Originally Posted by lobo
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!!!
It takes time for your body to adapt to riding brakeless. When I started I thought I was fine, and then the first time I was really hauling and then had to stop quickly I was surprised that I was having trouble slowing down. Now I can stop as quickly as I need to though, control my speed down hills, etc. Part of it is paying a higher level of attention to your suroundings as well. I am always anticipating what will happen ahead of me and trying to prepare. That is what makes the experience more enjoyable for me.