Why People Ride Brakeless Fixed Gear Bikes

[@ZachGallardo]

Brakes are death?

[@ejquintana5572]

In some conditions. Yes

[@evacureno8426]

Yes

[@DGSherlock]

nah crashing is bro 🤙🏻

[@jaycee9657]

Zach would you recommend pedal straps if going brake less??? Not that I can really, I'm in the UK, and after the death of a pedestrian due to brake less rider its a hot topic checked on by the feds regularly

[@robest334]

Last two days ago, the sole of my clipless shoes completely tore off while doing a skip stop. Thats why I ride with a brake. Just ride safe and dont die.

[@RuezgaDaniel]

Brakes are like helmets; you can get away with not using them most of the time, but in moments when having them matters most, you'll be glad you have them.

[@silentcyclist]

I ride brakeless and helmetless for 3 years now. 2 years on a road bike and year on brakeless fixed gear.

[@kristyy420]

lots of peple ride brakeless and with helmets on fixies

[@event4216]

@BeboSaab Had I no helmet my head wouldn't be in such a great shape after kid suddenly crossed my path. I better wear stupid helmet than look cool and splashy.

[@shuttzi9878]

U guys have no chill huh Always ride with a helmet if u have one

[@shuttzi9878]

@BeboSaab wow. The delusions u have in your head worries me at this point. I wont state the obvious facts because they're just that, obvious.

[@knarf_on_a_bike]

63 years old, riding brakeless since around 1996. Yeah, it's hard to explain. Zen works as well as anything else. I have had far fewer accidents brakeless than on my road bike. Go figure. . .

[@knarf_on_a_bike]

@BeboSaab nah, my hands are all old and gnarly from getting out and actually riding my bike every day, 12 months a year. Pretty weak though, from not squeezing those needless brake levers. It's more than made up by my massive, Robert Förstemann-like thighs. I could send pictures. . .

[@knarf_on_a_bike]

@BeboSaab you're more of a man than me. LOL! Have a great one. Ride safe.

[@knarf_on_a_bike]

@BeboSaab no hills. LOL. But seriously, I manage to do it without locking up much. That's what kills my knees. So I never lock up. My knees are a bit "tender" still, especially after a long ride - which for me on my fixed gear is around 70 - 100km. I'm not a kid anymore. 😉

[@silentcyclist]

@@knarf_on_a_bike I switched to fixed gear a little more than a year ago. Was a road biker for 5 years, got bored with gears and all gizmos. Good to hear from 64 year old rider, I want to be like you when I grow up. Stay young and never stop riding your bike. )

[@rubo1964]

wow how are your knees

[@Frostyfunta]

I ride with 2 brakes. The two reasons for the front brake are: 1. I need the security since I'm a beginner and 2 because the law says I have to have at least one brake on my bicycle The reason for the 2nd brake is: I think drop bars look ugly with only one brake on one side

[@leduch]

wrong! njoylife

[@vianna1331]

I have both levers on the bars, however I only have the front brake installed, I just like the feeling of riding on the hoods

[@Frostyfunta]

@@vianna1331 that's another good option

[@davidburgess741]

Just need lever next to stem for group rides. No hoods needed on drop bars if it's flat terrain. Like to ride with hands next to stem so brakeless makes sense solo in nowhere.

[@rizen3467]

Thats more like 3 reasons btw

[@primalscream8000]

My big take away: riding with brakes hurts old ladies

[@marianneoelund2940]

I'm an old lady, but I never ride without brakes unless I'm on the track, where everyone else is also riding without brakes.

[@natlawsonvideography]

I wanted to switch to brakeless for a long time. I rode with a front brake for five months and didn't touch it once and then I got into a hairy situation and drifted around the obstacle instead of using my always neglected front brake. I figured if I wasn't going to use it instinctively in an emergency then I might as well just get rid of it. I have been riding brakeless ever since (about two years).

[@chrissollie7126]

Having a break from brakes again

[@Stranger_at_the_Crossroads]

I ride both. I like both. Brakeless is more defensive and stimulating. Riding with brakes you can be more aggressive.

[@DGSherlock]

Not long started riding fixed again after a 3 year break, rode with a front brake in the past but built this bike without one and it feels so much more connected to ride. You really have to be smart and plan ahead and it makes you a better rider, plus it looks cooler without a brake!

