Originally Posted by
grolby
Yeah, basically the bike share versions. If there are models out there that work better, that's great, but I don't see much reason to bother with any hub brake system that isn't a disc brake. That's just my opinion, of course. I ride rim brakes in the winter, personally, and I just don't get why anyone insists disc or other hub brakes are essential equipment on a commuter bike. Nice to have, sure, but when the road conditions get bad enough that a decent set of rim brakes really starts to become non-functional, I'm traveling too slowly for it to matter much. YMMV.
For me, choosing roller brakes has been for simple economics. They're much cheaper and easier to retrofit than discs, and don't use pads or shoes. If or when I wear them out I can simply replace them for the cost of a few sets of brake pads. Besides that, it eliminates the need to replace worn rims.
Keep in mind I'm in the PNW, and deal with 9 months a year of wet weather riding which eats up wear components. I have nothing against discs other than pad replacement, and seriously considered a couple of bikes that have them.
Not essential, but cheaper and easier.
Oh yeah, one more thing, it keeps me out of the doghouse, because I bring my bikes in the house, and with hub brakes I no longer get that nasty black brake smut on the floors or carpet.