Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Braking Surface

This is probably a really dumb question, but please bare with me. If I am going to run just a front brake, I need a braking surface right? I see wheels that do not come with braking surfaces but I am guessing that is for FG riders not running brakes at all, correct?

Thanks,
Freelander

You need a braking surface but not necessarily a machined one.

Some rims don't even have a flat spot for the brake to rub against.

If you get anodized rims with a non-machined braking surface you'll be fine... the rims might just get ugly after a while when the ano wears off.

if you don't go with a machine surface, you'll regret it. I see so many non-machined with the anodize coming off it looks like crap.

not to mention it also kills resale value if you're looking to ebay/cl them.

if you don't go with a machine surface, you'll regret it. I see so many non-machined with the anodize coming off it looks like crap.


It only looks like crap when the bike is standing still. If that's what your bike was built for... then worry about it.

Got ya. Thanks for clearing this up guys

the brakes also don't work as well without a machined braking surface. If you're making a fixed gear you can get a front machined wheel and a rear non-machined wheel.

Stopping power shouldn't be an issue with non machined rims. I came pretty close to an endo in a panic stop a couple of months ago.
You have to break them in tho... so just take it easy at first, especially if it's wet.

Cool. Yeah I am building a SS/FG so a front brake should work just fine! Thanks guys.

Cool. Yeah I am building a SS/FG so a front brake should work just fine! Thanks guys.

A lot of people feel totally comfortable riding with just a front brake on their SSs. But if you're new to this, I'll give you my advice, which is that you should have 2 brakes when riding non-fixed for the sake of redundancy. It's like climbing you always have a backup knot in case one fails. Just my .02

I have had my IRO for about 3 weeks now, commuting. Have non machined front rims running a tektro front brake. Brakes very well, no complaints whatsoever. Also the wear marks on the surface are minimal so far, either way who cares what they look like, if you are worried just buy a spare wheel for whenever you want to show off.

First day it squealed, now that it has bedded in, no squeals at all.:thumb:

Here's a pic so far of the wear. Can't tell if you're standing like 3 feet away.

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii271/pumaallstar/Bikes/IMG_2639.jpg

Yeah I think I am going to try and go with a machined front and no braking surface on the rear. I love the look of the cleanliness of no braking surface.

smart idea

Thanks Mr. B