Quote Originally Posted by pinkbikes View Post
Don't worry - when they get those disks right for you, you will come to love them!

I took up mountain biking a few years ago and got my first set of disks (hydraulic though) and have since got a tandem with cable disks (and toe overlap btw). I just love those disk brakes, especially when I'm carrying a load. When I go back to riding my roadie I despair over how little stopping power normal brakes have by comparison!
Thanks, that gives me hope. I really think this feeling is temporary and isn't even based on riding so basically not based on reality I guess, but in terms of aesthetics, weight, complexity I see the disc brakes as a negative. Not much of one but a little. I mean it's a steel touring bike with fenders and rack so it isn't supposed to be light. From what I've read and been told, it seems at least that once you ride with discs you don't want to go back to rim brakes.

I do like the increased stopping power and for sure with loaded touring we will need them, or at the least they will be a big asset. As I have gotten older the ability of rim brakes to stop me adequately has concerned me. Last summer we were riding in another state with significant hills and I actually turned around because it was such a steep downhill I didn't feel I had adequate control of my speed. I've riding consistently for 20 years as of this year so I know how to brake etc., but I'm just not comfortable going downhill fast anymore, like I used to. So, for that reason alone, I am excited about the disc brakes.

Thanks for your reply.