Hehe. The shoe method works quite well for BMX bikes. But we drag it on the rear to stop (dirt jump bikes often don't have brakes - that whole 'flow' thing). On the front it's more for doing stoppies (nose wheelies).
On road bikes this requires more finesse tho, otherwise it produces unintended results such as a tucking the front and going down, or putting wheels out of true. On a track bike I don't think it would be desirable, as trying to keep the pedals spinning with one foot off and a high seat could be, shall we say 'unstable' at least. :P LOL
-----Original Message----- From: classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org [mailto:classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org]On Behalf Of ternst Sent: Tuesday, July 12, 2005 8:34 AM To: mrndlmn@toad.net; JB Froke Cc: classicrendezvous Subject: Re: [CR] Stopping fixed-gear bikes
Remember to get the correct pressure on the tire with the glove one has to press against the inside of the handlebar using it as a fulcrum. At first, it hurts a little, then you toughen up and don't even notice it. Of course one could always wedge a their shoe sole in back of the fork and push down on the tire, too. Ted Ernst Palos Verdes Estates, CA
> No, no, no! Grabbing the tires was a sure way to break fingers. We just
> pressed
> our leather clad palms against the tire tread in front of the head tube.
> Doing
> this behind the head tube was another sure way to break fingers. All in
> all, a
> clamp-on front brake is a much better solution for street riding.
>
> Martin Needleman
> Annapolis, MD
>
> Quoting JB Froke <jbfroke@msn.com>:
>
>> Youngsters listen up: As it was a long time ago, this discussion has
>> reminded me - and brought a grimace to my countenance - of the time when
>> we had no brakes and used two leather-gloved hands and two awesomely
>> strong legs to slow our bikes. Or was that just a practical joke played
>> on me (constantly a gullible novice) by the seller of my old Olmo.
>> Then, other than five fingers (each) grabbing the tires, the only
>> applied friction was from the tire-savers!
>>
>> JB Froke
>> Pebble Beach, CA
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>>
>
>
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