and you can continue riding as usual.
Practice is key to mastering the rear wheel skid on your trick bike. Start by getting comfortable with the feeling of the rear wheel locking up. Begin on very slippery surfaces and at slow speeds. As you gain confidence, you can gradually increase your speed and experiment with different surfaces. Try making small turning adjustments while skidding to get a feel for controlling the bike’s slide.
Once you’re comfortable with basic skids, you can progress to more advanced techniques like fishtailing. This involves initiating skids and then quickly correcting and skidding in the opposite direction, creating a ‘fishtail’ motion. This adds another layer of fun and control to your trick bike skills.
The rear wheel skid isn’t just for show; it’s a practical skill. On trails, especially when encountering unexpected tight corners or misjudging your speed, a controlled rear wheel skid can be a more effective way to navigate the turn than hard braking with the front wheel, which often leads to washing out. In emergency situations, while not ideal as a primary braking method, understanding how to skid can sometimes help you scrub off speed or adjust your line in a pinch.
In conclusion, mastering the rear wheel skid is a valuable and enjoyable skill for any trick bike enthusiast. It enhances bike control, builds confidence, and opens the door to more advanced trick bike maneuvers. Start practicing in a safe environment, gradually increase your skill level, and you’ll soon be confidently sliding your way through corners and enjoying the enhanced control of your trick bike.
