Originally Posted by Adagio Corse
Would coaster brakes be an acceptable compromise that removes the need for any brake levers to maintain the simplicity of the SS bike? Or are coaster brake capable hubs either too el cheapo or too dangerous for this sort of activity?
There's really not a huge difference between a breakless fixie (assuming a skilled rider) and a coaster brake only equiped bike. With both setups, the cranks need to be in a specific position before you can start stopping. Also, the rear tire does not provide as much traction for stopping as the front one does. Both bikes loose the ability to brake if the chain falls off or breaks. Both are less than ideal on big hills.
I put a front brake on my Tandem, but my other coaster bike has no front brake. I'd say if you have any large hills or want to ride fast, use a hand brake. (that's pretty much what I would tell someone on a fixed gear too)