Originally Posted by
Doane
Deshi: Ya, I know, I'm a dunce, but I've never seen a bike with no brakes, or maybe I'm not seeing something.. is this a single speed and you use your legs to stop it? Why would you want that? No disrespect, I'm probably just not familiar with all this. The bike looks really nice, BTW.
Thanks,
Doane, This bike does not have any brakes. It is a fixed gear so also no coasting. I have been riding fixed gear for about 5 years now and for whatever reason, really enjoy it. The simplicity of the bike is the best part. I will continue to ride fixed gear as long as my legs will allow me to.
Originally Posted by
Dean7
I would personally install a front brake ('cause chain braking = you're gonna have a scar otherwise). Doesn't mean it's not sexy.
I think he complimented you. Wear your hipster badge with pride.
Still lookin' good. For what it's worth: I've personally had slightly better luck with these than their more popular conty counterparts:
http://bontrager.com/model/00443
I ride on roads with a TON of glass and these have done me right. Anyway, something to try if you care to (conty's have done me right as well... just not quite as right in my experience... haha).
I see plenty of people riding around every day with no brakes and they somehow survive. Main issue with it as far as I can see is: you get in a crash and you're screwed as far as the law is concerned ('cause you have no brakes). It might be silly to you but it also might make sense to some.
I understand where you are coming from. I have thought about brakes and the such but this frame being a true track frame, there is no drilling for brakes front or rear. I really dont want to change the fork either just to fit a front brake. The geometry of this frame and fork combo is really nice as it sits. The fork has a very low axle to crown height. Changing the fork to one that is capable of using a front brake will have a taller axle to crown resulting in changing the overall geometry of the bike and that results in a completely different riding bike. I dont want that. I will accept the possible dangers in riding this style bike on the road and just enjoy it.
As for the tires, I didnt really just buy them. I bought these tires to replace and older set that did me very well and ended up selling the bike I was gonna put them on so the tires were in the top of my closet for a little bit. I will try these out in AZ when I head down and if they do not meet my expectations, I might look into the Bontragers.
Thanks for the kind words on the bike.