Originally Posted by
caloso
I can already lock up both wheels with my supposedly inferior rim brakes. The limiting factor in stopping is the tires against the road, not the pads against the rim. This is a solution for a problem I don't have.
It's not about being able to lock up the wheels. It's about how fast you can convert kinetic energy into heat without locking up.
I've got 1 disc brake bike and 2 rim brake bikes at the moment. There is no question in my mind that I can stop the disc brake bike in a much shorter distance - it is a glaring obvious difference.
However, under any normal circumstances that difference doesn't matter. I will not be switching to a disc brake tri bike any time soon.
When I'm commuting and have to deal with unpredictable traffic, particularly with a heavy bike and extra cargo, I do like having the ability to make those instant slam stops.