I also like the absolutely minimal amount of effort required to activate them. Sure, a good v or caliper brake with good pads will stop you fast. My commuter is a testiment to that, but they are also require more grip. Now my mtb with discs will stop with the slight exertion of one finger on the brakes, and its smoother and gives more options for stopping force. Thats comparing standard v brakes with Cool stop salmon pads (adjusted just right) to shimano Deore disc brakes using xtr rotors.