[QUOTE= am going to use the brakes for now but will look to removing[/QUOTE]
Please don't! (unless you're just using it for a track bike). Gear trains (and knees) have not evolved to provide emergency braking and you'll just end up dead or injured. I've got two brakes on my BJ FG and use them both, especially down swooping hills in Norfolk. Keep the brakes and just have fun!
If you don't believe me about the brakes read Sheldon Brown!
Good luck and welcome