Skidding on your mountainbike by applying the rear brake should not be a part of your normal riding technique - however, there are a few things to consider about skidding. 99% of the time it is not a good idea to use the skid technique. (This does not refer to the skid turn at high speeds some downhillers use.) Skidding occurs with loss of traction, and can be detrimental to the trail, and is not good riding technique. However, occasionally you may be unsure of your traction and use the skid to check out how hard you can apply the brakes beofre you slide - then you know the limit. Sometimes you will skid unintentionally on an unusual surface such as ice, gravel, loose dry soil, or while doing a steep descent. While riding a steep descent, try not to skid by balancing the front and rear brakes, and controlling your speed. If you have to skid, skid with the rear and not the front. A rear wheel skid is easier to control than a front wheel skid. If your front wheel skids, try to ride it out and keep your balance and prevent the front wheel from turning under and then wiping out!! Learn the art of braking, and avoid skidding while riding, but know how to react if you do skid. If you seem to skid a lot without trying - check out your brakes - you may need to loosen the cable to decrease your stopping power, or make an adjustment to the braking system. |
