I don't really think you have a choice. I've seen videos of guys wrecking, in which they flip all the way over their handlebars, still holding on. I think it's like a reflex or something, to just grip harder.

 

i see, but is it a good or a bad thing?

 

I think if there's a slight chance of keeping the bike up, you're better off not bailing. If the bike's going down, I think I'd rather get away from it. If it's sliding on its side, and you stay on it, your leg has a chance of being pinned and shredded. I'd rather have proper gear on, slide along the road, and let the gear do the work. Plus if that sliding bike hits something, and proceeds to flip uncontrollably, you don't want to be near it.



But it's not like you're going to be thinking of all this when there's a marriage between your butt and the asphalt.