junioroverlord -- definitely. i don't think there's ever going to be an end to the brake/brakeless debate. one thing i appreciate when these threads pop up is the variety of opinions.

truthfully, i've been thinking of riding brakeless, but i'd probably have to go with a lower gearing to be effective. i do like my (winter) ratio at the moment, and i'd hate to switch it out because it's just so much fun.

if i had a lot of fixed bikes, i'd make one with a ratio i could ride brakeless.

but for now i ride with a helmet, brakes, and headphones. i'm a different kind of stupid.