I only have 1 bike with disc brakes, and it is unusual because I designed it for winter slush, snow & ice commuting. It only has 1 disc brake ON THE REAR. Under those conditions you rarely touch your front brake as it will probably put you into a front wheel skid. I usually change the brake pads once or sometimes twice a winter depending on how much salt is on the roads. If it is a wet winter with lots of salt the little springs may actually corrode through. If you are riding in less corrosive conditions I would expect you could get a lot more miles than my 600 to 800.