Originally Posted by
Kontact
Brake fade can happen with mechanical discs. Get the pads and rotors hot enough and they stop acting like they have friction on each other. That doesn't happen with rubber rim brake pads because the rubber just wears off instead of holding the heat.
And eventually the brake track on the rim wears too.
Don't get me wrong, I'm don't honestly believe in the rim vs. disc brake debate than one is any better than the other. There are good and bad points to each type. There are good rim brakes and good disc brakes. There are also crappy rim brakes and crappy disc brakes.
My point is if you know how to use your brakes properly, either of these options will serve you well.