Fixed gear bikes

The main problem with using fixed-gear bikes in an urban environment is the lack of brakes. Since the only way to stop a fixed-gear bike is to stand on the pedals, it requires much more strength and concentration. In addition, the time it takes to stop a fixed wheel bike is significently longer. The stop and go traffic in the city, coupled with the ever-present driver who cuts you off, makes the bike much more dangerous than a regular bike. If you do decide to go fixed-gear in the city, make sure that you practice alot beforehand. Take the bike to a park and become familiar with the distance required to stop. The hardest part ot get over is the fact that when you stop pedaling and rest your feet on the pedals, the bike will not coast. Instead, the pedals will continue to turn and throw you off, if you are not ready.

First, I am married and somewhat older so I do have a front brake. But the question is, what do you intend to do on your bike? Commuting is different from bicycle messenger. Too, the choice of gear has an impact (unfortunate choice of words) on how easy/hard it is to stop. Even the gear ratio has an effect on stopping distance. That said, I love taking my track bike out in semi-rural PA. Over the same course, with about 1,000 ft. of climb, the track bike is about 2 minutes faster in a 15 mile trip relative to a road bike. Hills force a sprint up and prayers down. For improving your technique there are few better tools than a track bike. You learn to make every pedal stroke perfect lest you rip out you ankle, knee, and/or hip.

Fixed gear track bikes are suitable for any urban task, the reasons being that 1). these machines are specifically designed to withstand tremendous forces, especially when a trackie gives it his all., 2). the design of the frame is such that all of the angles are tight to allow for precise manouvering. A lot of cyclists will argue these points, I say get to a track bike builder then spend some time on an indoor track. I have ridden a track bike for twenty years, and it's never let me down.

yes.

the fixed gear is a braking mechanism itself.

also if your gonna be a pussy you can put a front brake on it.

its also better for your knees.

but look up the definition for a brake. fixed gear fits it.