Originally Posted by trackjunkie

So I got the walmart mongoose, and my commute to school was sooo much easier, but I still wanted the street cred of no brakes and riding fixed. So I rode to a near-by bike shop and picked up a cog 15t (it's what they recommended at the shop) puts me at 78.7 g.i.

I kept riding with the brakes on, and learned how to skid and slow down without brakes and took them off 3 weeks later.

It's been 2 months since I took the brakes off and now I want a lighter bike, deep v wheels, drop down handlebars. It's an addiction, where ever I am I wish I had my bike with me, I feel like it's an extension of who I am. I ride my bike everywhere now, I feel like the narrator from dirtbag diaries.

I ride 25-30 miles a day now, and have a few questions:

1. When I'm coming up to an intersection I slow down, by slowing down the pedaling, and skid if it's in the morning (the only time I have energy anymore). I feel like I'm out of control if I try skidding when I'm going too fast, like the handlebar gets shaky and I can't quiet lock out my leg. I'm wondering if I got a deep v wheel if that would add to the stability?

2. I was in sf the other day and spotted a few FG riders. How in the world do these guys have the balls to be flying down these hills with no brakes into busy intersections. I've gone down some steep hills, but I'm pedal pacing if I need to stop soon.

3. Whats the best way to come to a stop at a stop light? Pedal pacing? Skidding?
What happens if I need to come to a sudden stop? I can stop in about 20 feet if I'm spinning at my top rpm.

4. Modify walmart bike, or sell and get a better bike?