Velosteel Coaster Brake Hubs

I'm wondering about building a pub ss up and i'm thinking coaster brake, but having never ridden with one of these i was wondering if someone could some one comment on they're actual stopping power? Can you brake quickly if needs be? or is it more advisable to run a front brake for emergencies too?

I run a shimano, they're fine when you're sat down but lock up very easily when the weight's off it. I rode without a front brake for months but caned through rear tyres like there was no tomorrow. Safe with, big fun without.

I've run a shimano one for nearly 2 years, hardly ever lock it up and on my original tyres.
I don't like the look/reports of the velosteel ones, you can read more about them earlier in this thread.

These last like they cost 20 quid.

I've built a few wheels with the velosteel coaster hubs and was not impressed with the quality of the hub just looking at them however I have no idea how they held up so can't comment for their longevity.

Can you brake quickly if needs be? or is it more advisable to run a front brake for emergencies too?

Sure - it brakes and skids like a charm.

If you like to go fast in traffic, then you'd need a front brake anyway. Relying on one brake only is tad reckless.

Re: quality.

If you're going to bikefix, I'm pretty sure they don't sell the Velosteel ones anymore.

So keep that in mind when reading others comments.

As for brakinng etc, mine was ok - it depends what gear you're planning on running, how fast you plan on going etc. If you have the ability to use a front brake, I would.

There's a time delay as you peddal back and I found I skidded quite easily if I do it fast and hard. (running 28 Pasela Panaracers)

I use the newer version that bikefix sell, on my beater - without a front brake.

My comments are that I wouldn't want to have coaster only either in London (i'm in Surrey) or on a bike where I got any serious speed up, but for just pottering around time its absolutely fine. The hub itself is pretty heavy, but it doesn't rattle too badly when built up.

coaster hubs shouldn't rattle in the first place, is there a kind of installation that we need to know of to make it work perfectly?

I agree they shouldn't rattle, have just seen it mentioned before that they do or people expect them to.

I used a couple of bits of leather to protect the frame so think that stops any that would occur.

I suppose my concern is that backpedalling engages the braking mechanism so if the lockring doesn't hold in the cog you could end up with no rear brake or a locked rear wheel. It looks like the kind of lockring that could 'spring out' under pressure. That photo looks a lot better than what I've got by the way.

Never seen happening, even in cases of VERY violent backpedal, with the reaction arm thrashing the clip holding it onto the frame (and making BIG mess).
The sprocket is hold via three "notches" which are enough to hold the torque, worst case scenario the notches on the sprocket get rounded off and will slowly slip.
If the clip is properly installed (I like to gently tap it with a little hammer) it won't come off, don't worry.

Btw, I've rebuild one of my Focus28 onto a Velosteel 32holes (yes, thirty-two) XD

Okay now I understand why people seemed to have issue with Velosteer coaster hubs.

the last two I have for the missus' were perfect, no rattling, no squeaking etc. it work exactly as it should.

the third one brought second hand (rarely used) squeak and grind which was odd, seemed to fit most of the description here.

going to try and adjust it and see what I can do.

They work much better if stripped, completely degreased and re-packed with decent grease

They work much better if stripped, completely degreased and re-packed with decent grease

+1

I have a coaster brake on my Gazelle gents bike. I tend to go for a squeeze on the caliper front brake first and then remember to back pedal. getting on the bike is a bit annoying as you can't whizz back the crank for a moving start...

I'll just wait for the new SA 2 speed kickback coaster brake that'll be here in September instead.

They work much better if stripped, completely degreased and re-packed with decent grease

Indeed - thats what i have done with mine

You've seen mine - the one with the coaster brake (the fat tyre one)? You should've told me you're taking yours apart, I'd pay you extra to do the same with mine.
I can't be bothered to follow the proper procedure with all those tiny spring things and stuff...

will someone please help!
http://www.lfgss.com/thread50123.html#post1616306

Deus avertat!*

I'm going to have that tattooed on my chest

bump, has anyone got any feedback on whether after a bit of use the bikefix hubs hold up well? velosteels seem to be available on US/Canadian eBay for slightly more than the £20 bikefix are selling the far eastern ones for, which should I get? or any other options out there? pretty cheap is good, this is for a pub bike

Mine's bit wobbly.

Get a shimano one.

I think I will go for a drum brake/dynamo hub next time.

i have one and it is fine. i run it without a front brake but dont ride too furiously so no dramas.

i have used mine for about 18 months and i rebuilt it after about 2 months as it was beginning to rattle and overheat when braking. i made sure i packed it with plenty of grease. not had any rattles or problems since.