I rode with a front brake for 1.5 years. I liked using it to slow down when going downhill or when I was carrying a large load (groceries or launry). I recently bought a track frame without brakeholes so I´m currently brakeless. I miss the brake and I like my knees so I´m slowly going with a brake, the only deterring aspect is that I don´t want to kill the classic look of the bike so I just found a vintage road fork that fits the frame. Now I need to find a decent vintage brake and install everything on it. I have to admit that I like the looks of a brakeless bike but I have to be more practical. I also have lights on it.