Originally Posted by
pgjackson
Well, the OEMs who don't even make bikes without them any more. Then every rider on the TdF has them. It is definitely part of the standard kit now. It's not a criticism of the product, but they are fairly ubiquitous now and rim brakes are virtually non-existent. 10 years ago the road cycling community absolutely hated them.
You didn't answer the question. Who advocates that disc brakes are absolutely essential? The OEMs are just producing what the public wants to buy, and the riders in the TdF have to ride bikes that are available to the public.