My first exposure to brakeless is when I went to a bike shop to have them build me up a fixie. Now, you would think they would put a brake on a bike for a guy off the street.

Them: "Have you ridden a fixed gear?"
Me: "Yes"
Them: "Here, try out this brakeless Bianchi Pista"
Me: "WTF"

I didn't go as fast as I could have and nearly shat myself when I went down a hill going across an intersection. I did NOT have a fun test ride. And 2-3 days later my legs were still shot from me trying to slow down on that hill.

I'm a sissy - gimme that front brake!!!