But I think most people familiar with any number of fixed-gear advocates will tell you: it's mostly about fashion (in this case, part of the fashion arises from the overall simplicity of the machine).

And if there's one thing that isn't fashionable on a fixed-gear bike, it's a gross cable-pull handbrake.

But yeah, I agree, it's stupid not to have brakes.

In fact, it's illegal to not have a front brake in cities like Austin.

Not to mention that it's downright insane. Ever try skid stopping in the rain?

I guess you can skid and you can use your foot to break the back wheel. If you see messenger races those guys go downhill at 50kmh with pedals spinning free then use foot to break the back wheel, complete insanity if you ask me.

Or you could, you know, use handbrakes. You can still get them on fixies.

It's simply astounding, the number of people who do not understand that most of your braking potential comes from the front wheel.

But it's harder to put your foot on the front wheel at high speed and not fall.

I think track racers would disagree with your last point there but otherwise yes.