Disk/Drums vs. rim brakes: [MENTION=152773]noglider[/MENTION] and [MENTION=73614]rhm[/MENTION]. No, I don't absolutely NEED drum/disk brakes. I commuted just fine last year on an old MTB with rim brakes. I never went fast enough to really require brakes honestly. The majority of what I was riding through had enough rolling resistance that I'd most often just coast to a stop.

But the point is, since I'm attempting to build a commuter, I'd like to have brakes that deal with weather better than rim brakes. Both drum/roller and disks do that. I'm not saying that rim brakes are ineffective in the wet/snow, but they are LESS effective than brakes that are contained (drum/roller) or disks.

Also, as visible in the picture above, snow loves to build up between the rim and rim brakes making them totally ineffective. (I've had that happen quite a bit.) Obviously full length fenders would prevent this somewhat. I did not have full length fenders. In fact, I didn't even have fenders on my winter bike. The snow was never wet enough to require them and I never went fast enough to throw stuff on my back.

So yes, if I have to, I'll use normal rim brakes. They work fine, and changing your habits can make riding safe BUT, today we have better options. If I can incorporate at least ONE disk/drum/roller brake, that'd be great.