How to Skip Stop on a Fixie

Fixed-gear bicycles, commonly referred to as "fixies," allow the rider to control every aspect of the cycling experience. On a fixed gear there is no freewheel mechanism, which means that the pedals will rotate as long as the rear wheel is in motion. As coasting is impossible on a fixed gear, the rider must use a front-wheel brake or resist forward pedal motion with her legs to slow down. An experienced rider can lock their legs intermittently, causing the rear wheel to "skip" to a stop.

Things You'll Need

  • Toe cages
  • Straps
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Instructions

    • 1

      Begin riding at a relatively fast pace. If you are riding too slow, the skipping motion will not occur.

    • 2

      Lock your dominant leg at the bottom of a pedal stroke. This is an abrupt motion which requires a fair amount of force, so use whichever leg gives you the most leverage. As the cranks become horizontal, your dominant leg should be on the rear pedal.

    • 3

      Rise out of your bicycle's saddle as the cranks turn and become horizontal. The upward momentum of your body will give added leverage in the following step.

    • 4

      Pull up forcefully on the front pedal with your other leg. Continue to apply downward force to the rear pedal with your dominant leg.

    • 5

      Remain out of the saddle as the rear wheel performs a short skid, or "skip."

    • 6

      Repeat Steps 2 through 5 until you have slowed to a desired speed or come to a complete stop.