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Single Speed w/ 1 brake, dangerous?

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Singlespeed & Fixed Gear "I still feel that variable gears are only for people over forty-five. Isn't it better to triumph by the strength of your muscles than by the artifice of a derailer? We are getting soft...As for me, give me a fixed gear!"-- Henri Desgrange (31 January 1865 - 16 August 1940)

Single Speed w/ 1 brake, dangerous?

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Old 11-19-07 | 06:21 PM
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From: Denver

Bikes: orbea onix, Cervelo SLC, Specialzed Allez, Cervelo P3 Alu

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.
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Old 11-19-07 | 06:23 PM
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Run What 'Ya Brung
 
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https://www.bikeforums.net/singlespeed-fixed-gear/363618-single-speeds-only-front-brake.html
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Old 11-19-07 | 06:27 PM
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From: under bridge in cardboard box
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
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Old 11-19-07 | 06:41 PM
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From: Denver

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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.

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Old 11-19-07 | 06:50 PM
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From: Colorado Mountains/New Mexico highlands

Bikes: vitus 979, g fisher, specialized, trek, bridgestone rb1, Trek SS, Hiawatha SS, 54' Schwinn SS, Trek SS CX conversion

+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.
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