Bicycle Coaster Brake Hub Engineering

We take a look at each part of a coaster brake hub to see how it functions and relates to each other part.

[@robertengland8769]

The beauty and simplicity of a good coaster brake hub is good. Freewheels and cassettes don't even compare. Steel bike frames and rims are better too. So much for modern technological advancements.

[@DigitalMentorGroup]

Thank you for this detailed teardown of a coaster brake. It is a wonderful piece of engineering, actually! The assembly, if properly lubricated, lasts a lifetime. What other braking system is so simply designed, and so straight forward in deployment, that it impresses an adult, but is so simple, a child can operate it with minimal instruction. Other bicycle braking systems used on bicycles, like calipers, or the disc, overcomplicate the process. The original mountain bike movement, back in the 60's, used old coaster brake bicycles, as they were cheap and plentiful.

[@charredskeleton]

I love coaster brake bikes. Silent smooth simple riding.

[@motouno3778]

Thanks from downunder ! Wonderful overview of the simple coaster brake . Just picked up an old bike from the 1960's & needed to do an overhaul . Now I've got the low down , cheers ;-)

[@charredskeleton]

So many small parts yet SO reliable.

[@thetrumpnewsnetwork7503]

Thank you. I've been trying to figure out how to reassemble this adult trike coaster break and your video was very helpful.

[@cjz8004]

Thankyou sir.

[@TripleOracle]

That was great. It made my day

[@JC-fu3mg]

Thank you!!!

[@albundy4370]

Tank you sir

[@Imp143]

I really enjoyed your video i want you to know that i work on lot of bicycles different types and styles and i'm currently working on an earth cruiser and i've never had to deal with a coaster brake before you know everything i've ever done with mountain bikes and i'm trying to build a motorized earth cruiser bicycle and my hub is bad so i want to know if you would recommend a good herb that will fit my earthcruiser unfortunately

[@raymundo126]

Hi Harv, got the same hub from a cheap walmart bike, when pedaling is great. But when stop pedaling there's this grinding sound, only when back pedal just a bit the noise gets away. Any tip how to get rid of the problem?. Great video by the way learn how it works.

[@harv855]

Typically, new coaster hubs come with two problems. The bearings are adjusted too tight and there is insufficient lubrication. From your description, I would say that the clutch is not fully releasing from its engagement with the hub for the driving position. I suggest disassembling the hub enough to squirt in some grease so that the clutch can slide freely on the axle. When reassembling, make the bearing adjustment just finger tight and then lock down. I go even further and allow just perceptible "shake" in the bearings to provide working clearance.

[@raymundo126]

@@harv855 Thank's Harv ,I'll do that.

[@salmontenegro2649]

S

[@scottwhittet5226]

good video , Harv. a question : have you ever outfitted a coaster brake hub with a multi sprocket cluster and derailleur? ... the 3 speed hubs have some effiecency drawbacks ,don't they?

[@harv855]

First, yes internal geared hubs have some friction in the gear contacts and are therefore less efficient than pure chain and sprocket systems. I have noticed this loss, but its not too bad. If the number of IGH speeds is up around 7 or 8, the losses are greater than a 3-speed because there are more gear contact sets. Regarding the use of a cassette and derailleur with a coaster brake, I can't imagine how this could work because any back-pedalling would just ratchet away all motion to the coaster hub driver. If the ratchet was locked, back pedalling would wind up the derailleur spring and lock up the wheel. So we have to choose one system or the other. Personally, I have multiple bikes with the various systems. I ride them all.

[@miketavera3220]

Enjoy your videos, are you a retired engineer? THX

[@harv855]

Yes, I am long time retired with university degrees in mechanical and electrical engineering. Also California state board certified. How did you guess? hahaha...

[@miketavera3220]

Harv Woien. Thank you for your time and knowledge sir.

[@injesusname3732]

@@harv855 then would you be happy if i said i got a 70/16 gearing?

[@harisdarko]

Hi, in Coaster brake should we change the brake shoes periodically ? like in V-brake pad rubber?

[@harv855]

In theory maybe yes, but in practice the brake shoes seem to last forever. What should done periodically is cleaning and regreasing. The service period is dependent on how much you use the brake and how hot the hub gets . And how much the hub is exposed to water. Use marine grease if bike is ridden in wet weather.

[@lena19191]

In a normal conditions, riding the bike a few times a week , the coaster brake will last 25 years to forever .... very reliable system indeed .

[@bobby3704]

are you in L. A new some help

[@harv855]

Yes, I am in L.A. What do you need?

[@bobby3704]

@@harv855 putting it back together .. but after watchin over and over kinda have an idea . GoOd Job SiR ! the problem was the hub was spinnin both way with no catch . i'm in the East Los Angeles / City of commerce area .. where you at . and do ever do some fixing

[@mrpskitzo4941]

You doing alil to much talking

[@harv855]

Just mute your video player.

[@mrpskitzo4941]

@@harv855 and fast forward it