Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - brakeless with platform pedals?

I see guys doing this...I don't get how you can control the bike this way...I HAVE to have the toe clip to apply counter "upwards" pressure with the "downwards" pressure on the other pedal for quick stops....do any of you guys ride brakeless without clips or cleats?

i've seen it done, but i wouldn't dare

yeah it seems like a lot of people do this...I don't understand how though....it's like taking away 50% of your stopping power on a brakeless bike.

the first time I took my brakes off, I had platforms and I was riding around and I thought, man...this is crazy...how the **** am I gonna stop?

then I picked up the proper pedals with clips and went out without the brakes and I was like, ahhhh...this is much much better...riding brakeless this way isn't a big deal at all.

I dunno...I guess some people just like it and can handle it...I can't.

I kind of have to do it. I'm stubborn and wear steel-toed work boots year round, and my bianchi doesn't have anywhere to put brakes.

I have a pair of square Primo BMX pedals that seem to grip really well. They've worn out little holes on the soles of the boots where the little pins dig in - I tilt my foot a little, the pins slide into place and my foot doesn't move until I step off.

So far, no problems stopping, but there have been a few times I was going too fast and felt like my feet were going to get pushed off the pedals.

yeah i finally put clips on my new fixed gear last night. what a difference. gone are the days of my life flashing before my eyes when approaching a red light at the bottom of a hill.

(i do have a front brake, but only use it as a last resort..)

well, without clips or cleats, one can still skid fairly easily by just leaning a little further. but that sure is a hairy everyday commute! :eek:

merztime,
do you think it's wise to use it only as a last resort? especially stopping from a down hill slope? i normally stop using just resisistance when it's flat, but coming down a hill i never hesitate to use the break (granted i'm pretty new to the whole thing).. but i figure that's what i put the damn thing there for.. and brakes are way cheaper than new legs

merztime,
do you think it's wise to use it only as a last resort? especially stopping from a down hill slope? i normally stop using just resisistance when it's flat, but coming down a hill i never hesitate to use the break (granted i'm pretty new to the whole thing).. but i figure that's what i put the damn thing there for.. and brakes are way cheaper than new legs


i'm sort of new to fixed gear too so i'm trying to simulate going brakeless to see if its really my thing or not. i usually ride carefully enough such that i have plenty of time to slow myself with just backpedalling. i use the brake when i need to stop quickly and unexpectedly. i dont see many steep hills around here so i usually can maintain control without the brake or excessive strain to my knees

so far so good i guess

you crazy?

you crazy?

I'm fairly new to fixed gear and I have *no* idea how people can ride brakeless.

Case in point today, when buddy the roofer opened the back of his van and backed on to the street holding an armful of flashing. My event horizon is pretty good, but it was close missing this dingbat. It may be my bike set up or my riding style (stopped or full speed), but I can't imagine emergency stops at speed brakeless. If there's a secret, lemme know.

If there's a secret, lemme know.



Most of the time you do not stop. You should have one or two alternate "outs" or paths already planned from looking ahead.

If there's a secret, lemme know.

There really is no secret. Riding brakeless, you get used to the longer stopping distance and learn to swerve around things, and learn techniques like making a quick right at an intersection when you can't stop in time, or powersliding.

What no brakeless rider will tell you is that riding brakeless is ALWAYS slower than riding with a front brake. Having a front brake to use when you need it means you can ride more aggressively. Next time you're with guys riding brakeless, watch how they ride when you approach a red light that you're going to blow. You can't see the cross traffic...So the brakeless guys start to slow down a block or two before you get to the intersection, so they can stop if they need to. With a brake, you don't need to slow down cuz your stopping distance is much shorter. You can maintain your speed until you see the cross traffic before deciding whether to stop or go through.

In case you hadn't noticed, I think riding brakeless is a macho thing...if you are into looking cool, then by all means do it. If you are into getting from point A to point B at maximum speed, mount a front brake.

In case you think brakeless messengers never crash...
http://mysite.verizon.net/vze3vsmk/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/DSCN2820.JPG

Most of the time you do not stop. You should have one or two alternate "outs" or paths already planned from looking ahead.

Not only that but you'd be surprised in a pinch how well you can slow your bike down like when some one backs out of a driveway or something. The other day I was passing a stopped bus on the right side and this girl comes running out of the bus. I have a front break but my first reaction was to kick up and skid. I never used to run a break but one time I started down a wicked steep hill that I knew I could'nt stop on so I had to bail out into the bushes and got lucky. I dont want to experience that again. And I have'nt ridden fixed in over 10 years but hey it's like riding a bike ;) imo I cannot even imagine going brakeless with out clips of some sort thats 50% of your breaking power rite there. In fact I would'nt want to go with out clips even w/ breaks to prevent foot slipping off and a crank arm breaking your leg! Also what some one mensioned above I do like the idea of racing up to lites and breaking only if necessary instead of preparing for a break...