[@suhdud4646]

I ride brakeless purely because hospitals accept fixie points, swag and snobbery! Also because being a brakeless proactive cyclist the world and traffic part like the red sea when I roll on by to create the utmost predictable riding experience. Brakeless or brakes, what prevents accidents is perception, prediction, reactions, bike handling. Sometimes we do get ourselves into situations where there is no time for any reaction or prediction and regardless of being brakeless or brakes wont get you out of a shitty situation. You crashed into that old bird not because of brakes but the lack of perception and prediction that she will 90% stop for a changing light.

[@MattSezer]

I agree with most of your points. The one thing that I don’t like about riding brakeless is that you have to make decisions about stopping much further in advance. For instance, you might be going down a hill with a red light at the bottom that will likely turn green by the time you get there, but you don’t know for sure. Riding brakeless, you’d have to start back peddling pretty early on to have your speed under control in case you can’t get through the red and actually need to stop. If you had brakes, you could go much faster down the hill.

[@eknib]

good points!

[@silentcyclist]

I cared about speed when I was riding my road bike. Started riding fixed gear last year, and never had brakes on it. I feel safe on it and always aware of the world around me. Not listening to music and I don't have a cellphone, when I'm riding my bike all I think about is pedaling, and nothing else matters. Riding brakeless makes you safer, I know it sounds dumb, but if you ride brakeless all the time, you know what I'm talking about.

[@silentcyclist]

@BeboSaab I have no fear. Fear makes you weaker.

[@kubrix1222]

Im sure if I had a car with no brakes I would drive more carefully.

[@RE-vl8ii]

But can you stop your car with your legs?

[@roldiniamadeo7163]

@@RE-vl8ii no, but you can just go into your lowest gear to make stopping that much easier. (Not much but its something)

[@noonehere4332]

I drive a fixed gear car brakeless to feel more connected to the road.

[@leduch]

sure engine break!

[@RE-vl8ii]

@@noonehere4332 yea but what ratio?

[@luxtempestas]

Why I rode a brakeless bike in the past: it was fun, I was zen and, mostly, I was dumb AF. My knees and smashed balls and some near death experiences had made me install breaks and later change to single speed with coaster brake.

[@justineaves1977]

Coaster brake forever👍

[@leduch]

yes you are dumb, that your answer

[@marcol7847]

BeboSaab I don’t get it? Is that slow of fast?

[@event4216]

@@justineaves1977 Coaster brake sounds like a plan to use chain for what it weren't designed. And you can't backpedal which is most enjoying aspect of freewheel.

[@playstionproblems]

personally i ride in a hectic city, and not having my front brake would be darn near suicidal. I've also had my chain come off on fast descents before, and if I didn't have a brake I would be in some deep trouble there. That said I do like to try and use the brake as little as possible, and if I ever need the feeling of not having a brake I just ride up on my bullhorns, with the brake lever down by my stem.

[@leduch]

free your brain learn to ride njoylife

[@ashleighmason4982]

I also had my chain off on a descent recently, but brakeless. Fortunately I practiced footjam before 😸

[@silentcyclist]

@@ashleighmason4982 Get chain tensioner.

[@ashleighmason4982]

Chain tensioner on a fixed gear? How do you imagine that? And I have a proper chainline, less than 0,5mm error. Just to much chain slack plus cobbles equals trouble.

[@silentcyclist]

I bought my fixed gear bike brakeless last year. And never had brakes on it since day one. Started thinking about fixed gear bikes many years ago, when I was a road biker. And I knew back then that my fixed gear bike is going to be brakeless, and I had to learn how to brake. It took me few months to feel comfortable on fixed gear, and it took me a year to feel one with a bike. When you are in control of every move, it is a great feeling. I found a perfect bike for life.

[@lol.8579]

Im just scared of the rear tire popping or chain breaking

[@ashhill308]

Don't be, chill out

[@davidszyszka5188]

If your chain were to snap, you could just jam your foot on top of the back tire, and you'll stop

[@askmeaboutmymixtape]

I made the transitions to brakeless during quarantine in chicago while traffic was low, it took a bit of adjustment to my pedal stroke but now it feels totally natural. learning to backpedal/skid from both sides is key!

