I asked a similar question (similar, because people recommended a hybrid): [What bike+equipment for a long daily urban commute?](http://bicycles.stackexchange.com/q/2767/1097)

The bike that I bought cost $700 after a discount for being last year's model, so it afforded/included disc brakes (and I like it very much).

The best thing about disc brakes is that they work:

- On a steep down-hill, and/or at top speed
- In the wet (riding in rain or snow)
- In traffic (riding on city streets at rush-hour)

For example, [this comment](http://bicycles.stackexchange.com/questions/2767/what-bikeequipment-for-a-long-daily-urban-commute/2780#comment3421_2769):

> Disc brakes stop when it's wet - I'm in Vancouver! Hydraulics have a lot more braking force - I can lock the wheel with a finger, with regular pads I had to squeeze hard and hope on the steep sections.

They're also useful, apparently, off-road in mud: if your rims get muddy.

If that's not the type, time, place, and speed of riding that you're doing, perhaps disc brakes are less important?

Now, I'm riding in the country-side instead of in traffic: so I don't need to do 'emergency stops'. Brakes are important, but perhaps more enjoyable are nice gears, and (especially) good tires.