You can't manually brake by "back pedaling" a FG. It doesn't work like that. As long as your bk wheel is moving so are your pedals. You control your speed by your pedal stroke....as long as your moving...so are your pedals. -- A SS and a FG are lumped in the same category because they both have 1 gear/speed. FG's are harder to control cuz you don't really have the same brake option you do on a SS.

Don't be intimidated by bike shops those guys are there to help ya...Plus you need to be educated about what to buy so you get the bike that best suites your needs. They will be happy to show you whatever you need, but you gotta test ride them so you know which one fits the best.

Never heard of Doomtree, but First Ave is Legendary...too bad you're missing it.