Single Speed w/ 1 brake, dangerous?
 

I got my BD fixie about a month ago and i"m having fun w/ it.

I'm riding it fixed now w/ a front brake, but I'm thinking about adding a freewheel. The main reason is so that I can loan it out to friends who are scared off by the fixed action.

I don't really want to run a rear brake though. Is a front brake only w/ a freewheel going to be that dangerous? I mean, how often have you snapped a brake cable?

B.

snapped 2 brake cables in about 23000 miles of riding my during 2nd and 3rd years as a messenger, both times I was on a SS road bike front brake only

biggest danger isn't the snapping of a brake cable, its over braking on a slick surface while turning and dumping yourself on the pavement, which can happen on any bike, just like on a fixie its always a bit shocking the first time you break the rear free when not being ready for it

i apparently didn't notice that a post on the same subject was started TODAY. I feel sheepish.

Point taken. No freewheel unless I run another brake. And look harder next time before posting.

B.

+1 on the front break. and props for the sheldon link.
It's like riding a bike -- once you learn it, it will be natural and you'll never forget it.