Originally Posted by Hawk Wheels
When I ride my track in heavy street traffic I am more alert, responsive and playing offense instead of defense.
You can work magic with no brakes, but you got to believe. And if 'your knees hurt' go back to freewheel.
I agree with the part about
no brakes.
I disagree with the issue of
having a brake on my bike.
Having a brake on my bike is why I can ride my bike without having to use a brake, it gives me insurance and assurance, that when I am backpedaling heavily, or strip a sprocket, or -GForbid- get hit by a car (again) I have more options.
I have a brake, but choose not to drive with it. I use the engine to speed up, and to slow down, and my awareness levels are significantly increased as a result. Time does seem to slow dow, even as buses and semi trucks rush past, and even brush against you. This is magical if you have ever experienced riding in the city amongst the flow of traffic, without using a brake...it is magic.
The brake is there as an
emergency brake is in a car -so you don't go rolling out of control.
It's not the same as a front/rear brake set on a geared bike, or the foot brake on a car, which are used for driving, steering, slowing, etc.
I say, have an
emergency brake, and ride safe, and you hopefully won't have to use it.
[$00.02]
James III