Disk brakes on a folding bike

[berlinonaut]

Wonder why didn't sturmey archer also create a drum brake option hub, just for a little extra weight? ;-)

In the olden times there was a 3rd party option for a S/A drum brake equipped front wheel on the Brompton. Some did and stated they liked it.

 

[mitchibob]

In the olden times there was a 3rd party option for a S/A drum brake equipped front wheel on the Brompton. Some did and stated they liked it.

Wow. I mean, pre-disc brakes, they were slightly more reliable option in the wet on the back of a tandem, although, was still worth just removing altogether and just relying on the cantilever rim brakes, partly to lose the weight, and partly to remove the issue of resetting them if having to quickly repair rear puncture. Can't imagine having them on the front, although, at least on steep gradient on brommie, it'd help keep the front wheel down.

 

[berlinonaut]

Can't imagine having them on the front,

Here you go: https://www.atob.org.uk/brompton-hub-brake/

 

[T4tomo]

Question: Do small wheels provide an advantage/disadvantage/no effect on rim braking effectiveness?

Disadvantage - the further from the hub centre the rim is the less force is needed to stop the wheel.

this is also why disc brakes have to be quite powerful as they are only acting on a 140/160/180mm rotor.