Clipless pedals with coaster brake.
05-17-12, 06:09 AM
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Clipless pedals with coaster brake.
I'm considering putting a 3 speed coaster brake hub on my commuter. Should I keep my clipless pedals or switch to platforms?
Thanks.
Thanks.
05-17-12, 08:29 AM
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Clipless pedals and a Coaster Brake did not mix well for me.
I had an old beater Huffy 3spd with coaster brake and big balloon tires. I thought it would be fun to use it for a charity ride through the City so I mounted up my favorite SPD pedals. At the first light, riding to the event, I almost went out in cross-traffic because I clipped out before the intersection, and my foot slipped off the pedal when I tried to brake. The next intersection, I literally fell over because I stayed clipped in, but didn't unclip quick enough and toppled over after stopping.
I got to an (still uneasy) point where I would unclip one side and use the other foot to brake... but this was not intuitive to me at all. You may be different, but I would not do it again.
I had an old beater Huffy 3spd with coaster brake and big balloon tires. I thought it would be fun to use it for a charity ride through the City so I mounted up my favorite SPD pedals. At the first light, riding to the event, I almost went out in cross-traffic because I clipped out before the intersection, and my foot slipped off the pedal when I tried to brake. The next intersection, I literally fell over because I stayed clipped in, but didn't unclip quick enough and toppled over after stopping.
I got to an (still uneasy) point where I would unclip one side and use the other foot to brake... but this was not intuitive to me at all. You may be different, but I would not do it again.
05-17-12, 10:23 AM
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I agree clipless and coaster brakes aren't a match made in heaven. Switch to flats.
05-17-12, 10:37 AM
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i rode that combination for a while with little trouble. but there WAS a learning curve to hurdle.
05-17-12, 11:10 AM
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The Dos Equis man says: No.
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05-17-12, 11:24 AM
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Yes, please do switch! The operation of a coaster brake could mean real trouble with clipless!!
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My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
05-17-12, 06:23 PM
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05-19-12, 07:17 AM
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If you never used clipless, don't use them on a coaster brake bike. However if you do have lot of experience, it might not be a bad idea especially if the bike has no front brake. By the way, if the bike does not have a front brake, you might want to have one installed. Coaster brakes have their limitation on a downhill and there are only two positions during a pedal stroke where you can stop the bike. Should an emergency happen when you're not in position, an accident can happen.
Back to clipless pedals on a coaster brake bike.
Since I have a lot of experience, it really didn't make much of a difference. At first, I was accidently braking since you are attached to the pedals (nothing serious) so it can make you slightly inefficient. Other than that, you can brake at any position during the pedal stroke! A huge benefit that platforms don't offer.
So that's my opinion. If you have experience in clipless, put them on and see if you like it. If you don't have a front brake, you might want to put clipless pedals giving you the option to brake at any time.
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