I've kept the rear brake on my convert. It has a flip flop hub but apart from the first 200 metres of riding, it's always been on the fixed gear. I suppose there's a chance I'll switch it back for some reason but I don't plan to, especially now that I'm used to, and enjoying, riding fixed.
My question is, what purpose does the rear brake serve on a fixed gear bike? I only use the front brake but ride carefully enough not to have hit the brakes in an emergency yet. I would have thought I could go over the bars with only the front brake yet plenty of people do away with the back brake.
Also, if I ever flipped over to the freewheel would I be advised to definitely have the rear brake available or is it the same either way?
Thanks
My question is, what purpose does the rear brake serve on a fixed gear bike? I only use the front brake but ride carefully enough not to have hit the brakes in an emergency yet. I would have thought I could go over the bars with only the front brake yet plenty of people do away with the back brake.
Also, if I ever flipped over to the freewheel would I be advised to definitely have the rear brake available or is it the same either way?
Thanks