If you think about the way we propel ourselves on our fixed gear bikes, are'nt we essentially carrying on the tradition of the BIG WHEEL? Pedal to go, resistance pedal to slow and lock up the wheel to stop, skiiiiiiid! Man I used to get into so much trouble when I was little cuz I was always skidding on my big wheel, it was like a month or two old and I had a huge flat spot in the front wheel.