Multi speed or single?

geohaydook · #1 10-14-2009, 09:55 AM

I'm still researching my first build. Should I use a single speed or a multi-speed?
If I use a single, what happens to the coaster brake? Thanks for all the help, this is a great
forum!

Prasinos · #2 10-14-2009, 10:34 AM

Id recomend the single, the coaster brake can still be used, it would definitely be nice to have the extra stopping power.

**Bikeguy Joe** · #3 10-14-2009, 10:38 AM

Multi-speeds with a rear derailuer only are the easiest builds.

spad4me · #4 10-14-2009, 01:13 PM

I would never use a bicycle with just a coaster or skid brake.
The front wheel brakes better than the rear.

Prasinos · #5 10-14-2009, 01:46 PM

yea but believe me youl want all the stopping power you can get, so the coaster in tandem will be nice.

bairdco · #6 10-14-2009, 02:03 PM

i'd go with a coaster brake. once it's got a motor, who cares about gears? they're just one more thing to rattle around and get in the way, and you've got extra cables and levers all over the place. if you're not into coaster brakes at all, you can get a single speed freewheel, and handbrakes.

i run nothing but a coaster brake. no front brakes for me. it stops me just fine, and i figure if a car cuts me off at 30mph, it doesn't really matter what kind of brakes i have. i'm hitting it, or out-manuevering it. if i could make my bike stop suddenly, my body wouldn't. Newton's first law of motion applies.

i think the biggest thing is, what are you comfortable with? i've been riding cruisers with coaster brakes my whole life, so i know how they react. if you're used to handbrakes, go with them.

azbill · #7 10-14-2009, 02:13 PM

multi-speed bikes are best IMHO because, not only will they be easier to pedal when needed (and there WILL be those times

), they will also be equipped with front and rear brakes already

on the other hand...I have been researching how to put a derailleur on a stretch fame (for when pedalling with the trailer), and have decided it is just too hard for me (spreading the rear 15mm for one

)
I will just use a heavy duty coaster wheel and my front drum

I hope that didn't throw too much confusion at you

**BarelyAWake** · #8 10-14-2009, 02:25 PM

It's funny bairdco - I got into motorcycles when I was about thirteen, so I pretty much didn't ride bicycles at all after that. What little riding I did do was ofc multispeeds with hand brakes.

Because of that coaster brakes freak me out a little heh. Obv I've been doing a LOT more bicycle riding of late (for some reason), but my bike is multi. My friend let me take his (pedal only) bike out the other day and it was a coaster setup...

Wow, now that was weird o_O I'm sure I'd get used to it after a while, but I kept grabbin' ghost levers, not to mention lockin' up the wheel every time I backpedaled out of habit lol

But - it really does work well! I was quite surprised actually, I'd still want front brakes but that's easy 'nuff.

Still... I'm gonna keep my gears

skyl4rk · #9 10-14-2009, 04:32 PM

I would recommend a multispeed bike. It is good to help out your motor by pedaling when you start from a stop, it is good for your clutch. Sometimes you need to pedal to assist the motor up hills. It is better to have a low gear and a high gear.

I don't think much of coaster brakes, hand brakes are a lot more effective, you are better off installing front and rear brakes operated by hand, whether you choose disk or calipers.

I have a single speed and wish I had a multispeed.

marts1 · #10 10-15-2009, 06:47 PM

I wouldn't go anywhere near the speeds I go without a front break and unless I have a bodybuilders muscles its def. multispeed for me, no question..