I have a front brake but no rear brake. I've been told that rear brakes don't function well on fixies, and why I still have no idea. I'm not into the whole skid stop (tried and failed).

Disclaimer--I have no interest in starting a "brakes vs. no brakes" debate on this thread. I have a front brake, wouldn't mind a rear brake if I thought it would work well. Am interested in single speed because it feels like it would be safer.

Thanks