Originally Posted by
veganbikes
If the bike is missing parts and needs a fixie you should do that before riding.
Look on Track where everyone is doing the same thing with the same goal and mindset brakes are a bad thing but on the road where you cannot predict anything but yourself having a reliable way to stop is helpful. Skidding and running through tires is not stopping but destroying parts to look cool and slow down. It looks cool and if done well can slow you down nicely but if you wouldn't skid your tidy-whiteys don't skid your bike.
I enjoy having brakes on my bike and if I so choose I can not use them but they are there when I need them and boy howdy running on the road they are pretty useful.
Pretty much the same thing I was going to suggest. Besides the legal requirements that might be in play in your area, it is just smart to have brakes, at least a front one. I'm probably not the only one here that goes for a ride on my fixed gear bike and tries to NOT have to use my brakes. When I get home and haven't used them except to dismount, I smile. Weird, I know, but that's just me. I don't even technically need them to dismount, but I figure I should squeeze them at least once so they don't feel neglected.
I also agree wholeheartedly with what was said about damaging components. Others disagree and that's fine too. Oh, and if you are on country roads, if they are like they are where I'm at, make sure the frame you use can handle large enough tires so the ride is comfortable.
Good luck!