ghostofcrujones

are coaster brakes the best type of brakes for winter riding? I think we have all seen the failure of handbrakes when pads get wet (and drum brakes are a bit out of my price range for a winter beater).

Does anyone have any strong opinions/recommendations whether coaster brakes or two handbrakes for winter riding in snow?

Redrom

I gave this some consideration when building my winter bike, but felt that the rear could lock up too easily with a coaster break. Instead I went with disk breaks, since I felt they would not ice up with snow as easily. Sort of the same concept as the drum break solution but less expensive. I don't have any experience to back it up with as of yet.

jgedwa

One good thing about winter riding is that often one is riding slower, so there is more room for error with brakes. Most any braking system can be used well-enough. But some times are better than others.

-coaster brakes are good
-disk brakes are good or great
-road brakes are not so good
-v or canti brakes are pretty good.
-fixed gear, in conjunction with some other brakes, is great

jim

Kai Winters

Disk brakes are probably the best for winter...wet, cold, etc...conditions. It is a matter of overcoming the problem of wet and perhaps icy rims and rubber brake pads. Not much you can do when the rims are icy. You aren't going to stop or stop easily.
Disk brakes are at the hub area so they are less apt to ice over. Even wet disk brakes work reasonably well but you still have to be aware there may be a reduction of stopping power.

vger285

Ive been using disk breaks on my new ride(country road bob)and so far they are great,pouring rain and they work fine, haven't had snow yet,but im thinking they will be fine.