The Kool Stops do a great job, they do squeal though. After they break-in I expect them to quiet down a bit.

With just the coaster brake, I don't have a problem bringing the bike to a halt. However I don't ride at a breakneck pace either. Mine is the S3C hub, and I beleive that's the one that Sheldon Brown disliked. If memory serves, I beleive he stated that the coaster brake (S3C) was subject to impromptu breakage. I'm sure Sheldon was a much more aggresive rider than I, and as I said before, I have no problem with it. I'd never recommend anyone disable their front brake, in fact my Kool Stops are an attempt to improve the front brake.

I really love to ride this bike and hope to ride Lake Pepin with it next year!