Originally Posted by
Aloe
This; very important.
I cannot tell you how many times rim brakes have failed me in the snow/rain. The sole reason i removed the freewheel system on all but one of my bikes was due to inclement or less-than-satisfactory weather. I still fit the bikes with a front brake for dry conditions and 'holy shnikes' situations, however.
In terms of tires, I've done fairly well with a relatively thin tire (I bought some cheap Cheng Shin C637's, which are about 1-1/4") but then again I'm in the city and the chances of finding an unplowed section is relatively low.
I have never had a problem with rim brakes on modern aluminum alloy rims. Now with the old chrome plated steel rims that is a different story. Those are dangerous when wet. Sure disks are nice and better but I can still lock up all of my mountain bikes wheels with rim brakes even in the wet as long as they are adjusted properly. The wheel only needs one rotation or so to clear off the water and any small grit in the water just makes the brakes work better as long as it's not really muddy.