This subject has been cropping up across the boards recently, so here's my take on the subject. Enthusiastic new riders who worry that gears are too complex to use or care for,(a baseless worry, IMO, especially nowadays) return riders, custom hobbyists who want to take advantage of the styling possibilities,(anyone you know? :lol: ) and even long-time multi-coggers, who want a cheap go-ahead-and-drop-it-leave-it-outside-just-a-quick-spin bike, all have an interest in this. Many are not familiar with the principles and weaknesses of these devices.
95% of coaster brake hubs sold since the end of the 60's are absolutely inferior to those from before, and the other 5% is old stock or limited production. The overall tendency seems to be an ever-increasing degree of crappiness, :roll: and some are way crappier than others. Sometimes the variable tolerances mesh, sometimes they add up to total failure.
If you wish to hammer your pedals lock to lock in a hurry to tackle off-road, or for skidding and stunts, , or to do no maintainence beyond dumping some dirty nasty 3-in-1 from an open can in it now and then, or you're a 200+ pounder, find an older hub, tandem duty if you can get one, or get used to 20" wheels, because the best ones between now and them were for BMX bikes, and they've pretty much gone to freewheel haven't they? :|
IF they are properly lubed and bearings adjusted. most new hubs will withstand moderate use by small to medium size humans, but if you put them to the test, they just may fail. Sorry, that's just the way it is.
95% of coaster brake hubs sold since the end of the 60's are absolutely inferior to those from before, and the other 5% is old stock or limited production. The overall tendency seems to be an ever-increasing degree of crappiness, :roll: and some are way crappier than others. Sometimes the variable tolerances mesh, sometimes they add up to total failure.
If you wish to hammer your pedals lock to lock in a hurry to tackle off-road, or for skidding and stunts, , or to do no maintainence beyond dumping some dirty nasty 3-in-1 from an open can in it now and then, or you're a 200+ pounder, find an older hub, tandem duty if you can get one, or get used to 20" wheels, because the best ones between now and them were for BMX bikes, and they've pretty much gone to freewheel haven't they? :|
IF they are properly lubed and bearings adjusted. most new hubs will withstand moderate use by small to medium size humans, but if you put them to the test, they just may fail. Sorry, that's just the way it is.
