Originally Posted by Bikeophile
guys be careful with the coaster hubs though. There isn't one on the market that is "GOOD". None of them will last you more than 1 or 2 winters if you ride year round. They are tough to service too...FUN though.
Hi....
While I agree that there are no "GOOD" coaster brakes (as compared to yesteryear) in production today, there are lot's of older coaster brakes that are quite nice. I've found some real treasures in the back of local bike shops or at swap meets. And yes, I agree that a modern production coaster brake (eg shimano/KT) will last only a year or two ... if it's never serviced. If a person is mechanically inclined, and can exercise a modicum of patience, servicing a coaster brake is not tough. It varies a bit from brake to brake (read: don't screw with a real Morrow unless you REALLY know what you're doing) but 99% of the CB's out there work the same way.
Awhile ago I put together some photos for servicing a Bendix redline. A shimano brake differs only in the addition of a small spring assembly attached to the end of the clutch. I have a very large collection of coaster brakes with samples of just about every brake manufactured. If someone needs a photo set showing the assembly/disassembly of any coaster brake, let me know.
One thing we can all agree on is the need for a front brake .... not because a well-maintained coaster brake is unreliable, but because they will get real HOT if used as the only brake during long-ish descents.
Take care...
Jim
PS: Here are the Bendix photos:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=57248