Before this goes to far. Sorry for any confusion. It was NOT a shop mechanic that made the statement. Just another person hanging around who heard my comment. I did not want to debate it there, but wondered if there was some actual reason this idea had been born. It seems to me hard braking on a loaded touring bike would be more strenuous on the system. The only argument for it, is that no one makes locking hydraulics--only cable brakes. I suspect that is due to market needs and/or the big design change for such a niche product.