I would LOVE to have those brakes added on to my road bike - might yet. I ride some long hills and of course, what goes up, must come down. I would love the ability to have the optional brakes just to give my hands and arms a break (pun intended) on a 7 mile downhill.

I'm such a Fred (or Wilma or Fredlette - whatever). I keep the reflectors on my bike - all of them. And I've been known to ride road in mountain biking shorts (if I'm going to get off the bike and walk around town, sorry, lycra is not my best option).

I agree with the good LBS guy - whatever works.