[@Zachsnotboard]

I'm in Chicago and just got into fixed but I'm having a hard time not getting loose lockring. Can't imagine not having a front break

[@davidburgess741]

Usually about a pound less for no front brake. Really flat around here but there is an aero benefit. Riding in the middle of nowhere can't imagine how he does it in Taipei! Once removed 1/2 of 28 spokes front wheel! No trueing needed afterwards! Added them back after covid struck and started carrying a new spare tire. Solo rides only. Old time steel rider on aluminum fixed track bike. Old school early season training involved spinning 67 inch gear at high rpm. 70 good and 76 when going really well. So I picked a 74. Difference is not keeping constant speed regardless but more rolling with the punches. Sometimes people don't realize I'm riding fixed at all.

[@roberthill3207]

It's a young man's game i played it... all fun until your riding partner or you can't stop when a car door opens not his fault and not avoidable never walked normal again. Fun fun fun don't what to be a downer been around the block a few. Love your enthusiasm and channel have a great day thumbs up stay awesome.

[@silentcyclist]

@BeboSaab Fixed gear bikes were and still are popular since 1900s. You are jealous that your legs are weaker than those who ride fixed.

[@ashleighmason4982]

Please continue, I'll just grab my popcorn 🤣

[@jonathangapay1724]

I ride a steel road bike with disc brakes. That hasn’t stopped me from being hyperaware of my surroundings when I commute around Manila.

[@ejquintana5572]

Riding fixed(no coasting available) is way different from a road bike(coasting available) bro.

[@jonathangapay1724]

@@ejquintana5572 still not an excuse to not be aware of your surroundings when cycling.

[@ejquintana5572]

I know I'm not making a excuse. I'm just pointing out that riding fixed is ways different from riding a conventional bike with the capability of coasting. This matter is for mostly fixed gear riders which think they ride more proactively Brakeless than with brakes. Also brakes on a fixed gear has a Different feeling than coasting then braking.

[@ejquintana5572]

Just sayin that not all riders(on any bike) are proactive. Riding fixed brakeless for us makes it more so reason to be more proactive than normal is all I'm pointing out. Its not to offend anyone. I'm sorry if my comment was offending to you.

[@jonathangapay1724]

Elijohn David Matthew Quintana nah it’s cool. It just irks me to see other cyclists (fixed or geared or whatever) be reckless on the road. Like here some cyclists seem to think that the red light doesn’t apply to them. They just go on, crossing a big ass intersection with trucks and cars crossing.

[@looee___]

I gotta say after a few gnarly crashes on my first fixed gear (midnight blue wabi classic, thanks to you Zach) -- i just can't stop without brakes yet very well. Working my way down from 2 brakes to 1 brake to eventually.. 0! Great video man

[@franciss2529]

Yep, take your time and you can still ride 'brakeless' with a front brake (just try not to use it). Only go brakeless if you're confident in yourself.

[@silentcyclist]

@BeboSaab Fixed gear brakeless is the best. And I travel more than 25mph. Weak legs make you a slow rider.

[@bonesjones5679]

My trick is that I have a front brake but it is so unmaintained it is a 1 time use emergency brake cause it does not spring back. I rely on my legs and reaction time to keep me alive out there.

[@711ramen3]

Looking cool and Zen vs. Having a backup and being practical.

[@rjndll2661]

If it's not on this channel. It's not a topic in the biking realm. This channel is so underrated I hate it. U upload great videos for people to learn from. You rock Zach! 🤙🤙🤙

[@donaldlacombe5471]

I ride brakeless because that's how my brother rode his, and when he passed his bike down to me I decided to as well. I do think it's makes you more engaged but I still find myself having trouble slowing down around blind spots. I'm going to install a front brake as an emergency because I'd personally rather be safe than sorry. Will see how it goes but I don't think I'll bike any more aggressive than I am now.

[@franciss2529]

Zach, you look really healthy in this video! Must be Taiwan and going full zen brakeless. Keep up the great videos, I'd particularly love to see a big all day fixed gear mountain ride.

[@leduch]

come to chamonix brakeless!!!!!!

