Originally Posted by genericbikedude
Coaster brakes ARE good for winter, in that they are self-contained, and work equally well in poor or good weather. However, coaster brakes do not work as well as a well-adjusted front brake with kool-stop salmon pads in ANY weather.
The bearings also suck, and they are heavy. You really don't need rear brakes at all. In my experience, they hardly do anything unless you have discs or very good vbrakes. If you don't like your fixie in congested areas, consider lowering your gear ratio.
You really can't rely on a coaster brake to stop yourself. You need at least one other brake.
Coaster brakes are good for scrubbing off a bit of speed. Like when you're about to enter a corner too fast. Being able to reduce your speed without having to use your hands is kool.
Coaster brakes have another good attribute: they freewheel without any ratchet noise. So they're the most quiet rear hub.
They take a little getting used to. And they may not be your cup of tea. But, as someone pointed out above, the old ones are well made and they're easy to maintain and they go forever.
MG