2011-04-16 Sat 9pm - London Marathon Ride

I didnt say that was OK either. Where exactly are you getting that from?
I have two brakes on my bike, and also on the polo bike.

When I rode on a velodrome, where riding brakeless is necessary to prevent emergency stops, I rode without a brake.
When I ride in a congested city centre with motorists, other cyclists, pedestrians, and various other moving objects, I try to ensure my own safety and the safety of others. With brakes.
A track bike without brakes is designed for a specific, contained environment.

Anyway I didnt want to get drawn into it. Yet here I am.
I think riding a brakeless track bike around the streets of London is a thick as fucking shit thing to do. Childish, moronic, a false "freedom" to defend. I was pointing out that it still struck me as ridiculous that some people did it, especially on this nighttime group ride.
I dont give a fuck if people think they're riding more careful, it's akin to hearing a motorist saying he drives safer when he doesnt use his brakes, he just accelerates less.

I tried to get into the social aspect of the last city group ride I was on (a circle line ride) when twice some fishtailing skidder fools nearly clipped my front wheel sending me teeth first into the concrete. That tends to draw the focus away from having a chat.

End of my contributions on it.

there is such thing as appropriate ratio... choose the one you can spin, push and stop... you do not necessarily skid in order to stop. although i have to agree that there are plenty of riders pushing too high gear and struggling to stop...