Neil Foddering wrote:
> I've ridden fixed wheel bikes with both one and two brakes, and have never had a problem when applying the rear. Having said that, I shall, no doubt, come a cropper when I next do so...
>
I believe that the reason for just having a front brake on a fixed wheel bike is to save weight. In countries with bicycle laws that are enforced, two independent brakes are required and a fixed wheel qualifies as a brake. As for applying a rear hand brake while also slowing a fixed wheel bike with one's legs, I expect the worst that could happen would be locking up the rear wheel.
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John Betmanis Woodstock, Ontario Canada