Originally Posted by
cyccommute
The hardware is less important than the technique, especially when riding off-road.
The idea that disc work better in the wet neglects to take into account that the tires don't work any better. It's even worse with ice and snow. Sure they don't get frozen up as badly but the very last thing you want in slippery conditions is something that can stop the wheel but not stop the bike.
Oh but you said that is where superior technique gets ahead. Surely you can manage a bit too strong of a brake with such a riding technique?
On a more real note, I like to have stronger reliable brakes especially in bad weather. And I‘ve ridden SD7‘s in rain with the supposedly best pads for the rain - result was - braking was like trying to stop the train, slow to react, slow to scrub speed, and ultimately, simply inadequate. Coolstop, Swisstop, and a number if other pads that were used - a pure waste of money. Yes, the brakes looked nice, but that was about it, no real use in bad weather.
And, for fast and agressive riding in urban enviriment, among cars, right hardware is imperial. That is, if you want to live.