Rear brake in front
 

Hi all, newbie here.

I've just bought this fixie: Vilano Bicicleta de piñón fijo Bicicleta modelo Fixie de Ruta de una Velocidad: Amazon.com.mx: Deportes y Aire Libre

and it comes with a rear brake. I've been reading that the standard is to have a front brake instead of a rear one. So, is it safe and ok to install it in the front wheel (looping the extra length of the cables on the body) or do I need to buy a dedicated front brake?

Thanks for your advise,
Gabe.

As long as you can find a recessed nut long enough to get at least three turns on the brake caliper mounting bolt threads, then it is safe.

If you don't want to buy a dedicated cable-cutter, use a sharp pair of wire cutters. There's some risk that the braided cable will fray slightly, but this has happened to me only rarely. The cable housing will likely need to be opened at the cut end, using an awl or similar tool to make the opening smooth and round. Looping the long wire will be ugly at best, hazardous at worst.

I don't know why an FG bike would be set up with only a rear brake. The rear wheel allows you to slow down with back-pressure on the pedals (no need to skid). A front brake is a "must" for basic safety on steep downhills.

Problem solvers makes these, although in the common lengths and with a more affordable stainless steel.

Thanks all for your advice. I should have check the nut before asking. It doesn't even fit.

My guess is because it comes with a flip-flop hub. It should include both brakes though.

Because many bike manufacturers are dumb.

Maybe they just don't ride their own bikes.

Sometimes you can just thread the nut on inside the steerer.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c1...6/DSCF0297.jpg

If I worked for Vilano and made those things, I wouldn't want to ride them for sure.