Roller Brake Question
 

I'm gathering parts for a balloon tire city bike, its gonna ride on Fat Frank's or Big Apple's (like 2.35 inch) I'm gonna be using a Shimano roller brake hub with a 7speed cassette in the rear.

Will this provide sufficient stopping power alone or should I use a roller brake in the front hub as well?

Anyone with Roller brake (hub brake, Drum Brake, whatever you like to call it) experience?

I've been using front and rear drum brakes on my commuter bike for over 20 years. What's your question?

Well, personally, I'd supplement it with a front brake. Most of the stopping power comes from the front, as the during braking the weight transfers towards the front. This causes the rear wheel to become unloaded, promoting skidding, which is not the quickest way to stop. In emergency situations, the probability of skidding increases. Then there's the extra wear and tear on the tires from skidding. The extra brake decreases your stopping distance and is back-up in case the rear fails. Relying solely on a rear brake is fine, provided you're travelling slowly and plan your braking, but I don't advise it.

The question was "Should I run a front roller Brake if I'm gonna use a Rear Roller brake? Yes or Not Necessary"

Thanks T-Mar.

Probably gonna look for a Shimano Roller Brake/Dyno front hub then.

I'd consider it to be the same stopping power as a coaster brake...For a city bike, I'd assume that you're going to be riding on streets with cars at least part of the time - I'd go with a front brake simply for traction's sake.

Thats exactly what I was looking to equate it to. Thanks!

I have a roller brake on my Nexus hub and it does not have the stopping power of a coaster brake -- it works about like a caliper brake that barely touches the rim with the lever all the way at the handle bars. I would recommend the appropriate caliper brakes for your ride, front and rear.

Edit: oh, yeah really fat tires. That complicates things. Do you have a frame? That is cantilever territory.

I run Shimano roller brakes front and rear on my Redline R530, other than staying away from the ones with the "modulator" (not sure what models) they work just fine. Me and the bike weigh in around 275#-300# fully loaded and I can haul down from a 15mph cruising speed very quickly regardless of the weather conditions, they modulate easily and I can lock the wheels at lower speeds.
FWIW in sluggo's case I suspect it isn't adjusted properly or something is worn.

Aaron:)