Until recently I didn't consider myself able to comment. Now that I've done dozens of fixed rides and covered a ton of miles, flat and moderately hilly, I can chime in.

I love it! Plain and simple, it is fun. Takes probably two weeks to get totally comfortable, but I can now ride my fixed gear bike for 20 to 30 miles and never touch the brakes. I have them just in case, that's just me. I don't judge those who do or those who don't. What I would say is that until you know what you are doing, and it takes awhile, I wouldn't go brakeless. After you have experience with putting back pressure on the pedals and how to skid in an emergency, going brakeless is viable.

I had tried fixed gear riding with my original singlespeed bike that had a flip/flop hub. Mixed emotions and it didn't really catch on with me.

Then I saw a nice bike advertised on Craigslist and went to check it out. It was listed cheap and the photos were fuzzy, but it was a 1989 Miyata 312 in my size.

When I arrived to look at it, it was in beautiful condition. The owner had obviously taken good care of it, kept it dry, etc. The bike was set up as a guy's "trainer". He used it to work on his cadence and spinning skills. It had one chainring up front, no derailers and a fixed-only hub in the rear. I knew I was going to buy it, but was honestly thinking about swapping rear wheels out with a flip/flop arrangement.

I bought it, took it home and said "what the heck, I'll give it a try as-is." I was amazed at how fast and smooth it was! The ride was silky smooth due to the splined, triple-butted steel frame. Very lightweight and the frame and components in nearly-new condition. I got a steal at the price I paid.

I haven't looked back and have never changed out the wheel. It will remain fixed. I go out to the garage to choose among my "too many" options, at least according to the wife, and a lot of the times I grab the Miyata over the other wonderful bikes. I even took it out of town with me the other day on a business trip. I rode it at night on an awesome trail and had a great time.

So count me amongst the fans of fixed gears. I rarely if ever use the brakes anymore, but I'll keep them on just the same. Any BTW, I'm no youngster. Approaching 50 now and my knees have no issues with backpedaling.

I advise trying it for at least a couple of weeks in order to see if it fits your style. Not for really steep hills unless you don't mind getting off now and then. For most moderate hills, just practice.