The name "anti-lock" is a misnomer as the brakes successively lock and
release each pulse. On each release steering control is regained. Braking
distance is not improved as admitted in later research.


"J. Clarke" wrote in message
in.local...
They're not "designed to lock up", they're designed as a compromise
between maximum braking force, fade, pad wear, weight, and cost. Most
disk brakes can be locked.

ABS is intended to save your ass when there's poor traction by
preventing lock--it will also prevent lock on good surfaces but
generally isn't needed for that purpose.