Is it fair to say that the recent trend towards more expensive and complex disc brake systems is nothing more than a marketing ploy to separate cyclists from their hard-earned cash, and that a well-maintained rim brake system can still provide superior stopping power and modulation in the right conditions, or are disc brakes truly the superior choice for performance-oriented cyclists.
If we take into account factors such as heat dissipation, pad wear, and maintenance requirements, do the benefits of disc brakes really outweigh those of rim brakes, especially when it comes to high-speed descents and technical trails where every millisecond counts.
Are we simply being sold on the idea that more complex and expensive is always better, or are there genuine performance advantages to be had from the latest crop of high-end disc brake systems, and what does this mean for the average cyclist on a budget who wants to get the most out of their ride.