Originally Posted by
noglider
One possible compromise is using a drum brake in front and a rim brake in the rear. The rear brake isn't that important anyway, and you save a little weight that way. Sturmey Archer makes a front hub that has both a dynamo and a drum brake.
For 3 season riding I'd agree with you. But for winter I most often use the rear brake over the front. I don't want to wash out my front wheel. I often ride through a parking lot that has next to no drainage so when the snow melts then freezes overnight, you have perfectly clear, ice skate-able black ice. Studded tires help, but rear braking is a good suggestion (and one that sheldon makes.) Thanks for the suggestion for the dynamo and brake!