Drum Brakes

[Rosslvv]

I am planning a loaded tandem touring ride down the Pacific Coast this September.  Would you recommend a drum brake be added to the tandem prior to the trip? What brand or model would you recommend?  I would also want one that I could easily remove when not touring.  Thanks!  See you on the road.  Ross

[whittierider]

I would lean toward it unless you're a really light team.  The Arai is the only bulletproof standard.  Don't get any ideas of reducing the weight by milling off the cooling fins though!!  Get the quick-release kit so it just takes a few seconds to get the wheel in and out of the bike.  Use a separate control, like a bar-end shifter in friction mode, so you can set a constant amount of drag when going down a grade and still use the caliper brakes right before curves etc..  Then you still have just as much control without heating up your rims much.

[scott.laughlin]

Ross,

Even if you are a light weight team your brakes may heat up on a long down grade, and after that happens you are in trouble.  Been there and done that.  A drum drag brake may be the best money you ever spent. 

Scott

[Rosslvv]

Everybody,

Thanks for the confirmations.  We are really looking forward to our trip down the coast this summer.

Ross