Sorry if this has been posted elsewhere, but I searched and couldn't find it. I have been thinking about getting a drum brake for my tandem for a while now. It is a 96 Burley Samba. The frame has extra cable mounts and whatnot to attach the drum brake, but I need the brake and a compatible hub. I have seen the Arai drum brake and a Sturmey Archer X-RDC hub. Which of these is considered to be a better drum brake?

Also, how necessary is a drum brake on a tandem. We have cantilever brakes currently. I don't plan on ever doing anything really steep, but my stoker does not like to go over 20mph, so I need to be able to keep speed under control for an entire descent. I am always concerned when we hit something hilly that I will run the risk of overheating the rims by lightly applying the brake the whole way down. Is this even a legitimate concern or is it not really an issue until riding stuff that is really steep. Thanks for the advice.