As I mentioned in my review of the Electra Amsterdam Classic, things can get very hairy fast if all you have is a coaster brake and your chain derails or breaks – and it looks like it’s been happening a lot!
Electra has issued a recall now on the Amsterdam because the chain guard was causing chains to detach. I’m glad no one was seriously hurt. The couple of times that my chain detached, I was able to find a place to coast to a stop, but each time, if the chain had disconnected just 20-30 seconds later, it would have become a very serious issue. Racing down South Congress in the street with no brakes doesn’t sound like a good idea! I will definitely be adding a second brake.
on Jun 6th, 2010 at 6:47 pm
strangely, i find the concept of a rich hipster coasting to their death on a 800 dollar bicycle with only one brake, to be quite hilarious.
on Jun 7th, 2010 at 11:35 am
Anon,
Electras are sold in communities throughout the US and to all types of people, many of whom are trying to get back into cycling. Someone dying is tragic, not funny, regardless of whether you approve of their lifestyle. Next time you try to be “funny” about the death of a fellow human being, have the courage to actually identify your self with your name. Posting this statement anonymously was the ultimate douche bag move.