Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Newbie Question

Hello - I'm new to the world of fixed/single speed. I will be building up my '87 Paramount as a single speed and am think of doing so with a coaster brake and flat bar for use as a comfortable high-end boardwalk cruiser (I live at the Jersey shore). Am wondering if anyone has any recommendations for a quality rear hub with the coaster brake? I have a 130mm spacing on the chainstays as I used to run this bike with a Campy 10-speed group.

Also, I would like some opinions on why I should or shouldn't go with coaster brake as opposed to a fixed gear, etc.

Thanks for your input.

Hello, Again:

Let me add freewheel hub to my question above. I could then run a rear brake and cross lever to actuate.

Thanks.

You'll probably have a hard time finding a high end coaster brake. Search this forum from a week or two ago, there was someone else asking the same and there's some info there. Personally, I'd only run the coaster if you already have it. If you are building a wheel I'd go fixed. If you don't wind up liking it you can always stick a standard freewheel on it if you want coasting action. As far as why go fixed - it's difficult to describe, but the feeling of being directly connected to your bike, the rhythm of the pedals and the control you have over speed are all good reasons. And it's just plain fun. It's a pretty amazing ride that becomes addictive.

I kinda doubt there was ever such a thing as a high quality coaster brake hub. I'd guess most were not designed with "performance" in mind, but rather with low cost, durability, and practicality rather than performance. Some folks do seem to have a preference for old Bendix, Morrow, or Sachs coasters. I tend to think it's mostly warm and fuzzy feelings for old time stuff.

I tend to think of single speed/fixed gear bikes as practicing simplicity. And as such, I have a hard time fretting over the minutiae. I like to just put together what works and go with it. A nice antidote for the typical gearhead.