Originally Posted by
tjspiel
What roller brakes are you basing that opinion on? If it's what you get on bike share bikes, then I agree, but Shimano sells several models and the bigger ones with heat dissipation fins perform better (but they're heavier too). What I had initially was a disc brake on the front and a roller brake on the rear and that may be a nice combo. It doesn't take much to skid a rear wheel. Even a wimpy roller brake can usually do that.
Agreed,
My Gazelles OE rear brake was the smallest IM-30 that Shimano makes that is also typically used on share bikes and they are underwhelming at best. My Robin Hood has a mid size IM-45 on the back and its much better. The one now on my Gazelle is the IM-80 and its yet another step up. There is also the IM-81 that has additional fins on the cooling disc for tandems and cycle trucks.