Originally Posted by
crushkilldstroy 
52/16 single speed with no rear brake and platforms as a commuter?
nobody said the word commuter anywhere. its not my fault you A) can't read, and B) have little itty bitty weak girl legs under your girls jeans and you can't press down on a big boy gear. i spent 95% of my time in 53/17 and 53/15 on the 9 speed, so i picked a similar gear ratio. that's not rocket science. i don't need to ride a 46/18 when i can leg press 650lbs. i like a workout since its used in place of running which i also already mentioned. nice try tho. i need a rear brake for no part of any ride i do. platform issue was already address, nice reading again. as was the low tpi lasting longer on ****ty pavement, nice reading AGAIN. your mommy must be proud of you doing so swell.
and thanks bass, i know where you're coming from. i also know that on a sportbike the rear brake adds about 6% if that to overall braking power, and i also race motorbikes and cars, and i understand the benefit of trail braking into a turn with the rear brake to help rotate and control angle of attack relative to an apex, and i do no sort of biking remotely close to dragging knees around a turn at 80mph. but, i do understand your position, just don't think i'll need it is all.
i dunno why people associate clipless pedals with bike control. rather its just the opposite, otherwise your feet would lock onto the pegs of a motorcycle too, but wait... gasp! your feet shift while turning... what a revelation!
A couple comments. First, I'll side with you on the gear ratios. I rode 52/16 singlespeed with platforms for 2 years as my commuter at school. Some of the steepest hills got me pretty winded but it wasn't much of a problem. 650lbs is a lot to leg press so I'd say that you're fine. Plus it sounds like you wont be taking this bike on many 60 mile rides.
Many people ride singlespeed with only a front brake. I've done so for probably 5k miles without an incident where the one brake wasn't sufficient. My possible luck and stupidity doesn't OK your own but you've got my vote.
I believe your argument citing motorcycles as evidence against the control offered by clipless pedals is flawed. I have not ridden a motorcycle so correct me if I'm wrong. First, many modern clipless pedals offer varying degrees of float so you can in fact turn your feet if you feel that will aid you in turning. Second, much of the mass in a motorcycle/cyclist is concentrated in the motorcycle, whereas the bicyclist makes up the majority of the mass when on a bicycle. (especially with a 15.6 lb bike like yours.) This changes the physics of the turn. Because it is so light, the bicycle requires the positive connection found with clipless pedals. Third, while you may be able to press your legs against the body of the motorcycle to aid in control, this is more difficult with a bicycle so you are relying on your shoe/pedal connection more, especially when out of the saddle. Fourth, it is often desireable to continue pedaling while turning or maneuvering so while not using clipless on the stationary pegs of a motorcycle may be fine it is not fine when you are pushing hard on a moving pedal. Your feet are more likely to slip off at undesireable moments, precipitating injury.
Please do not believe that riding clipless is dangerous or for the uncoordinated. Doing so would be foolish. I'm not going to argue the point any more but I will refer you to the search function for the forums. Many new riders post on BF with the same misguided notions about foot retention and they have been answered thoroughly hundreds of times.
Also, you made another dumb reference to fixie hipsters. Lashing out wildly when you are criticized only makes your position seem more untenable and you yourself seem incompetent. I'm sorry for being biting, but this is the internet after all.