Originally Posted by
yankeefan
If the bike only had a front brake (and no rear brake), then more than likely you rode a fixed gear. It's a special type of single speed bike, but does not allow you to coast. A rear hand brake is unnecessary since the motion of the cranks directly control the rear wheel; resist the forward motion of the cranks by applying back pressure and you slow down your bike. Hipsters all over the country salivate over these kind of bikes but do yourself a favor and get a geared bike.
Nothing wrong at all with commuting or riding a fixed gear bike. I have two that I commute 8.5 miles each way with. They are great for me since there is no elevation change here. Maintenance is super easy since they are just fixed. They are not only for hipsters, most of the guys that I know that ride are far from it, myself included.
Now for the miles, probably thinking ah you can't do that many miles on a fixed gear bike. I did several weekly 50+ mile rides over the summer. I am working my way up to a century this summer some time.
I also have to disagree on the sizing, because myself being 6'0" both my bikes are 58cm. Why? I am all torso with short stumpy legs. 54 would be out of the question, and a 56 looks equally ridiculous on me. OP - get sized at a shop, and then go to another shop and get sized there. One shop had me on a 56 simply based on my height. Second shop had me on a 58 based on my body, and the 58 fits perfectly.