Hi, My fixed gear/single speed project is about finished but I’m debating between installing one brake or two. Its on old converted TT bike so the rear triangle is drilled for a brake so I’m thinking it may be safer but I may be losing some “cool style” points. Let me know, what would you do?
Dave in VA
No brakes, no need for them on a fixed gear. Just learn to use your brakes to slow down.
DC
I’m not sure who the judges are in the ‘Cool Style’ points contest, but I have put two on mine. I live in a hilly part of the world and one on the front just doesn’t cut it for me. The other reason is that I ride it on the bike paths around town, and I just felt I wanted some extra stopping power. Another reason is that I just don’t like jamming my knees to slow down the momentum.
You could always try it with just a front and see how well it works.
FWIW
DB
Rear brakes are a PITA on fixed bikes - especailly if you flip flop to different sized cogs or use an ENO hub.
I started with two on mine. I live in a hilly area and thought I needed two. However, I cut the rear cable short and the brake was hard to center so I took it off and tried it. Turns out that the rear brake doesn’t do much and I’ve been comfortable without it.
Of course, with just one brake, if something happens to front, you are SOL if you don’t know how to skid. See: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UbkOZDQfQc
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I’m pretty conservative and safety conscious about my bikes. I vote one/front. Your legs provide good speed control of the back.
I went with two on mine. It’s not like you are trying to save weight typically on a fixie, and stopping quickly in traffic or a hill is best done with two brakes I think.
I have just a front brake on mine and it’s never been a problem. I ride lots of hills with it and use it for my daily commute, so lots of riding in traffic.
scott
I have a Phil Wood flip/flop hub but I’m still riding in single speed mode. I know that it would be better training riding fixed, - but I need to practice first. I have a rear and a front brake. I originally wanted to imitate the feel of my racing bike, - but that’s just not possible. Still, living in SF, I think that I need that rear brake. I say put it on, then take it off once you learn to be better at stopping with your legs and front brake. I’m also pretty afraid of blowing out a knee, SF taxicab drivers suck…
Hey Dave, I went w/ two, but the rear one doesn’t do a whole lot. However I think it gives me some security when I’m going dowhhill and don’t want my cadence to get too fast. I’m running a 42/16 w/ a flip-flop hub so I can go SS too. Its a lot of fun, good training too since you get some high cadence work on the downhills and simulated big gear work on the uphills. Be careful when you start riding your fixie it can get addictive.
Peace,
Rob
Wow, a tri frame?? That is an “interesting” fixie conversion!
As for my personal taste, old steel frame one brake on the front with flat bars.
Just started riding fixie a bit after my own project. Front one is enough. You will be riding conservatively at first anyway and you do need to learn the constant rotation of your legs around corners or in traffic. A back brake tends to make you forget that the crank is always spinning.
You don’t need no stinkin brakes on a fixie!
I think it depends on where you live and the condition of your roads. I live in the desert SW where a lot of fine dusty stuff blows around and collects on the roads, especially at intersection. I would really hate to be coming up to a busy cross street and have the front lock up on me. If you live in a place where the weather is damper and the roads get washed off regularly you might be fine with just a front.