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@GA2G
Riding a bike with no braking system, apart from pedal-back fixed gearing, is only for those who are slaves to fashion.
Personally, I cringe when I see it, or hear of it.
Years ago, when I was a courier, I was finishing work for the day, and headed home to Queen's Park, through St.John's Wood. I'd only had one brake working that day, as the cable had snapped. It was a Friday, so I thought I'd fix it on Saturday.
So I was heading down St.John's Wood Road, toward Maida Vale, when my one remaining brake (the front) snapped. I was doing over 20mph heading down the incline, and I could see 4 lanes of traffic traversing across my path........ I prayed, closed my eyes, and went through all 4 lanes of fast moving traffic. If anyone wonders which street this is, it is Edgeware Road. A major route into and out of London.
I couldn't believe I made it, and have since always made sure my brakes are up to scratch.
Anyone thinking that a chain is an infallible, unbreakable thing, may find out the opposite at just the wrong moment. I learnt through sheer luck. I'm hoping that at least one person reading this, choses to re-think, and have a back up braking system on their bike. I know it spoils the lines of purity of design, but health is wealth.