Brakes for Touring

[intheways]

Hello,

I'm relatively new to bike touring.  I'm trying to build a bike up for general MTBing and touring.

I've read the piece about brakes by Larry Diskin, but I was wondering if there is a general consensus of what brakes are best for touring:  disc or linear pull.  

I like the simplicity of V-brakes, but do they provide enough stopping power when it is whet.

Thanks

[roadrunner]

I've never ridden with disc brakes, so can't comment on them.  I replaced the original cantilever brakes on my BLT with linear pull brakes and am very pleased with the results.  The linear pull brakes are a very large improvement in stopping power, especially when riding with a loaded trailer.  They are also easy to adjust and trouble-free -- no worries about 'dinging a disc.

[ATSFfan]

If you do go with any type of "rim" brake, make sure you've got a set of quality pads installed. I put a set of Eagle Claw pads (I believe they were MTB pads - long, and curved to follow the curve of your rims) on my touring bike before I did my last tour and they were phenominally outstanding. I highly recommend them.

Richard Pace