i had a brake on my bike for close to two years before i got a bike w/ no brake mounts. i had ridden brakeless here and there but found that usually, if i had a handbrake, i'd use it. for that reason i was a bit concerned about my ability to ride safely w/o handbrakes, but found it to be a nonissue even in close calls. i assume if i were riding a freewheel bike with two handbrakes i would have to learn again how to do handbraking with no input from the legs.