Sturmey ArcherXL-FD Front Drum Hub 36h

I have been using these for a year now. I have also been using X-RDC 70mm on the rear. So I can compare both brake systems. The front XL-FD has a great breaking power and feel. Actually, I prefer the feel much better than the feel of disc brakes. If well-adjusted, brake levers have a long useful travel and the brakes can be applied in a very precise manner. The power of the XL-FD is very good, enough for all situations. You can do a wheelie easily. Even though it requires some power to apply the brakes, my male hand does not get tired even after long trips. The look of the large drum brakes is also impressive. The quality of the brake system is top notch.I have replaced the rubbish Shimano roller coaster brakes with SA XL-FD. The Shimano roller coaster brakes are a complete disaster. They don’t brake properly, they overheat quickly and bake the oil. They are very heavy as well. Fail. The SA XL-FD fit perfectly on a bike that is designed for a drum/roller-coaster brakes and give you proper braking experience. And above all – durability. After a year of use I can hardly see any signs of use (I have opened them when they were new and after a year).One tip of advice. Regular brake cables had failed just after a few times I applied the brakes. This is due to a) the XL-FD construction having coned brake sockets and b) the brutal forces that the cables experience due to the drum brakes specifics. So I have bought Jagwire Ripcord DIY Brake Kit. Jagwire hold perfectly.To sum it up XL-FD brakes work flawlessly and feel just right for me. I would highly recommend this brake system to those who consider it fitting on their bikes.

Needed more stopping power on my e-bike . In my application this is the only way to go. Stops me faster than any other type of brakes. Protected from the weather an mishaps. Really really like this set up.

real nice hub quality

Easy to install, just calculate the proper spoke length. Works like a Champ. Sturmey Archer has been around since the late 1800s and has provided excellent products over the years. Even considering this is no longer made in England, the quality still seems to be there. Very Happy!

I love drum brakes. In fact, I think they are far superior to bicycle disk brakes. "What?!" you may say,"All the bike magazines and such say otherwise". Well those guys are geared for racing and macho marketing hype. If you are the average schmo, that cruises around, commutes or shops by bike, then drums are the best. Discs are fiddly, and you can count on replacing the pads every couple of years. You'll also have disc brakes warp and rub slightly, making a scraping noise. Drums don't do any of that crap. Yes, if you descend a mountain pass they may heat fade, but if you use the bike in the flatlands or even some hills, no problemo. They are very weather resistant; rain, snow, slush, don't get on the braking surfaces. I have never had to replace drum pads. These are sealed cartridge bearing hubs, so even less maintenance.

Made my motorized bike basically have car quality brakes!

This break works great. Can't compare it against a disc brake but I am sure it is a few ounces heavier than disc.

Excellent quality very sturdy will stop on a dime. Would highly recommend for me it was a no brainer as I have a two speed hub on my back tire.