Originally Posted by
PedallingATX
Actually just a front brake should do you just fine. I have front and rear brakes on my road bike, but I NEVER use the rear brake. EVER. In fact, I think I'm going to take it off. Since you sound like you are new to bikes, I would take it easy on the braking if you do decide to just run a front brake, at least at first. You definitely don't need a rear brake, but just be careful for your first few rides to not lean forward too much. Also, I can't tell what damage has been done to the bike or how the paint looks really, but it does look like a pretty good deal. Worst comes to worst, you replace the rear hub which isn't too expensive but you would have to pay a shop for the labor most likely.
That is extremely bad advice to be giving to anyone. Yes, a rear brake isn't needed for a fixed gear. In fact, afront brake isn't needed when you gain the skill of stopping/skidding. However when you lose the ability to stop via pedals, you run into serious danger. The front brake does 90% of the stopping when you aren't fixed, but the rear brake keeps the bike stable and straight. It's very dangerous to have just a front brake and trying stopping on a curve or with the front turned.
If you want to do that on your own, go ahead. But don't advovate for everyone. The worse thing that can happen is someone thrown over the bars in a panic stop.