JohnnyReggae Posted December 9, 2014 Posted December 9, 2014 My commute route is along Main Road from down South. 16km's with 25 traffic lights (excluding pedestrian traffic lights). A while back I started practicing track-stands when stopped at traffic lights. Started off only managing a couple of seconds, and these days I seem to manage even the longest traffic light change which is around 1:30 (90 seconds). Not sure how long I could actually do a track-stand for, never really felt the need to find out ... yet There are a few factors which make it easier:1. Headwinds are easier than tailwinds.2. Uphill is easier than downhill3. Afternoons are usually better than mornings (?? weird I know) I'd like to say that it's because I also ride a unicycle that it's easier but really it's all just the amount of practice. I've also noticed a sudden jump in ability to do the track-stand. A couple weeks back I was still struggling a little and if it was a long traffic light change I would not hold it. Recently however it has felt very comfortable and for the most part can stand quite still with only a little movement. So these days even with all the traffic lights I can make my whole commute without putting my feet on the ground which I am quite chuffed with. Does anyone else practice track-stands when commuting ?
Uni Posted December 9, 2014 Posted December 9, 2014 My commute route is along Main Road from down South. 16km's with 25 traffic lights (excluding pedestrian traffic lights). A while back I started practicing track-stands when stopped at traffic lights. Started off only managing a couple of seconds, and these days I seem to manage even the longest traffic light change which is around 1:30 (90 seconds). Not sure how long I could actually do a track-stand for, never really felt the need to find out ... yet There are a few factors which make it easier:1. Headwinds are easier than tailwinds.2. Uphill is easier than downhill3. Afternoons are usually better than mornings (?? weird I know) I'd like to say that it's because I also ride a unicycle that it's easier but really it's all just the amount of practice. I've also noticed a sudden jump in ability to do the track-stand. A couple weeks back I was still struggling a little and if it was a long traffic light change I would not hold it. Recently however it has felt very comfortable and for the most part can stand quite still with only a little movement. So these days even with all the traffic lights I can make my whole commute without putting my feet on the ground which I am quite chuffed with. Does anyone else practice track-stands when commuting ?I encounter many along the roads in Midrand. I get very nervous when the guys are wobbling next to my newish car i get a lot of practice on the trails when moving over to let ppl pass on single track - but if there's more than 2 ppl I run out of skills - so that's about what - 5 seconds ? hahaa
Shebeen Posted December 9, 2014 Posted December 9, 2014 \ Does anyone else practice track-stands when commuting ?YES!
usxorf Posted December 9, 2014 Posted December 9, 2014 I do the same, objective is to not put a foot down for the whole commute. It's tougher on the roadie because I can't do 3-9 balancing. Getting my front wheel wedged in my shoe makes for a spectacular bail.
Mawbs Posted December 9, 2014 Posted December 9, 2014 yep for sure, it definately helps when you on MTB trail and its muddy and you dont wanna put your feet down
DIPSLICK Posted December 9, 2014 Posted December 9, 2014 trucks/taxis/cars/traffic lights make my "track" stands legendary
Warren_G Posted December 9, 2014 Posted December 9, 2014 Up to about 20 seconds...is it easier on a roadie or mtb?
DJR Posted December 9, 2014 Posted December 9, 2014 .............Does anyone else practice track-stands when commuting ?Yup! And I'm OKish at it. In fact I was starting to think I was the cats whiskers............Then we had a track stand competition between myself and my 2 sons. I came off first. The winner stayed on the bike for just over 10 minutes, no kidding. I think he eventually gave up because he got bored.
DJR Posted December 9, 2014 Posted December 9, 2014 Up to about 20 seconds...is it easier on a roadie or mtb? IMHO, easier on the Mtb.
Spinnekop Posted December 9, 2014 Posted December 9, 2014 After cycling and commuting for around 14 years now in Pretoria, I can manage a track stand for a long as I want. It really helps with all the traffic lights and not having to clip out.
milky4130 Posted December 9, 2014 Posted December 9, 2014 This should be in the https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/107303-things-ive-learnt-from-commuting/ thread, LOL! Yeah, I do, it's nice entertainment for the other motorist at the traffic lights, so much that they forget it's their turn to drive off at the green arrow.0
quintonb Posted December 9, 2014 Posted December 9, 2014 Up to about 20 seconds...is it easier on a roadie or mtb?I would say on a road bike. More rigid so movement on the pedals gets an immediate response. I find the front shock on a MTB tends to "delay" movements. Just gives a different feeling while track standing. I prefer a road bike...
Orbit Posted December 9, 2014 Posted December 9, 2014 One of the most handy skills to have and it's actually super easy. Practice makes perfect.
Slowbee Posted December 9, 2014 Posted December 9, 2014 unclip, put foot down. it is waaaaayyy more cool in the hipster standings.
milky4130 Posted December 9, 2014 Posted December 9, 2014 You guys do this clipped in?yes road, mtb, bmx, clipped in or with flats, if you can do it on one bike & pedals you can pretty much do it on anything.
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.