I am thinking of doing a cruiser build, but I don't like the coaster brake idea, so I was just wondering if it is possible to open up the coaster hub remove or machine some of the parts inside in order to disable the coaster brake function and make the hub freewheel?
Of course, the bike would have front and rear caliper brakes.
I would also weld on a 5-speed sprocket and add a derailleur, not so much for the gearing it would provide, but to simplify adjusting the chain tension on the engine side, because I do not use the tensioner that comes with the kits. This way I can add/remove chain links, move the rear axle forward or backward to get the engine chain tension correct, and the derailleur would take care of the pedal-side tension.
I have seen new cruiser bikes with the derailleur setup such as the Schwiinn Landmark, but if I find a yardsale treasure, I would have to roll my own.
Of course, the bike would have front and rear caliper brakes.
I would also weld on a 5-speed sprocket and add a derailleur, not so much for the gearing it would provide, but to simplify adjusting the chain tension on the engine side, because I do not use the tensioner that comes with the kits. This way I can add/remove chain links, move the rear axle forward or backward to get the engine chain tension correct, and the derailleur would take care of the pedal-side tension.
I have seen new cruiser bikes with the derailleur setup such as the Schwiinn Landmark, but if I find a yardsale treasure, I would have to roll my own.
