Rear Brake Only?

[02gf74]

not sure why you want to do this but your ability to stop quickly and safely under control will be impaired.

in the worst case, you kill yourself or end up in a wheelchair for the rest of your life eating cheddar cheese macaroni through a straw or it may be perfectly fine.

of course the above worst case happens for bikes with both brakes.

since none of us here can predict what riding situations you will encounter, it is up to you to perform a risk assessment and decide what to do.

I vote no.

 

[azaro]

I rode down a wet slate river bed recently with just a rear brake (through necessity, not choice!)
Wouldn't recommend it!

Not only did I need new bolts to re-attach the front caliper (yes, I was using discs ), but also needed new shorts!!!

 

[Danone]

Not enough braking power particularly on descents, I considered this myself when updating my forks but there are few new models with v brake compatibilty.

I don't want to upgrade my front wheel to disc because my frame has no disc brake mounts. I would have a disc brake at front and v brake at rear.

Anyone tried this setup?

 

[danson67]

You can use as few brakes as you want...(that's a matter between you, your conscience, Police, insurers and personal injury lawyers)

but the Law requires two independent braking systems on bicycles and tricycles in the UK. This can be 2 brakes on a single wheel, fixed wheels, coaster brakes, rim brakes, drum brakes, spoon paddles, rod brakes all count.

Just a fixed wheel is illegal, anything with a freewheel requires two brakes. Front brakes are hugely preferable to rear brakes (ask any motorcyclist).

The penalty is unlikely to be anything much...on the spot fine, caution, present a legal bike at the station within 7 days etc.

However, riding a bike which is not legal on UK rights of way is seen as negligence. This could lose you the majority, or even 100% of any injury claim in the event of an accident. Even not wearing a helmet could cost you 30% these days, whether or not a head injury is involved.

Sleep well,