Originally Posted by
mathletics
Can someone please explain why the rear brake is a bad idea? I know everyone says so and seems to think that peer pressure alone should be reason enough, but I just don't see what the problem is, especially considering the number of coaster brakes on the road.
Coaster brakes go on beach cruisers and childrens bikes, not practical transportation.
The problem with a rear brake alone is that it cannot stop you anywhere near as quick as a front brake. A front brake alone is a bad choice too because in poor traction situations it can cause you to bail (in a move that a TdF commentator called "the front brake mistake"). Ultimately for a practical bike you need a way to slow both wheels.
But this is the forum where we ride brakeless fg, which is essentially a bad rear brake, so do what you want. The bottom line is, just because something is dumb doesn't mean you can't pull it off and have fun with it.