Whether disk brakes (they should not break) are a fad or not really should not matter when buying a bike. The question you might want to consider is whether they could be useful enough for the kind of riding you will do to warrant the extra cost and maintenance. For most riders who do not ride in watery wet conditions the answer is probably a no. However, advertising has convinced a good number of paved and hard pack road riders that they are a requirement so you are seeing them on more bikes at the upper prices. Their presence does generate sales.
Last edited by Delmarva; 09-09-12 at 06:13 AM.