Originally Posted by
TiHabanero
Always I forget that most participants on the bike forum are enthusiasts. For the person that is into the sport or hobby there is no end to "performance" upgrades. For the average person that rides a bike for commuting, trail riding, general fun, there is a limit and at the shop we hear from them quite loudly when that limit has been reached! Disc brakes for the average person, especially hydro models, are a mistake. They are not like a rim brake where after years of neglect just add lube and they work again. They are costly to replace, do not do well under neglected maintenance, and most of them cannot be successfully rebuilt.
For the enthusiast that is into cycling as a serious hobby disc brakes are fine, but for the rest of the world hydro disc brakes are a mistake.
I would agree with you on the point that enthusiast cyclists do not need to worry too much about higher performance parts. Indeed, at lower speeds especially, rim brakes are very effective, especially on non-carbon rims. Let's not forget that rim brakes have long proven themselves at all levels.
As for servicing disc systems, yes, they do need more time and effort invested and absolutely should get that to keep them in top condition - I have taken good care of my 29er's system in the last year and intend to do the same with my new road bike because I race the MTB and no doubt will do so on the new bike too...but...that said, I have a 21 year old Giant ATX 880 MTB that still rides like new with Giant MPH hydro discs that have never, ever been serviced! It has never seen heavy use, more of a bike to pop down to the shops on, guests to use etc. But...shows that discs need not be the nightmare some imagine them to be.