Originally Posted by
cervelo48
It seems to be a minimalistic fixed gear bicycle with no brakes doesn't serve as anything but something you can ride around in the parking lot.
Wrong. I ride my bike everywhere, ~40-50 miles a day.
Originally Posted by
cervelo48
I think, most would agree, that having brakes provides added security in any riding situation.
Duh. A wise rider also knows that having brakes will help him/her go
faster. However, not all track bikes can accept brakes, and many of us make do just fine without. Not having a brake changes a rider's skill-set; and a good rider rides within his/her abilities.
Originally Posted by
cervelo48
Also, a fixed gear bike isn't too good on fast, long, hilly bike rides.
Are you making an assumption, or have you tried? A fixed gear may not be the
easiest choice to ride on fast, long, hilly rides but it doesn't mean it isn't "too good." I ride fast. I go out for long, fun, hilly rides. I've ridden across mountain ranges.