I wanted to install an Arai drum brake assembly on our tandem, (hub is already threaded and frame is set-up for the brake arm). However, I was looking at the Shimano web site and see they also offer a drum brake assemble in the Nexus line. I like how the brake cable attaches to the unit, and I like the Shimano line. I can't find out if these mount to the treaded hub like the Arai unit. Does anyone know if these would be a another alternative to the Arai drum brake?

Also, does anyone who has installed a rear drum brake on their tandem simple use the drum brake all the time on the rear and disconnect the rim brake? Would seem to simplify the dual rear brake issue on where to mount the additional lever......

Thanks,

Don

Hi Don, I put an ARAI drum on a tandem a long time ago, I'll say, be careful you don't cross thread it as I did. I was tired and cranky but wanted to get it on..............Make sure, whatever you do, put some kero or grease on the thread first. The brake was fantastic, (when I eventually 'bolted' it onto the hub), dont ask!!!!!! I had it on a single lever, with the centre pull front and rears on the other lever, no problems.

Good luck with whatever you end up with, but once again, be careful not to cross thread........

Cheeers, Tim

I've ridden in company with a tandem that did a lot of mountain riding. They had an Arai with the lever on the stoker's bars. I thought that was a great arrangement. They used the Arai as a drag brake to keep the speed down on steep descents, rim brakes for normal stopping.

https://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/shimano-nexus.html#8

The few Nexus hubs I have seen cannot support an arai drum brake. The Nexus hub needs to be secured so that it does not rotate and this hardware combined with the hardware for the optional rolling brake would not allow an arai drum to be mounted.

The other issue is that a nexus axle is pretty much built into the unit and would not be large enough to support the arai drum and tandem rear spacing.

My drum brake friction lever is located at the end of my left bar end.

The Shimano inter-M brakes are not high-heat tolerant drag brakes; they are a maintenance-free brake intended for use on light-duty, recreational single bikes. The cut sheets clearly state that they should not be used on bicycles with a gross weight in excess of 100kg (~220lbs) nor as drag brakes as high heat build-up will adversely effect the brake's internal grease-operated mechanism, etc, etc...

So, it's pretty useless for a tandem. As for setting up the Arai as a primary brake, it can be done but it does not have as much stopping power as a rim or disc brake. Moroever, if set up for use with a brake lever you lose the benefit of hands-free operation as a drag brake when operated with a thumb or bar-end friction / indexed shifter. The latter allows the brake to be set with a given amount of brake force on long descents, leaving both hands free to further modulate the tandem's descent speed via the front & rear rim brakes. For more information on the Arai drum be sure to check out Precision Tandem's Website:
https://www.precisiontandems.com/arai.htm

Thanks to all for the information...... Looks like I'll keep with my original intention to install the Arai drum brake system. I'm lucky that I live fairly close to Precision Tandems. My only decision now is where to mount the drag brake handle. I would like to keep it under the Capt's control. I've got fairly flat mountain bars on our tandem, (Bontrager Crowbar). I don't think the end bar shifter set-up will work, (don't the cables run internal? No where for the cable to exit). Thought about somehow mounting a friction shifter to the handlebar, stem or possibly to the top tube. Any suggestions and pictures would be appreciated.

Thanks again,

Don

I've mounted the drag brake "shifter" on the handle bar. It is mounted pretty far away from the grip, so I have to move my hand off of the grip to operate. Not a significant issue form me. It is mounted on a stock hbar on a 2004 Burley Rock and Roll.

Put a thumbshifter control on the stoker's bars and let the stoker control the drag brake:

1. It eliminates clutter on a flat bar tandem
2. It makes operating the brakes less complicated
3. It allows the stoker to have a more active role in the operation of the bike
4. You can always change it later if you and your stoker can't make it work