I dunno, back brakes on geared bikes are somewhat ********.
Either way, I ran into a bum the other day riding a fuji track. I was standing on the corner, leaning on my bike, smoking a cigarette (I've since quit--10 days!) He says: "Is that a track bike." I say, "yeah, sorta.......is that a BACK BRAKE you got on that fix?"
(he had a back brake on his bike, with the lever on the left side)
he says "yeah. for emergencies, you know." he seems a bit sheepish about having a brake on his bike. maybe he didn't notice mine (on the front, of course).
I say 'ah-ite"
he says 'ah-ite'
he rides off.