Originally Posted by
neil
Braking is hugely important in winter, so a brakeless fixie is undesireable. I've never understood the appeal of fixed gears anyway, but if you're using one in winter, please stick some brakes on it. Being able to leg-break is probably a benefit, but using it to add braking capacity instead of replace braking capacity seems like a better option.
Hah. I agree completely; I know a bunch of hipsters with $700 lime green and purple fixed gear bikes.
?
A few months ago one could quote me saying that I'd never ride fixed gear, but if it's a cheap way to get a useable winter rider (I wouldn't be buying many drivetrain parts, I think a welder and a hack saw could take care of removing gears and stopping the rear cog from twisting off--if it breaks, I'm commuting to the shop, so...) it is something to consider. I'd leave rear brakes on just in case my cog did come undone.
Weeell, here is another thing to consider then. I'll have to look into fixed conversions.