Re:Flat Pack Chainless Bicycle from IKEA
by giardini on Sunday January 15, 2017 @01:01PM
(#13405313)
You should get your coaster brake fixed, since it is apparently dangerous for you.
I have never had a coaster brake failure. Nor have I experienced a problem with engaging the coaster brake as you describe. I have always found the single coaster brake to be more than adequate and to be more reliable than any (set of) handbrake(s). I like the fact that I can skid the rear tire if I apply enough force. I live in a non-hilly area, so YMMV.
I think coaster is fine as backup, but front brake should always be the primary brake as the braking distance using it is much much shorter.
Haven't had a coaster brake since the Schwinn Typhoon I had as a kid in the 1970s but the coaster brake was flawless. I think it was Bendix. Never failed to engage and was very controllable.
Of course Schwinn today is not the same as they were then.
Re:Flat Pack Chainless Bicycle from IKEA
by JoeAltmaier on Sunday January 15, 2017 @12:54PM
(#13405257)
Went bankrupt in 1992, Pacific Bicycle bought the brand. So still a bike in name only
I have a Shimano Nexus 3 speed with a coaster (and hand brakes) that is my daily driver, and where the coaster brake catches is pretty random. I can sometimes make several, as in 3 - 5, full backwards pedal rotations before it catches, other times it catches immediately. I am now in the habit of catching the brake before I descend any large hill. Since I live in Nobb Hill SF, that's every day.