I recently just purchased my first fixed gear bike. KHS Urban Soul (I don't recommend it). From the second ride I was hooked on the concept of this different form of riding. The first ride was a bit like a Freshman at a prom, little awkward, but nothing serious. Now I ride it as my primary form of transportation, averaging 30-70 miles a week.

After a few weeks I took the rear brake off to force myself to learn to use counter pressure to slow myself down; I wanted to get both that little extra fun and that little extra exercise out of the bike. However I now understand that I will never remove the front brake. I've even contemplated putting the rear brake back on; trying to slow down from anything above 15mph without either 15-20 yards to slow down, or using my brake, is ****ing kills my knees. Honestly, how does anyone go brakeless? I'm 22, 5'9" 155lbs (with long legs O_O) and even going 10 miles through busy streets with trying to avoid the brake will leave my knees sore for the rest of the day.