cyclingday
I'm the Wiz, and nobody beats me!
No experience with the Sturmey Archer type expander brake hubs, but my experience with the Schwinn type has been positive.
They will not lock up and skid the wheel, which may be a good thing, depending on how you like to stop your bike.
I call them, the original anti lock brake.
So, just like your car, the brakes can feel spongy when you grab a hand full.
But, you will decelerate, and avoid a collision. Maybe? Lol!
If you run a rear expander brake hub, then you should absolutely run a front expander brake hub.
Together, they provide the balance needed to stop the bike.
Most of your effective braking comes from the front brake.
A bike without a front brake is a crap shoot at best.
I like the clean looking, mechanical aspect of the expander brake hubs, but still would advise the caliper rim type brake, if stopping power is most important.
The performance of the expander brake may not be to most people’s liking, who have been used to the locking capability of a good rim brake set up.
New shoes will dramatically increase the performance of the expander type brake, but unfortunately, replacement parts are getting harder to come by.
They will not lock up and skid the wheel, which may be a good thing, depending on how you like to stop your bike.
I call them, the original anti lock brake.
So, just like your car, the brakes can feel spongy when you grab a hand full.
But, you will decelerate, and avoid a collision. Maybe? Lol!
If you run a rear expander brake hub, then you should absolutely run a front expander brake hub.
Together, they provide the balance needed to stop the bike.
Most of your effective braking comes from the front brake.
A bike without a front brake is a crap shoot at best.
I like the clean looking, mechanical aspect of the expander brake hubs, but still would advise the caliper rim type brake, if stopping power is most important.
The performance of the expander brake may not be to most people’s liking, who have been used to the locking capability of a good rim brake set up.
New shoes will dramatically increase the performance of the expander type brake, but unfortunately, replacement parts are getting harder to come by.