This is misinformation. He can still crash, bad. Decent arguments can be made for or against letting him make up his own mind, but this isn't one of them.

Not really.

Can't, full time college student. I'm moving in the summer.

Yeah, you need (and I cannot emphasize this enough) a brake. Just yesterday I was skidding to a stop when my lockring and cog unscrewed themselves on the wheel (I had just finished degreasing/cleaning everything and apparently hadn't locked them down tight enough). Let me tell you, it's a scary feeling having lost complete control of the bike, especially when you are heading into a busy intersection. Needless to say, I clamped my brake down and almost did an endo, kept my balance and, most importantly, didn't die (which is always a plus in my book).

unless your son will be riding his bike in an empty parking lot...he should run a brake. and since the bike is a gift from you....you should ask him if he doesnt want to run a brake, then why should he deserve a bike.

Thanks for the info, bigvegan.

Good job! I too built a bike for my 12 yr old son and we have a blast cruising around.
<edit> Oh and as far as the brake goes...if he's living under your roof the brake goes on... :)

as for the brake, I would put it on for him, but if he takes it off, so be it. Make sure its a cross lever, they look cleaner than aero brake levers. If I had a cross lever, I'd run one with my drops, but alas, no money=no brake. I hope my dad gets me something nearly as good for my 18th (in march) :thumb:

The finished product!

http://absolutelymental.us/images/MattBianchiSide.jpg

http://absolutelymental.us/images/MattBianchiFront.jpg

I actually got him to assent to a brake; oddly enough he doesn't like the cross lever and wants me to replace it with a Dura Ace aero lever I have in the garage. I'll happily do that, but since it takes a retape of the bars and I *just* finished the bike, that'll come later.

:)

How's he going to get laid with a brake? Come on this guy wants his line to go on ;)

At 18, *I* don't want his line to go on. After he leaves my house and has a "2" in front of his age, well, then he's free to do whatever he wants with his line. :D

Looks magnificent. Great job.

Not a chance! Even my son was like, "and this has all the stuff so I can put gears on it later, right? Right?"

I was... so proud. *sniff* *wipes away a tear*

:D

randonneur bars=best bars ever

Cool Dad!

That bike will rule with a little Shimano 105.

Great dad!

marvelous dad

WonderDad

Haha. Yes. I had him put the brake on. I actually used it today riding to my girlfriend's house. Some dbag decided it'd be fun to notice I was riding and pull out in front of me.
I'd carry huge rocks if I could keep my balance and keep my speed!
I love the bike. I'm verrry happy with it. It rides really nicely.
And even you said -dad- that I can do whatever I want with my 'line' as long as she's over 18 haha!

1) awesome african mask.

2) tell yr son i said "nice brake, gaylord."

Nice bike!

Now give me that unloved mixte frame....

nice looking bike you built for your son! and i know this is like beating a dead horse, but even if the brake is there doesnt mean he has to use it. and when he runs into a stetchy situation he will be thankful for the brake.