Originally Posted by
Andy Somnifac
Sure, rim brakes are definitely as good for the standard schmoe like us. Except for in the wet. And mud. Oh, and descents.
If someone is concerned about the weight difference between disc and rim brakes, and their BMI (yes, I know BMI isn't perfect, but I need something for a comparison) isn't under, let's say a BMI under 20, I'd just suggest cutting off the extra slice of pizza.
It isn't just the weight - an elegant design gets at least two functions from as many parts as possible. As for the wet, aluminum rims and Mathauser shoes have always been fine for me, including descending the Sierras with 45 lbs of touring gear. For extreme slopes, either system needs extra mass. BTW, the highest generation of heat occurs when the speed of a free descent is halved by the brakes. Faster, and the air is helping, slower and the rate is lower.