Originally Posted by MIN
Case in point:
To claim that one could stop better with rear brakes (let alone brakeless with a fixie) is foolish. Sure, you might be able to stop and be in control, but a brakeless fixed gear bicycle will never have the stopping power of a front brake equipped bike.
First this must be destroyed, the reaction of the rear wheel is to lift under both circumstances. Once it has no more traction you'll go endo or skid either way. A lot of people feel there is better brake modulation(feel) on fixed gear because of a direct mechanical connection whereas brake calipers use friction not direct resistance for modulation. Oldies might suggest that training with platforms is a fantastic way to improve cadence. None of my friends who ride platforms with a front brake use it consistently anyways, so reaction time, correct and precise modulation of the front brake are not always on the table. Personally I swear by clipless because for work speed is the ultimate goal. Can you stop within 5-10 feet without eventually wearing out your rims with brakes?
Never used brakes on my work(track) bike
SAm