I had a brake last winter, but used it so little that it stuck shut the last time I used it. I didn't use it after that. I had to dissasemble the brake in the spring, it is all messed up now. I couldn't actually get the spindle part that goes through the fork out - it's still there.

I'll probably be brakeless this winter, too, though I do need to get a new frame. I'd hate to ruin my Bianchi riding it through the winter. I've had to chip Ice and snow out from my brakes too many times in the past...