Hi,

I just got a Worksman cruiser with front and rear drum brakes. They seem to not work as well as regular caliper brakes. I did adjust them and they stop okay in most applications but, I am worried if I was really going (I am 400lbs), they might not stop.

Is there a break in period? Do I have an unrealistic expectation of drum brakes?

Thanks,
Ookiihito

If you just bought the bike, I would ask the bikeshop/dealer. I know nothing about drum brakes on a bike, but I know they're sometimes used on tandems. You might check with that forum or maybe the clydesdale forum.

There is no break in period for use of drum brakes. The cables may stretch the first few times, just like any other bike. The brake cable wires should be tight and you can always use the adjusting barrels to take up slack. These brakes should stop on a dime. If they are still not working correctly, replace the existing brake cables with top quality ones that have more wire in them and better outer core. Check that the lever arm where the cable attaches to at the drum is moving easily.