Originally Posted by
nickw
To be fair, define "superior".
1) More braking power, agreed
2) Better modulation, it depends
3) Better brake "Feel", I don't think so but YMMV
4) Weight, typically not.
It's tough to argue they are superior when many of the top CX guys, including the current World Champ, are still using Cantis in the mud, sand, rain, snow etc. I prefer the feel of a well set-up Canti, not sure why, just do.
With that said, I run discs on most of my bikes, especially my MTB and CX. If I had a mechanic to dial in my ride after every race I may be back on Cantis.
Cyclocross riders allowed to switch bikes during races--I don't know how much that affects brake selection but it might be a minor factor there. I'm continually amazed that there isn't more published research on brake performance; one would think insurance companies & lawyers, at least, would be keenly interested in that.
BTW both canti & disc fans talk about problems adjusting them--I'm not a great mechanic but never had much problem working on either one.