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.
I am sorry I completely disagree. Although having toured on the West Coast over the summer I agree Philly is fairly flat, I still think a fixed gear is a trendy thing rather then a wise thing in Philly. You obviously are not ridding around Philly only in the center city. If this is the case I completely understand, the singlespeed and more power to you. In fact I have wished I could go that way. However, I personally like to go for long rides into the city and to New Hope and such. I live in Germantown at the top of Schoolhouse Lane which is a pain as it comes at the end of my 10 mile (one way) commute. I think the hills in Manyunk would be a pain in the behind on a single speed, as would rides into the burbs. On the singlespeed I can see it being a preference, on the brakeless thing I think it should be illegal. It is amazing how many messengers I have seen nearly get killed by not having brakes and having to turn quickly instead. Would you be allowed to drive a car at 20 mph without brakes? Why should you be able to ride a bike at the same speed without brakes? (Yes, I understand that a car can cause much more damage but I still wouldn't want to be hit by a bike going 20 mph.) You may have to take my opinion with a grain of salt as I am biased. I was picking up my sister in South Philly for a drive to the Poconos when I was STOPPED at a red light when there is this huge crash into the rear side of my car. My girlfriend sister and I jumped, got out of the car only to see a biker on the driver side and a track bike with no brakes still on the passenger side where he hit. I was much more worried about him then the dent he put in the car. He kept saying he was fine but he was worried about the bike (track style tires). The tire was a little bent, I have two dents in the car (I chalked it up to city living) but he was fine. He said "I wasn't paying attention I am so sorry...etc." But jeez imagine if he had done the same right in front of a moving car! You NEED brakes people. It is NOT cool to go without. -- sorry for the rant.