When I was a kid in the mid to late 60s my early bikes had coaster brakes and one speed. I recall on 2 different occasions when the chain came off the chainring, resulting in NO brakes, and both times going down a hill that ended in a cul de sac. Wiped out both times!
However, with HAND operated brakes I have always been able to stop. I did have a cable break, but I was still able to stop.
DPN
Originally Posted by
Keith99
When I was a kid most of us had bikes with 2 or 3 speed hubs where a slight backpedal changed gears and a harder backpedal braked. Most of those bikes had no hand brake for the front.
Drop or break a chain and no brakes.
I never recall that happening, but it is something to consider.