Cruiser bike newbie

[NW1]

I’ve been looking in my area for a men’s/stepover, 3+ speed cruiser but most of what I see are ladies/stepthroughs or diamond frame bikes.

I’m looking at a used Huffy single-speed cruiser. I obviously don’t want to throw good money after bad, but if I want to upgrade to a multi speed bike, I’m assuming the most cost-effective way to do so would be with a planetary Sturmey-Archer hub. If so:

Are coaster brakes still viable for an adult road bike?

If yes, it’s been decades since I’ve ridden a 3 speed – do coaster brake hubs exist? I understand dropout spacing is a factor if I want to add one.

If no, I’m guessing retrofitting rim or disc brakes reaches a point where the return on investment is not there.

Thanks!

 

[twojs.bike]

This is the best deal I have found for a 3 speed wheelset with coaster. I bought this package once to do exactly what you are thinking about. Pretty good deal. Not the highest quality rim, but fine for a casual cruiser.

https://xdsbikeco.com/products/firmstrong-3-speed-cruiser-bike-rim


It has been a few years, but I think I emailed them and bought just the rear wheel for a discount.