[@johnnysalgado7695]

That’s why I ride fixed gear, one with the bike and nothing else matters in the world just the surrounding and my fixed gear bike 🚲 and the sunsets while riding 🌅

[@hopetofly]

IMO, brakes are safer for my style of riding. I know I can rely on them in an emergency and not to rely on them too much so that I don't enjoy the ride as much/keep myself riding as carefully if I didnt have them. I started out from a MTB background though so being prepared to use my breaks is second nature to me. HOWEVER, I also ride brakeless on 2 out my 3 fixed gear bikes because its honestly just more fun. you have to ride so differently and be more prepared all the time. I'm not gonna say that it's more dangerous with a brake but you have to make a conscious effort to alter the way you ride if you have no brakes compared to when you do. This takes practice and effort.

[@Presto93]

Just subbed, got gifted a surly cross check and was gonna convert it to fixed. Thanks for all the solid pointers.

[@brianmulford2061]

Loved riding fixed brakeless but now that I am north of 50 years old, the reflexes aren't what they used to be and I have a family that depends on me. Some will hate but I now right single speed with brakes. My main riding preference now is long hill climbing routes and I hate spinning out on descents; brakeless freewheeling is just suicide. I appreciate your channel.

[@-G.e.o.r.g.e]

It’s all flatland where I live so brakeless isn’t a problem. I’ve developed a great foresight when riding and resonate with that flow state mentioned where you’re not thinking, you’re doing.

[@tomaszapata4458]

I ride brakeless. Been riding fixed for about 9 years now. I am 22 with my cutter V5 on velocity rims. Not spectacular but a gem in my eyes. I agree, I do feel one with the bike!

[@ryansugimoto7679]

Respect all original push bikers. Fixed breakless, you’re not on the bike - you are the bike. ...It’s my favorite therapy.

[@klovercast4266]

This sounds more like a personal experience rather then a practical reason: there is no reason you couldn’t have swerved on a bike with brakes, and the argument that having brakes means you will only use them instead of swerving is a user error (not the bikes fault.) hopefully you’ve since improved with your bike skills: but no rational person gets involved in a serious crash - due to not maintaining a safe distance between themselves and the car - to then blame the “bike having brakes” being the issue.

[@MrJFOuel]

Well done video. Sorry I don't support your arguments for not having brakes. Brakeless is probably related to a higher need for taking risks. The brain gets a shot of dopamine. The same argument is heard from people who don't want to wear seatbelts. Now, breakless is fine as long as you don't put other people at risk. That is the issue.

[@chrisbowman2030]

I knew a guy who told me to go brakeless because "it's the best thing ever". Then he hit a car, went OTB and fell on the driveway. Where he was overrun by a car. He ended up with 17 broken bones, including both shoulders, pelvis bone and skull fractures. After one year in hospital he was able to ride again. He also lost his job due to the long recovery time. Sounds like a lot of fun to me.

[@silentcyclist]

@BeboSaab B.S.

[@silentcyclist]

@BeboSaab I have the best bike in the world and I'm happy with it. Sorry, I'm not gay, go talk to other guys.

[@silentcyclist]

@BeboSaab Who are you? Troll with no life?

[@silentcyclist]

@BeboSaab Go find other partner, who is gay and likes your stupid humor.

[@dwenyace5539]

I seldomly use my brakes. I ditched my rear brake 'cause it's redundant. Instead of having an idle aero lever, I just connected it to my bells in order to trigger it. It's fun and unusual. Use your brakes incase of sudden emergency.

[@dansherman1980]

I don’t get the old lady story no brakes you could’ve swerved and made the intersection with brakes the same could’ve been achieved instead of coming to a stop.

[@rewop12]

Even though I never used the brakes on my bike, when I took one of my brakes off it felt way different in a good way

[@sawomirsliwicki5373]

Fixie with breaks is like cow with the 5th leg in the front. The part about the flow and zen very accurate regarding riding fixie. 😊 Take care. 😊

[@fiatfixie4344]

The gearing has a lot to do with it also. The taller of a gear you run, to more leverage that rear wheel has over the cranks. Going brakeless becomes a no go.

[@ever2gut1]

"Running the red, killing the peds" Gives us a shirt @zach!

