rear fixed brake

lybarra said:

How do you disconnect the fixed rear brake on a bicycle? My son wants the
pedals to turn freely backwards.

I think you're describing converting a coaster-brake hub into a
freewheeling hub. I think this can be done by disassembling the hub
(there's instructions at
http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=104 ) and then
reassembling it without the brake shoes. I've never done this (left the
brake shoes out, that is... I've rebuilt lots of coaster-brake hubs)
but it should work in theory.

I hope you're going to install a rear hand brake to take over for the
coaster brake. In fact, he should have two hand brakes on the bike for
safety's sake.

Jeff

lybarra said:

How do you disconnect the fixed rear brake on a bicycle? My son wants the
pedals to turn freely backwards.

Technically, there once was a product called "Un-Brake"
which replaced the brake shoe with a spacer. (the spacer
needs to replicate the brake shoe dimansions and tabs so
the retarder and clutch will still work)

Practically , you want a new wheel with a freewheel, not a
coaster brake.

--
Andrew Muzi
www.yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971