Anyone do it? The cooler weather has hit and I want to be ready for icy roads.

I had a brake last winter, but used it so little that it stuck shut the last time I used it. I didn't use it after that. I had to dissasemble the brake in the spring, it is all messed up now. I couldn't actually get the spindle part that goes through the fork out - it's still there.

I'll probably be brakeless this winter, too, though I do need to get a new frame. I'd hate to ruin my Bianchi riding it through the winter. I've had to chip Ice and snow out from my brakes too many times in the past...

I have done it is better than any ride other than cyclocross. No chipping brakes other than your wheels and crank. I have done it over the years with no problem. If you can get cyclocross tires and have room on your fork it will be a fun.

S/F,
CEYA!

Messy weather is when brakeless seems to work best for me. I always run a brake because usually my gear (47/16) is too high to comfortably skid or skip, it's hard on my knees (which are already suffering from years of inline street skating abuse--note that this is in direct contradiction to the first reason), and brake pads are cheaper than tires.

BUT when it gets nasty out, I run a lower gear on my other bike and I'm generally more cautious. That pretty much takes care of all of the above excuses and I don't touch the brake nearly as much if at all. Just my $0.02.

brakeless in boston in the winter is so much fun. i skidded into kenmore from like, a block away once on freshly fallen snow. i forget which street it was, but it's the one that leads to landsdowne/fenway. starts with a B, i think...

BMX was always fun in the slush too. get going kinda fast then turn and brake hard and swing the rear end around and just ride fakie for a while....mmm...slush. mmm...gliding between cars...

Brookline Ave. Good call.

me

Wouldn't have it any other way.

Did it in MI all last winter, as it was broken. I have a long reach caliper though and just run it up front now. When I upgrade the cross bike, I'll take the tires and use them on the fixie, as I have the clearance.

.did it in philly last year.

I need to get some different tires this season..

Brakeless in the winter is good and all, most of the time (at least here in Minn) you end up riding quite a bit slower so it is easier to stop. I personally have brakes on my winter commuter, even if I never us em.

My 2 cents:

Drop gearing to something like 44-19, if your frame can accommodate use ice spiker tire in the front ( I use a 32c Nokian one) and a Cyclocross tire in the rear (Nokian Ravagozzi 35c works fine, steer clear of Michelin Sprints)