Originally Posted by
cyccommute
How, exactly, does a hub mounted disc brake give better “modulation” than a rim brake (i.e. a spoke mounted disc brake)? In my experience, I can pull on either a little or a lot and get the bike to slow a little or lock the rear wheel or, in extreme situations, spin me around the center of gravity. The only brake that I’ve ever used that didn’t have “modulation” was a hydraulic hub mounted disc. That one was full on or full off with no intermediate control…i.e. the opposite of well modulated.
I’ve seen people on line who claim that linear brakes are either on or off. I’ve never experienced anything like that in 30 year of using linear brakes.
I find hydraulic disc brakes more precise in their bite and modulation in wet or dry conditions. I used to find rim brakes inconsistent in their feel, especially when wet. I also prefer the lighter lever action of disc brakes, especially when braking from the hoods. Can't say I've ever missed rim brakes personally.