Equipping cruiser bikes with hand brakes is a modification that raises the question of its feasibility. These bicycles, designed for leisurely or recreational riding, traditionally rely on coaster brakes, which engage when the rider pedals backward.
Aside from the inherent safety advantages, hand brakes offer greater control and responsiveness in various riding conditions. A notable historical development in this regard was the 1898 invention of the Sturmey-Archer hub brake, a precursor to modern internal-gear hubs with integrated braking mechanisms.
