There are characteristic advantages of different braking technologies but all should be adequate for the needs of a non-competitive rider. I doubt that a hydraulic caliper can stop a trike any faster than Avid BB7's if the tires on the trike are Kenda Kwests. That said, two riders, one with a fear threshold much higher than the other will have different outcomes in a panic stop situation. Frightened 90lb. drivers have crushed brake pedals in accident situations as they generate immense pressures on the metal pedal Forces that far bigger and stronger drivers never achieve. Ever. It is my conjecture that the completely unfamiliar layout and handling of the o.p.'s trike is front loading all their rides with an unhealthy amount of fear that is just waiting for an outlet. There are enough of those moments on nearly every ride of any length. I do not think that new riders spend enough parking lot time learning the basics of the handling of their crafts before heading out among the heathen. I read on this and other threads all the time of new riders involved in accidents in group ride situations and I'm like. Huh? Why is someone with less than (varies, but usually more than 20 miles, lots more) miles of experience out on a group ride! When me and mine went to try out a new Trek T900 tandem, the brakes went right down to the bars on the first stop. I took it back to the shop and said the brakes .... wtf. They said they set them up like that so people won't endo over the bars. I say, "tandems can't endo, can you fix this please". So they took out the widget fietsbob mentioned but they still left a TON of slack in the brake action that I had to take out when I got the bike home. I can't tell people how not to be afraid and grab huge fistfuls of brake lever when bad stuff happens suddenly, but I do think if people take it slow when around new bikes. Very slow. It will be of benefit.