Single-speed... I just don't get it

If i had to run one brake with a freewheel it would be the back, because you can use properly it in corners and low speed manouvers, and if it locks up you aren't fucked.

Its like on a motorbike, you use the front 90% of the time, and only use the rear for corrective braking in the corners, but it is this that makes you able to ride the bike safely. A lot of custom bikes only run a rear brake to achieve a clean look ( a bit like fixed gears), but use a big un and it its perfectly good on the road, though you do sacrifice some ultimate stopping power

Nah man - you only use the rear on a motorbike to kick the back out on the way into a corner to square it off, or to act as gentle traction control if it spins up on the way out....(the second of which is most certainly not activity for mere mortals)

If my motorbikes had no front brakes I wouldn't ride them on the road, end of.

....probably the same with bikes if I was going quick!

:)