The brakes work, but not very well. According to the owner of the bike, you'd need to give yourself double the stopping distance as you would on a road bike with properly-functioning brakes. BF has done what he can with them, and I think taking it to the LBS (especially since I have just over a week max of riding this thing) is more trouble than the bike is worth. I'm riding around in an empty parking lot, so people behind me is not a huge issue.

It's more psychological than anything to do with the bike itself. I know the only reason I can actually stop the bike with my feet is that it's too small for me. What I think it is that I don't trust them, and since I learned to ride a bike with coaster brakes (or....just feet), my feet are my go-to method for stopping the bike. I'm counting the days until I'll be able to buy the road bike. I'll have a bike with good brakes and I won't be able to use my feet.

Psyclepath--that drill sounds perfect! I'll try that.