Originally Posted by
cyccommute
The hydraulic brakes I have are digital, they are either on or off with no gradation in between. Modulation, as in being able to apply the brakes in a manner using finesse, is nonexistent. A tiny amount of pressure locks the rear up.
You just have crappy brakes then. I have properly adjusted Shimano 445 hydr. disc brakes and have as much "modulation" as vbrakes.
I have 2 serious hills in my commute which both require I stop on a dime to make a turn half way down. I got really tired of the cable stretch and constant adjustment of my vbrakes. I wore thru pads quickly and on more than one occasion didn't brake as quickly as I need to. That was enough to convince me to get disc brakes (that and it's often wet here). The need for on-going adjustment prompted me to opt for hydraulic to not have to worry about cable stretch. Thus far they do not disappoint.