Last few newbie questions... (coaster, drum, S-RAM/Nexus, etc...) - Cycling Mob: Road Cycling, Mountain Biking and More

04-21-2004, 08:15 AM

I am doing some research and have compiled my final questions. If you
can shed some light I would be greatly appreciated.

1. Coaster Brakes - These are available on the SRAM7/Shimano Internal
hubs. Do these require any maintenance? How long do they last? For
general parks/bike paths with very few big hills would a coaster brake
be enough?

2. Drum Brakes - Similiar questions related to the Internal Hubs. Do
these require any maintenance and how long do they last?

3. I've noticed that once people ride both the Shimano Nexus 7
Internal Hub and the S-RAM7 Internal Hub it's a no contest and people
prefer the SRAM. The SRAM as people describe it feels more efficient
and rear wheel removal seems easier (I imagine with a coaster brake
the SRAM would be the easiest internal hub to remove the rear wheel.)
Is their anything at all that makes the Nexus7 seem better? More
reliable?

4. If the SRAM7 is the preferred internal hub, why is everyone (trek,
electra, reliegh, van dessel, etc) using the Nexus7? The only bike
company I've found who uses the SRAM7 is Burly (Simple 7).

5. Besides cost obviously (and my guess is also weight) - are their
any advantages of a 3 speed hub over a 7 speed?