Coaster vs roller brake
12-06-22, 12:01 PM
#26
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The design/quality of some of the gears has been questionable, but AFAIK the drum brake components all work pretty well - I'd choose them over roller brakes every time, if that were the only consideration.
12-06-22, 12:07 PM
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A semantic quibble.
The statement was about brake mechanism capabilities, not how best to stop a bike.
The ability to lock the wheel is a litmus test, confirming that the brake can meet or exceed the maximum possible torque requirements. Modulation for best and safer stopping power is the operators responsibility, not the brakes.
The statement was about brake mechanism capabilities, not how best to stop a bike.
The ability to lock the wheel is a litmus test, confirming that the brake can meet or exceed the maximum possible torque requirements. Modulation for best and safer stopping power is the operators responsibility, not the brakes.
12-06-22, 01:16 PM
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Yes, that's assumed.
However, "Litmus Test" implies a binary standard. As a practical matter it's easier to establish a line at exceeding anything that might be needed, rather than subjective questions of modulation. Unless there's evidence that either is materially harder to modulate, to the point that we could consider it unsafe.
However, "Litmus Test" implies a binary standard. As a practical matter it's easier to establish a line at exceeding anything that might be needed, rather than subjective questions of modulation. Unless there's evidence that either is materially harder to modulate, to the point that we could consider it unsafe.
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An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
Last edited by FBinNY; 12-06-22 at 01:35 PM.
12-06-22, 01:20 PM
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The CCM 3 speed with 2017 SA X-RD3 did 3 mile centuries in 12 days last summer. LOL. EASY as pie. If I don't dawdle after lunch, it is with 7Hr20 min moving time.
The more finicky 5w has done 133.6 miles in 12.5 hours and has done 45 mph several times. The key nubs were catching on the planet cage opening. So I filed off the corners. Both are very easy to take apart, unlike ANY other hub.
Last edited by GamblerGORD53; 12-06-22 at 01:23 PM.
12-06-22, 01:50 PM
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The CCM 3 speed with 2017 SA X-RD3 did 3 mile centuries in 12 days last summer. LOL. EASY as pie. If I don't dawdle after lunch, it is with 7Hr20 min moving time.
The more finicky 5w has done 133.6 miles in 12.5 hours and has done 45 mph several times. The key nubs were catching on the planet cage opening. So I filed off the corners. Both are very easy to take apart, unlike ANY other hub.
12-07-22, 12:02 AM
#31
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The day I dropped in a bowl in the skatepark on a cruiser, and locked up the backwheel, and ate it, was the day I said; "eff coaster brakes".
12-07-22, 06:54 PM
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I see that the requirement of locking up the wheel is the test for how well a brake works. As a Clyde being able to lock up my brakes does not happen, even with my Witcomb which has Mafac center pulls that are mounted on studs, and I cannot lock those up.
That coaster brake bike works, so what if the chain breaks, reach up with my foot and place it on top of the front tire and slow myself down.
Roller brakes and the cheap drum brakes that are similar will also stop you.
Being alert and having good modulation are the important ideas. Seeing what is around you and being able to keep your brakes from locking up but stopping you in the most powerful way is the goal. Locking up your brakes is not the best way to stop unless you are sliding your bike sideways.
Sometimes you just cannot stop in time and then the schmidt hits the fan, this is beyond the brake's ability and above your alert level.
Now to address the OPs question
With a good front brake, either works well. The coaster brake can also have a hand operated rear rim brake giving you 3 brakes, one operated by your feet and 2 operated by you hands. The coaster brake, while adequate, is not really serviceable except by replacement and it will be your only rear brake.
Pros
Coaster; simple to use and serviceable.
Roller; Simple to use
Cons
Coaster, Chain breakage negates brake, foot position dictates braking ability, needs greased
Roller, not serviceable, Cable breakage negates brake, needs greased.
The decision is "how do you want to brake, with your hand or feet?"
That coaster brake bike works, so what if the chain breaks, reach up with my foot and place it on top of the front tire and slow myself down.
Roller brakes and the cheap drum brakes that are similar will also stop you.
Being alert and having good modulation are the important ideas. Seeing what is around you and being able to keep your brakes from locking up but stopping you in the most powerful way is the goal. Locking up your brakes is not the best way to stop unless you are sliding your bike sideways.
Sometimes you just cannot stop in time and then the schmidt hits the fan, this is beyond the brake's ability and above your alert level.
Now to address the OPs question
Pros
Coaster; simple to use and serviceable.
Roller; Simple to use
Cons
Coaster, Chain breakage negates brake, foot position dictates braking ability, needs greased
Roller, not serviceable, Cable breakage negates brake, needs greased.
The decision is "how do you want to brake, with your hand or feet?"
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