Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - 1 or 2 brakes for a single speed?

Hi fellas.

I'm converting an old road bike into a single speed for my ladyfriend.

Would just a front brake be enough, or is it way safer/easier to have a rear brake as well?

Anyone have any opinions/experience/flying squirrels?

2 brakes is safest way to go on SS.

2 brakes is safest way to go on SS.


+1

IMO every bike should have two means of stopping whether it fixed, ss, or geared (slight exception for coaster brake cruiser).

Failure of your only means of stopping (especially in traffic, or in a hilly area) can end up bad.

No, no, two brakes are definitely not "easier." It's necessary to find one (which means maybe paying for it), mount and adjust it (or perhaps find someone to do it), figure out how it works, and use it when the front brake isn't doing the job. These are all mentally and physically taxing activities.

Seriously? Two. Riding with only one brake on a single speed is asking for a world of hurt.

If you lose front wheel traction while braking hard with the front brake, you can stabilize yourself by releasing the front and stopping the rear wheel if you have two brakes. You can't do that with a single front brake.

More braking power in the rain.

You won't look like somebody who is trying to trick people into thinking you are riding fixed when you are riding SS.

In the extremely unlikely event that your single brake fails, you are up **** creek without a backup.

two brakes, paralyzed girlfriends are not usefull

+1. Two brakes. Should be a no brainer.

Two breaks

Shouldn't even consider anything but 2.

i've been waiting for someone else to suggest it, but i guess i have to be the one. brakeless. it's a no brainer. ss brakeless is the ultimate statement.

Before you decide anything fit a front brake to the bike, wait for some rain, and find a steep twisty descent and see how important that rear brake becomes when you need to modulate speed in a corner.

Unless you want to injure your girlfriend, put two brakes on.

If you want to injure your girlfriend, there are much easier ways than only putting one brake on her bike and hoping that it fails in a desperate situation.

3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

5. rim and disc on each wheel, plus coaster brake.

ill ride my coaster only beater. gf ride a rear only ss(when she actually DOES ride). love to ride

2 without a doubt.

i've been waiting for someone else to suggest it, but i guess i have to be the one. brakeless. it's a no brainer. ss brakeless is the ultimate statement.

Ahem, shouldn't this be brake-less for FIXED not SS?

I'm in aggregation with 2 brakes for SS.

It's always an option to put both brakes on and if, down the road you feel inclined to take the rear off, you could.

Just carry a big stick.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwVqHaYdC0I

two brakes, paralyzed girlfriends are not usefull
:lol:

/thread

Ive seen ladies drive. Not only do you need two brakes but front and rear airbags as well.

i've been waiting for someone else to suggest it, but i guess i have to be the one. brakeless. it's a no brainer. ss brakeless is the ultimate statement.

Yeah, one uses their foot to stop. Just jam it between the frame and tire. You'll wear a groove in your sneaker, though.

Ted Shred makes another come back.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OH5W1Z23wPg

Two brakes fo sho. I keep a larger distance when I see idiots riding around a single speed with only a front brake.