Mostly down to personal opinion, I reckon. Here's mine: They're not a must, all the time - though it's a lot safer in some situations. I like my brake. It modulates, and slips a bit - unless you hold it in a death grip, where it bites like a motha'. Great for it all - gaps, I take a real strong grip. Near enough silent, too Love it. Smooth Ronnie/Reggie (don't know which is the rear), SD7 all over, clarks cable, neco reds, Zoot, carbon booster.