[@terranovnicek1567]

I rode a freewheel BMX without brakes for years as a kid. Most of my riding was done on dirt roads, however. I just built my first fixie and wrapped the old bars without levers. I rode it for 2 or 3 rides before I took the neck off and put a set of flat bars and a front brake on. Maybe one day I'll be confident enough to ride around my busy town with no brakes, but now is not that time

[@OGxBUCCWEET]

Why would u even want to? No other machine known to man is there a conversation about "should I remove the brakes or not".

[@vianna1331]

I have 2 fixed gears, one with brakes and one without,I enjoy riding brakeless a lot more, because it makes me pay so much more attention to what I'm doing, with brakes I can just mash the pedals e don't have to concentrate quite as much

[@Ivan-zf6wd]

Hey Zack, are you selling those brakes? I'm in the process of buying the exact same model but I'd rather get used ones than buying new...

[@fannaliameow]

What a fun surprise seeing the name Csíkszentmihályi Mihály in this video as a random hungarian subscriber

[@bastinjieber5194]

FUCKIN YES ZACH YOU ARE NOW CONNECTED TO US BRAKELESS RIDERS ♥️

[@dundeedideley1773]

It's illegal most places for a reason. By the way guys, does this comment section sound like it has a lot of echo?

[@PEBelarus]

Great video my friend. Riding brakeless is really the only way to go. and you're right, it's something that you get a taste for and once you get that tastes and learn what it is "to be one with the wheel", you just don't want to ride any other way. Great video.

[@hornheavy8463]

Those bars look gigantic!

[@bikeman7982]

I like riding my fixed gear bike with the fixed cog on the non-drive side, i.e., with the freewheel side in the drivetrain :-). Needless to say, I have both front and rear brakes.

[@noonehere4332]

People with safety gear tend to take more risks.

[@mark_vs___]

this is a beatiful video lol. love your bike too, those wabis are really nice

[@filippo9419]

I studied psychology and the "flow experience" is much more than that. It is a sense of pure involvement in an activity caused by a perfect balance of personal skills and challenge. By the way I totally agree with you. Stay safe

[@theonlyalan731]

Do not have brakes on my fixed gear road bikes. However, I do have a front disc brake on my fixed gear cyclocross bike and I have disc brakes front and rear on my fixed gear mountain bike.

[@jamesmitchell6209]

fixed gear mountain bikes are a thing??? wouldnt they not handle jumps very well?

[@theonlyalan731]

@@jamesmitchell6209 yes, it's no good for jumping. But if I plan to jump, I'll use my other mountain bike.

[@silentcyclist]

Wow, fixed gear cyclocross. Never seen those. I bet you need disk brake when you go on crazy trails. Does your mountain bike have suspension?

[@theonlyalan731]

@@silentcyclist yeah, fixed gear cross is fun. But not terribly practical. The disc brake really helps. My fixed gear mountain bike does not have suspension. My regular mountain bike (kona big hanzo st) has 150 mm suspension fork but no rear suspension.

[@silentcyclist]

@@theonlyalan731 I started my cycling life with mountain bikes, then switched to road bike for few years. And switched to fixed gear year ago, and I never had so much fun on other kind of bikes. Every ride on fixed gear is adventure.

[@rubo1964]

Riding Reynolds 531 1978 Team Record Raleigh upgraded breaks wheels bottom bracket.Tiagra derailleur rear only one large 52 chain 8speed. Its ZEN best experience on a bike for me better then my Specialized Allez Carbon. I think you must find the bike you get connected and chances are old Steel bike might do!

[@brosettastone7520]

hey zach, what do you use to film your riding view of the handlebars looking forward? a chest mount of some type?

[@downfix]

I can totally relate. Added a brake, and depended on the brake all the time. After some time I had to re-learn how to skid. After that have never put the brake back on... One of your best videos, keep the good work up man.

[@ashleighmason4982]

Actually you have two brakes on a "brakeless" fixed gear. Main one by backpedaling or skidding, and also an emergency footjam, rear or front. I've learned it from BMX guys. Seriously, practice stopping your bike by putting your shoe on the tire before you go brakeless. It can save your butt.

[@silentcyclist]

It saved mine few months ago.

