Originally Posted by
KC8QVO
Between drums and disks - what is the downfall of disks that drums help with? I suppose I should clarify my perspective here - I am speaking solely in respect to bikes (pedal powered transportation), not motor cycles, cars, and trucks = traditional lever on a handlebar actuation that you find on normal bikes. For the most part that implies mechanical/cable actuation, as opposed to hydraulic, however I know there are bike-style hydraulic systems also.
Drums require almost no maintenance, and if you needed to work on them, it can be done outboard of the wheel. Access inside a velo shell isn't the greatest. In many (all?) velos I have seen, the wheel well structure would prevent access to a disc brake.
Drums have fading issues though. But if you get large diameter drums (90mm) that have air cooled heat sinks, this can be managed.