{{Short description|Technique used by bicycle riders}} {{Other uses of|standstill}} thumb|A track stand thumb|A no-handed track stand The '''track stand'''<ref name="Bicycling">{{cite web |title=Track Stand |url=http://www.bicycling.com/beginners/bike-skills/track-stand |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150324131307/http://www.bicycling.com/beginners/bike-skills/track-stand |archive-date=2015-03-24 |accessdate=2012-02-11 |publisher=Bicycling Magazine |quote=The track stand, named for the ability of velodrome racers to balance their fixed-gear bikes on the track, can help you stay upright without unclipping, and it lets you take off quickly.}}</ref> or '''standstill'''<ref>{{cite web |title=UCI Cycling Regulations: Track Races |url=http://www.uci.ch/mm/Document/News/Rulesandregulation/16/26/54/3-PIS-20160604-E_English.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720135724/http://www.uci.ch/mm/Document/News/Rulesandregulation/16/26/54/3-PIS-20160604-E_English.pdf |archive-date=2018-07-20 |accessdate=2016-08-12 |publisher=UCI |quote=A maximum of two standstills shall be permitted for each race. The maximum period for a standstill shall be 30 seconds}}</ref> is a technique that bicycle riders can use to maintain balance while their bicycle remains stationary or moves only minimal distances. The technique originated in track cycling and is now used by other types of cyclists wishing to stop for a short time without putting a foot on the ground, such as bike commuters at stop signs. To perform a track stand, a cyclist holds the cranks in an approximately horizontal position with the front wheel steered to the left or right, which converts the steered front wheel into a side-to-side motion. In the case of a fixed-gear bicycle, the rider may also alternate between pedaling slightly forwards and slightly backwards.

== Origin and use == The term originated from use of the technique by track cyclists<ref name="Bicycling"/> prior to starting, or as a tactic in track sprinting whereby riders will initially ride very slowly and maneuver across the track in an effort to get their rival to take the lead so that they can then draft (or slipstream) behind, conserving energy for the final sprint.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.trackcyclingireland.aardvarkit.ie/html/about_track_racing.shtml| title=Description of Track Events| publisher=Track Cycling Ireland| url-status=dead| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080801225236/http://www.trackcyclingireland.aardvarkit.ie/html/about_track_racing.shtml| archivedate=2008-08-01}}</ref>

Other types of cyclists also use the technique.<ref name="Estrogen">{{cite web| url=http://www.teamestrogen.com/articles/asa_trackstand.asp| title=Learn How To Track Stand| publisher=Team Estrogen| accessdate = 2012-02-10}}</ref> Commuters and bike messengers use it while stopped in traffic, especially at red lights,<ref name="Bicycling" /> mountain bikers use it in difficult terrain to determine a path and BMX cyclists use it in preparation for tricks.<ref name="Estrogen" />

== Technique == A cyclist executing a basic track stand holds the bicycle's cranks in a horizontal position, with their dominant foot forward.<ref name="Estrogen" /> Track stands executed on bicycles with a freewheel usually employ a small uphill section of ground.<ref name="Bicycling" /> The uphill needs to be sufficient to allow the rider to create backward motion by relaxing pressure on the pedals, thus allowing the bike to roll backwards. Once the track stand is mastered, even a very tiny uphill section is sufficient: e.g. the camber of the road, a raised road marking, and so on.<ref name="Estrogen" /> Where no such uphill exists, or even if the gradient is downhill, a track stand can be achieved on a freewheeling bicycle by using a brake to initiate a backwards movement. If a fixed-gear bicycle is being used, an uphill slope is not needed since the rider is able to simply back pedal to move backwards. In both cases forward motion is accomplished by pedalling forwards. The handlebars are held at approximately 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 their center of gravity.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.63xc.com/gregg/101_12.htm| title=Trackstands--Part Eleven of Fixed Gear 101| author=Greg Goode| publisher=The Off Road Fixed Gear Site| accessdate = 2012-02-10}}</ref>

Those proficient at the track stand can maintain the position indefinitely. More difficult variations, mostly for show or track stand competitions, involve complications such as putting the non-dominant foot forward, sitting down, or taking one or both hands off the handlebars.

== See also == *Bicycle and motorcycle dynamics

==References== {{reflist}}

== External links == *[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkkTSVVrPYk&NR Classic match sprint bicycle race, featuring strategic uses of the track stand] *[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YobTsWPtETY A master of trackstand variations]

Category:Cycling