[@Marcus538]

I had a broken back , fixed it with a fixie in part ,braking using yiur legs is excellent ,free wheel bikes are wrong , i have a brake dont use it , bike brakes arent much good any way

[@vinnowater]

Front brake only here ! I have contemplated the idea of taking it off but my commute is 45 minutes long (I have to cross Paris from west to east) and my job is quite hard on my body already so I like to rely on something else than the energy that’s left inside my legs when I get back home completely exhausted or carrying loads of stuff. I will try it someday tho, just to make sure I’m not missing on something by wanting to feel safe enough that I can enjoy a podcast while riding in a big city.

[@floppycheese96]

Bikes look so much cooler brakeless IMO, but in the UK it's illegal to cycle in public without at least 2 methods of effective braking (back pedalling counts as one!), I'm still pretty new to fixed gear but I want to get to the point where I'm fine with taking off the rear brake, and I'm making more and more journeys where I don't even touch the brake levers.

[@B_COOPER]

This is not something you should be influencing Zach, you’re reasonably the most known fixed gear content creator. Consider why there’s always two braking systems on bikes and an emergency brake on cars. Look up the Charlie Alliston case in UK. If your state or country requires brakes by law then you are liable for anything that happens

[@Yu-su3vh]

Been riding my fixed for 5 years and one day I hit an old man Idk he suddenly appears in front of me and skid wasn't enough to stop the bike on that moment and hit him were both ok and he forgive me and said Takecare nxt time. That time I decided to put brakes on my fixie

[@jakubfabisiak9810]

I have a front brake on my fixed gear, and I mostly use it at traffic lights to lock the front wheel, and then use my left leg (which is connected to my clipless pedals) to raise the rear of my bike, and set the pedals in my preferred starting position (left foot forward when I start). I also have it for emergencies, but for the most part (easily 90% of the time) I just backpedal to slow down.

[@davidburgess741]

Yes, I do miss that when riding brakeless. Stop mostly under shade trees in this unbearable heat and track stand at intersections. Track stands easier with toe clearance.

[@thisnameisfake5657]

I ride an old steel road bike, the break levers don't work so they act more as speed control than actual stopping power. so I can understand the appeal of that awareness but actually having control

[@prodifycycling4177]

Bro, I liked this! Riding with Patrick Fixie King and the Phixed Kings crew definitely influenced me to ride brskeless. I dont know what it was, but riding brskeless fixed was way more fun. I'm not going to lie at first I was scared to death riding in public, but after watching your video as well as others on how to ride fixed, I'm much more confident. Long story short I switched back to the freewheel with brakes because I did not want to develop bad knees but all in all it was a fun experience. Btw check out the video I did on "How To Wheelie A Bike" where I actually did this on a fixed gear bike and that was my first time doing a wheelie on a fixed gear, LOL.

[@alldaytony2751]

Nope, i rather have brakes. Cars jump in front of me all the time.

[@leduch]

what! car jump in front of you all the time!!!,?stop low riding area!!!!jump dumb!! njoylife

[@tacticalmosquitoeater]

Learn to skidddd

[@alldaytony2751]

Nope im good

[@caniwasteallyourtimeherein9728]

@@tacticalmosquitoeater sure you can skid to heaven but it isn't always enough in mortal world.

[@tacticalmosquitoeater]

@@caniwasteallyourtimeherein9728 practice makes perfect my friend

[@gustavochiozza6465]

Hi Zak. I like your videos (except for the fact that you speak very fast -my English is poor-) and I am very interested in trying a fixie. Let me tell you my story. I am nearly 60 years old, live in Argentina. When I was a child (12 or 13 years old) me and my friends like to ride bikes all day. They were regular bikes, nothing special. We loved to take out all extra gear, at that time all bikes we can afford were single speed, but we ride them without brakes. We used to put our shoes right on the wheel to stop the bike. The front wheel usually, buy also the rear wheel . At that time in Argentina th traffic was not o heavy like now. Oh man, those were funny days!

[@collinoneill9838]

Honestly I am kind of laughing that it seems so hard for you to adapt to brakes. It isn't rocket science. You don't need to touch the brake if you don't want to. Just ignore them until you truly are in a *dekcuf* situation. My personal switch to brakes took the form of a thrown chain on a fast downhill. I lost a lot of skin that day. Ideally a single front brake is the best mix of safety and freedom.

[@711ramen3]

Macho Zen is phobic to common sense

[@Max-xl3ml]

The dream for me is a fixed gear with a massive disc brake in the front lol.

