How to stop at intersections with a coaster brake?
#1
Thread Starter
Rider
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,077
Likes: 5
From: Matanuska-Susitna Borough, AK
How to stop at intersections with a coaster brake?
Because I need to be able to include a bus on my commute in my new city, traded from my Xtracycle and ordered a Worksman LGB. It hasn't gotten here, so i'm using a Walmart single speed with a coaster brake. The worksman will have a coaster too, though it will be a 3-speed internal hub. Same problem applies.
How do I stop for intersections and such?
I'm used to: Coast and stand on one foot, we'll say the left foot, while applying the hand brake. Step off on the right. Kick the crank back and hold the bike, resting my left foot on the pedal, forward. When ready to go, step on the left pedal and sit on the saddle, riding off.
So far i've only found two alternatives.
A: Stand on left pedal. Push back with right foot to stop. Step off of bike on right side. Kick pedal forward with left foot. Look silly because I can't spin the pedal backward on a coastered bike. When ready to go, awkwardly push/jump forward a step or three and stand on the left pedal, then try to pull the right pedal forward enough to get power, while wobbling slowly into the intersection and fighting to climb the roadway camber.
B: Stop pedaling with crank at power point of turn. Step back with right foot to stop. Slowly tip over to the right, catching myself on my right leg before I fall completely over. When ready to go, step on the pedal as with a geared bike.
Y'know, i'm sure there has to be a better technique than that. Can someone tell me what it is?
How do I stop for intersections and such?
I'm used to: Coast and stand on one foot, we'll say the left foot, while applying the hand brake. Step off on the right. Kick the crank back and hold the bike, resting my left foot on the pedal, forward. When ready to go, step on the left pedal and sit on the saddle, riding off.
So far i've only found two alternatives.
A: Stand on left pedal. Push back with right foot to stop. Step off of bike on right side. Kick pedal forward with left foot. Look silly because I can't spin the pedal backward on a coastered bike. When ready to go, awkwardly push/jump forward a step or three and stand on the left pedal, then try to pull the right pedal forward enough to get power, while wobbling slowly into the intersection and fighting to climb the roadway camber.
B: Stop pedaling with crank at power point of turn. Step back with right foot to stop. Slowly tip over to the right, catching myself on my right leg before I fall completely over. When ready to go, step on the pedal as with a geared bike.
Y'know, i'm sure there has to be a better technique than that. Can someone tell me what it is?
#3
Assuming he's using platform pedals that sounds right to me as well. If you have toe clips you can just lift your rear wheel and spin your wheel in to position (like you're riding FG).
#4
THE STUFFED


Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,671
Likes: 21
From: San Francisco, CA
Bikes: R. Sachs Simplicity; EAI Bareknuckle; Madone SLR9 Gen 8
B: Stop pedaling with crank at power point of turn. Step back with right foot to stop. Quickly remove foot from pedal cage and slowly tip over to the right, catching myself on my right leg before I fall completely over. When ready to go, quickly reinsert foot and step on the pedal as with a geared bike.
#5
coasterbrakelockup
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 824
Likes: 0
From: parts unknown
Bikes: surly steamroller w/coaster brake, electra single speed cruiser, specialized rockhopper commuter, no-name single speed folder, 700c ultimate wheel, 24" unicycle, specialized bmx lsd, single seat single speed huffy tandem, pink upsidedown parade bike
1) Get a front brake. Use it exclusively in the last 3 to 6 feet before you stop while simultaneously putting your cranks where you want them for starting when the light turns.
or
2) Run all intersections. Like a boss.
or
2) Run all intersections. Like a boss.
#6





