I'm not a big fan of coasting, but it makes life simpler when you're trying to put on unzip a jersey or reach way round into a back pocket for something.

To the OP, fixed gear riding has several benefits that a single speed cannot offer.

- It forces you to pedal through higher cadences under lighter load conditions and while descending
- It gives a continuous workout
- Fixed riding permits more precise, intuitive control of speed
- The higher cadence forces you to "round out" or smooth out your pedal stroke, improving your overall efficiency
- The combined effect is to broaden your power band - the rpms at which you can continue to put out significant power to the pedals
- It's ultimately more fun.

Okay, the last one is purely subjective.