[@ashhill308]

Disc brakes are 2x death

[@Max-xl3ml]

@@ashhill308 stopies tho 🤘lol. Plus I do a lot of steep offroad riding and just back pedaling is sketch.

[@beofux3356]

I don't feel the Zen in the traffic I have to deal with ... if I want to stay legal.😔

[@Path_Less_Traveled]

I've been using coaster breaks, yes ik... But I've come to realize that my riding even with just those feels better than with actual levers

[@wimsundstrom2249]

Man says he crashes in to a old lady and proceeds to take off the brake and to add to this he rides without a helmet. 🙂Just a joke comment.

[@caniwasteallyourtimeherein9728]

I use rear brake only on my fixed gear. Bully me.

[@kimkrimson]

I can have perfect flow on a bike with gears and brakes. To feel the different cogs how the chain flows from one to another. Being part of a more complex machine. I understand it is easier to flow on a fixi but it is possible on any bike

[@marcosmontoya1484]

4:20 Gravel Gang

[@lindzee924]

I wish I was in Taiwan. Covid19 , here in the USA, is just awful. You are so much safer, there, Zach. Keep those wheels rollin' !

[@VideoGameAtlas]

Hey Zach, great vid. Don't have a comment on cycling as I haven't tried fixed yet, but I was wondering what the music is in this video. Can you post it?

[@TrevorCanToo]

Fixed gears were introduced to me as a kid with no brakes so the idea of breaks on my bike is so foreign and kinda disgusts me. Not saying that concededly just how I feel. When you get used to maneuvering the bike with no breaks it feels odd to ride a bike with breaks

[@SimplicityForGood]

I want advice: I bought a Genesis Flyer 2021 in aluminum... the seller was really quick and gave me a 120 dollar off and then they rebuilt it to a fixie with raiser bars directly in the store... I bought it the day before Christmas as a gift to myself... but when I tried it crossing some pedestrian edges between street and pedestrian pavement it felt really harsh crushing into the edges/stones... is the Genesis Flyer 2021 in aluminum a real horrible buy!? Have I thrown my money in the garbage!? I payed 7450 sek which is about 750 Euro... and then a good lock, raisers, grips, cog, front brake etc and ended up at 1040 sek 1040 euro or somewhere around those number!? Should I return it!? I was looking for a Cinelli Tipo Pista but they had none... Then I sae this to me totally unknown brand Genesis and the size was pretty good for me when I tested it... But after having tested it at home I started to have second thoughts... actually the first thing that happened at Christmas when I tested it is that I got hit by a taxi and got stuck in the straps and hurt my elbow and hip as I smacked right down in the ice beneath the taxi! 🥶🤕... so got kind of complex feelings if I will learn fixie now at all... any advice is good! the owner said he will take 70 dollar / euro to re-ensemble the bike to the single gear with drop bars as it was sold if I turn it back and I of course need to keep the raisers, grips, straps and lock... so is a loss but maybe is a loss worth to take to find a better choice down the road!? what you guys think!? Thanks a lot from a beginner! 🙏🏻

[@hurricaneheli79]

My MTN bike, brakes My BMX bike, brakeless My fixed, I still don't have one.

[@rodrigoulloa6992]

Damn Zach finally fixed his hair lookin 👌🏻

[@Cube_Ernator1077]

Yeah, I feel "connected" to my steamroller too-Fixed gear IS Way better than either Freewheel or geared. :-)

[@Cube_Ernator1077]

@BeboSaab 'Different strokes for different folks'. No ONE is Forcing you to ride Fixed. Fixed riding in the country Is Relaxed riding.

[@Cube_Ernator1077]

@BeboSaab And for ANY other Reason people can Choose! My Steamroller's gearing of 48/19 and 153mm crank arms, makes for a perfect 'Exercise Machine'. Any thing else I can help you with?

[@Cube_Ernator1077]

@BeboSaab It Is evident, that there is a Huge number of things, that you Don't Know .... I'd suggest formal education at higher than 6th grade, would be of help to you.

[@Cube_Ernator1077]

@BeboSaab And ...yet ..... You Didn't Know that "153mm crank arms are made" Or that people choose many different types of Bicycles to suit what-ever their Needs may be? Are you a bike Rider (at all?) or simply a KZbin Wannabe Ignorant Whiner?

