Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Another thread about brakes, for those with brakes?

For those that have brakes on their fixed gear, how often do you use the brakes?

I'm curious because I see lots of posts from people who have them but only for emergency situations.

I use them fairly regularly because I have weak little sissy knees and a full day of riding brakeless would leave me in pain for the following several days.

While I think it's just a simple question, you may commence arguing anyway.

Mac

shut up with the brakes already.

hahahha

i have weak knees also

Why have something on your bike you're not going to use? I don't need to use it as much as I do, but it's there so why the hell not? It beats flailing around trying to slow myself down on a steep descent.

Just started riding fixed a week or two ago, I still use my front brake a few times every time I ride. I loosened it so it doesn't grab as hard as it could, it's more of a slowing down tool for when I'm really booking it. Still haven't mastered the skip.

shut up with the brakes already.

+pirates

ABANDON ALL HOPE!

+squirels

I think it's cool to use to enable bombing/hauling ass. I mean I love to ride fixed to feel the acceleration, you know? Plus it's cool to do...

What's with all the 'weak knees' talk? I couldn't jog regularly for more than two months before my knees and ankles got crazy-inflamed and sore (if that's not weak, I don't know what is), but I have no problems riding a brakeless fixed gear.

I wouldn't say rarely, but not nearly as often as on my freewheelers.

I use a brake because the sudden acceleration of my cranks in the opposite direction brought about by my uncontrollably strong legs would snap them clean off and make my bike disintegrate underneath me.

Seriously, put a brake on. It is so much easier on descents and in emergencies. **** zen, I'd rather stay alive.

I use a brake because the sudden acceleration of my cranks in the opposite direction brought about by my uncontrollably strong legs would snap them clean off and make my bike disintegrate underneath me.

Seriously, put a brake on. It is so much easier on descents and in emergencies. **** zen, I'd rather stay alive.

while i have ridden brakeless and it is fun, i agree 10000% on the brake. who cares if others think your a sissy for having a brake. if you need a brake use it cuz on a fixed its a lot harder to stop using legs than just squeezin a lever. plus as i heard someone say before, its better to go through 1000 brake pads than 1 pair of knees. keep the brake, its nice to have

What's with all the 'weak knees' talk? I couldn't jog regularly for more than two months before my knees and ankles got crazy-inflamed and sore (if that's not weak, I don't know what is), but I have no problems riding a brakeless fixed gear.

+ghouls

z@k in pdx has knees that are truly DEKCUF up. i have seen him where he's wearing shorts and his kneecaps will be on the side of his legs and crap. he rides a brakeless fixed gear and wins king of fixed gear in every race, and has moved from cat 5 to cat 3 in one season of track racing. knees? whatever.

I'm curious because I see lots of posts from people who have them but only for emergency situations.


I question the rationale of anyone who feels the need to explain their rationale.

thread closed

there are a lot of people here that sincerely hope that sometime soon people can respond accordingly to thread questions instead posting an attempt at wit or humor.

if you feel the need to display your intellectual prowess based on your 3 months of cycling experience, please find another place for it.



Sometimes you should just avoid the "Post Quick Reply" button. Rethink your answer, and if it is not fitting, just go back to your coloring book.