Originally Posted by
nashcommguy
This is incorrect. The advantage of disc brakes is there is no wear on the sidewalls of the rims. Also, on a loaded bike going downhill and working the brakes to control one's rate of decent it is possible to heat the rim to the point wear it will cause a blowout. My next commuting/utility/touring bike will definately have disc brakes.
What made you think he would be carrying heavy loads down hill? Not once did he mention he would be carrying heavy loads down any hills! For the purpose of riding in Phoenix, in a mostly flat topography, even in rain, I see no added benefit to adding disc brakes to a commuter. Unless he states he plans on carrying heavy loads, which i doubt he will, I stand by my statement of there are no added benefits to disc brakes.