[@Cube_Ernator1077]

@BeboSaab I stand just under 6 feet and have a degenerative nerve condition in both feet. My specialist Doctor suggested Fixed gear to increase circulation and strengthen my feet. My steamroller came standard with 172mm crank arms. I didn't like the toe-overlap so changing to a smaller length greatly helped.

[@TL243]

Joy can be found in all bikes. Just know that brakeless is meant for the track. But I like the hand positions they offer Go Zach! Did u do the KOM fixed before you have to leave Taiwan???

[@LanceAvion]

I'm ignorant on this topic. When I see "brakeless bike" I ask myself "how would I stop?" The only realistic options are via friction (a rolling stop until you can use your feet), extending your path into a rolling stop (wide zigzagging to give yourself more time), and crashing (either a controlled crash or an accidental one). The concept just doesn't make sense to me or seem safe, can anyone clarify? P.S: In the video, he's referring to "front brake" in relation to his "breakless bike." Does "brakeless" actually mean "single brake?"

[@silentcyclist]

It means no brakes. On fixed gear you stop with your leg muscles. I was a road biker for 5 years, and switched to fixed gear last year. And I never had brakes on it, but were careful first few months. You should try riding fixed gear, before you say anything about it.

[@LanceAvion]

@@silentcyclist Ok answer this for me mate. The bike has no brakes right? So how exactly do you stop? You mentioned having strong leg muscles. Are you implying that to stop or slow down you basically drag your foot (or feet) along the ground like some sort of anchor? I've never seen someone right a bike that functions like that in my life.

[@silentcyclist]

@@LanceAvion No. You should try riding fixed gear, it's hard to explain.

[@kuivaa]

Aside from the whole theme here, those are some sweet brake levers! Do you know the make and model?

[@Bounceoo7]

Great vid. Brakes that are ill maintained and don't stop well are death.

[@knarf_on_a_bike]

By the way, that feeling of "being at one with the bike" is a thing. Brake-ists don't get it, and that's cool. Riding whatever you want, with as many brakes as you want, it's all good. Just riding your bike is the main thing. But no brakes is real.

[@junreaksaa]

I have front brakes cause sometimes my leg is tired of braking.

[@XinneH]

I prefer mine with a front brake simply because I live on the hills. Like every time I decide to even take a stroll or just a chill ride in my town I find myself going up and down steep ass hills lmao.

[@patrickacebernardo2048]

I feel the same way! That feeling that you think your connected to the bike lol.

[@franciss2529]

I ride with a front brake and am considering going brakeless when I move to a flatter city, I remember commuting and barely using it at all but now I'm using my front brake almost all the time, not sure why but I loved commuting and trying not to brake on long descents. I feel that sometimes brakeless is fun, but only in small doses. It's like a weird drug in a way.

[@event4216]

Now we have got a solution how to tame motorists. Make cars without brakes and replace engines with a pair of cranks under dashboard.

[@greatestcait]

Reasons I don't ride brakeless 1. The hoods are comfy, man. 2. The law requires me to have a front brake on my bike. 3. One brake is uglier than two brakes. Reasons I'd like to try riding brakeless 1. The aesthetics. It's so clean. 2. No uggo cables. 3. Might be fun.

[@silentcyclist]

Try different handlebars.

[@benoitpoirier3941]

I ride brakeless on my daily . But I have a steel road bike convert in fixie with front rack for carrying things , and I prefer ride it with front brakes ! But yes , I like my daily because it's brakeless :)

[@marcol7847]

Can I get some help? I just purchased a leader fixie with no brakes and want to add rear brakes. The rim In the back says sun ringle mtx 33 and online says disk rim. So that means if I want to add rear brakes I have to look in disk applications? Thank you!! And thanks for all your useful videos !

[@JustSueMe]

You do feel more connected with breakless, but it's also very limiting on how you ride your bike, especially riding along with other people that don't run breakless fixed. Also, riding a stiff aggressive track geo while being ultra proactive and less reactive is kinda losing the entire point of the bike and it's not fun for me.

[@Its_Relic]

Oh how we love Zach

[@kyledavidtancinco5173]

That flow state reference tho. Super on point