How to track stand on any bike

When you get into more advanced techniques on any type of bike, one of the most basic things to learn is standing in place without pedaling, otherwise known as a track stand. If biking were swimming, the track stand would be like treading water. There are many practical uses for a track stand, such as setting yourself up for a standing start during a race, or stopping for a second when someone is in your way on the trails. Even commuters use track stands to stop for pedestrians and other vehicles.

The phrase “track stand” is derived from “track bikes”, which are fixed gear racing bikes designed for use in velodromes. Fixed gear bikes have a pretty optimal setup for track standing since their drivetrain moves whichever way the cranks do. Pedal backwards, and the bike goes backwards as well. This allows for a steady forward and backward rocking motion to keep the bike stable.

For this reason, Fixed gear bikes are easier to track stand on, but you can simulate the same motion on any other bike by locking up the brakes, and releasing them while shifting your body weight backwards. Once you lurch back a bit, you can immediately push on your pedal to go forwards again. Then lock up your brake and repeat.

If you’ve never done a track stand before, first try stopping the bike and immediately pedaling away.

If you’re doing it clipped in, remember there’s a chance you could lose your balance and go down. Just saying.

One more thing, since track stands don’t require a lot of space, it’s something you can practice in your house, apartment, or bedroom. If you can’t go to the trails due to weather, injury, or lack of transportation, use that time to work on your track stands. It’s more fun than it looks.

Check out Two& twoand.com/