Originally Posted by ofofhy
I do ride a singlespeed, because I hate derailers, and because of the flat lay of the land, there really is no need to shift in the city. I wouldn't mind riding a fixed gear, but I prefer having the ability to coast in traffic. Most of the brakeless riders I know are well in control of their bikes and they know how to stop and ride just as well as anybody with brakes. I did see a guy riding a brakeless, geared bike, but he was a true idiot. I saw him have three near accidents in three blocks.
As for being a fish out of water in Philly, I think this city might have the highest per capita number of fixed riders. I see more here than in BOS, NYC, WAS, ATL... etc.
Single speed = sensible if gears aren't needed.
Fixed gear on city streets = masochistic and trendy.
I'm happy to see bicyclists riding anything but don't find owners of trendy or race oriented bikes any more "worthy" or "serious" than those riding old Huffys, Sears, x-marts or any other bike that meets the owners' needs.
The reference to brakeless drivers in control reminds me of the Philadephia Flyers owner making excuses for one of his players who was killed while driving after getting drunk at the owner's party:<paraphrase IAW my memory of the quote>"He could drive better drunk than most people sober." Yes, true until it wasn't.