yeah.. i was in almost the same camp.. i got my new frame.. and wanted to ride.. so i went out sans break.. was nice.. i mean hell, i've rode fixed for a little now.. so no big deal.. UNTIL the other night.. you all know the story.. drunk dude in car pulls out/makes turn/stops/something real fast like.. and you have to go into 'oh crap' mode.. well yeah no big deal.. but today i threw a break on.. much better.. can top out speed with out worry.. nice to have.. breaks are good