[roastpuff]

It is certainly a debatable point whether disk brakes are necessary for the typical road users, but I personally like the modulation and feel that disk brakes give vs. a typical rim/v-brake setup. It allows me to feel more confident in being able to stop, especially on steep descents or when going fast. Yes, tire traction is the ultimate determinant on stopping power, but I get a bit worried when I squeeze the levers and they don't seem to be doing much on my caliper brakes. The transfer of heat into the rim is also worrying, if I'm going downhill at a fast clip - I'm relatively new to biking, and not used to sustaining high speeds. I tend to ride my brakes down a hill, which I know is a bad idea. Looking up threads about carbon rims, they have even crappier braking performance than the typical aluminium rims which is not reassuring to me...

In muddy or sloppy conditions, the advantages of disk brakes become even more clear... it keeps the braking mechanism away from where the muck is, and slows down the wear of the rim material.

I think whether or not they catch on, in the end it is dependent on whether manufacturers and the ruling bodies in road cycling include them. If the UCI decides that they are legal for competition use, the pro teams will use them and then the brakes will trickle down to the street models... like what is happening with a few Colnagos and Bianchis with disk brakes.