Hi all, I saw the film Premium Rush. The lead character rides fixed gear, without brakes. I used to ride SS with no brakes and found bike with v-brakes much more controlable in heavy traffic, allowing me to do ride more aggressively (and faster) in heavy traffic. However, I'm not a messenger and my ride is some 25 km per day commuting. I apologize in advance if I'm asking stupid/obvious questions.

Do people really ride in NY traffic without brakes, just FG? When you ride your bike for work, every day for several hours, is it a bother to change pads/cables?

Same question about gears - is it pracitcaly easier to go SS, no deraileurs etc?

One more thing. I see them carrying those bags. I sweat and hate having anything on my back. Is some sort of rack (with a quick release, like Topeak makes) not easier?

And... fenders? :/