Often referred to as the Dutch brake there's a reason why coaster brakes are so prevalent in the bicycle orientated European cities as they offer a host of advantages over conventional brakes.
They leave your hands free for other things, particularly signalling. As signalling with your hands is often needed when you are simultaneously slowing down to turn. It is so much more convenient and easier to have your feet doing the braking, rather than having to transfer your hands from the brake levers to a ‘signal’ position, and then back again.
Another major advantage is low maintenance. The ShimanoCB-E110 coaster hub encloses all the moving parts responsible for braking in a sealed unit. This means they’re completely protected from water, dirt, road salt and grime. There are no extra brake cables to stretch or brake pads to wear out.
With all the working parts protected from the elements, coaster brakes work just as well in the rain as they do in dry conditions.
The tidy, cable free appearance ubiquitous with a coaster hub is not just aesthetic. Its one less thing to get snagged and broken when securing your bike on city streets and packed bicycle lock ups.
With your feet controlling the braking the coaster hub is also ideal for riders with impaired hand movement.