Track stand

The track stand is a technique that bicycle riders can use to stay balanced on their bicycles without putting a foot down and while moving only minimal distances. The term originated from use of the technique by track cyclists prior to starting, or as a tactic in track sprinting whereby riders will initially ride very slowly and manouevre across the track in an effort to get their rival to take the lead so that they can then draft or slipstream behind.

Other cyclists also use the technique: road cyclists use it to stop in traffic, mountain cyclists use it in terrain to determine a path and BMX cyclists use it in preparation for tricks. Nonetheless, the track stand is most easily accomplished on a fixed gear bicycle.

Details of a track stand

Track stands executed on bicycles with a freewheel usually employ a small uphill section of ground. The uphill allows the rider to create backward motion by relaxing pressure on the pedals, thus allowing the bike to roll backwards; if a fixed gear or fixed wheel bike is being used a slope is not needed; the rider is able to back pedal to move backwards. Forward motion is accomplished simply by pedalling forwards. The bike's handlebars are held at a 45 degree angle, converting the bike's forward and back motion into side-to-side motion beneath the rider's body. This allows the rider to keep the bike directly below his or her center of gravity.

Those proficient at the track stand can maintain the position for an indefinitely long period of time. More difficult variations, mostly for show or track stand competitions, involve putting the non-dominant foot forward, sitting down, or taking one or both hands off the handlebars. That said, even a basic track stand is more unusual, to the layman observer, than dismounting and straddling the bicycle, and will often impress pedestrians and motorists at traffic lights.

Muscles involved

In maintaining a track stand the cyclist varies contraction of the extensor muscles of the thigh and leg of the foot which is forward. These muscles are the soleus, gastrocnemius, and the rectus femoris.^{[citation needed]}

References

External links

Track stand competition, with fancy variations
Learn How To Track Stand from Team Estrogen