Mechanical or Hydraulic
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981 Posts
I have ridden both and like each one for different reasons.
If you go with mechanical disc, do it because you like the technology not for it' perceived lower price. When you do all the math, a set of BB7,SD7 levers and quality cable set can cost much as some good hydraulic systems on sale out there. For example, you can get a set of Avid Juicy 5 front and rear for $200 right now on some sites.
I currently ride BB7 and will be installing BB7 on my current 29er build. But I do miss the smooth lever feel of a good set of hydraulics like the Juicy line.
If you go with mechanical disc, do it because you like the technology not for it' perceived lower price. When you do all the math, a set of BB7,SD7 levers and quality cable set can cost much as some good hydraulic systems on sale out there. For example, you can get a set of Avid Juicy 5 front and rear for $200 right now on some sites.
I currently ride BB7 and will be installing BB7 on my current 29er build. But I do miss the smooth lever feel of a good set of hydraulics like the Juicy line.
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16,462 Posts
Just so it's been said, the primary issue with cables is friction, either immediate, or eventual. If you don't mind dealing with cable swaps periodically, BB7's are great, I would say 90% of a hydraulic, i'm sure some will dispute this though=
On the other side, if you are looking at hydraulics, it's worth considering the fluid within. Hayes, Hope's, and Avid's all use DOT 4 fluid, very corrosive, and nasty, don't get it on your nice custom paint job!! Consider something with mineral oil, ala, Shimano, Magura, hmmm any others? They work identically, and you might have to bleed once or twice more, over the lifespan of the system due to a moderate water take-up that comes with using mineral oil, not a big deal. My 2 cents, ride hard!
On the other side, if you are looking at hydraulics, it's worth considering the fluid within. Hayes, Hope's, and Avid's all use DOT 4 fluid, very corrosive, and nasty, don't get it on your nice custom paint job!! Consider something with mineral oil, ala, Shimano, Magura, hmmm any others? They work identically, and you might have to bleed once or twice more, over the lifespan of the system due to a moderate water take-up that comes with using mineral oil, not a big deal. My 2 cents, ride hard!
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366 Posts
On this decision (probably this one alone), money isn't the deciding factor. It has more to do with me not loosing my brakes out in the middle of no where. Definately true that the Hayes are much smoother, but in the long run I think I'll be happier with the Avid. Thanks!
I have two sets of Hayes hydros, and one set of BB7 mechs. I like them both for two different reasons. I like the stopping power of my hydros over the mechs, but I like the easy adjustment of my BB7's. I don't think you could go wrong with either. I have run them both with no problems.
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2,418 Posts
Only small differences
Let me say first that I prefer hydraulics, mostly because once they are set - you just run. Mechs require you to take up the slack as the pads wear, but are very simple to set up and adjust. I have always tuned the hose length on hydros on install - which requires a little patience.
Performance-wise, there is not too much difference. And you can always bump up the rotor size if you need more power. Most of the current systems have modulation/control response figured out.
That said, I highly recommend Avids (M or H) because of the CPS hardware - it allows you to match the caliper to the rotor exactly without shims or bending or having to machine the frame mount.
Let me say first that I prefer hydraulics, mostly because once they are set - you just run. Mechs require you to take up the slack as the pads wear, but are very simple to set up and adjust. I have always tuned the hose length on hydros on install - which requires a little patience.
Performance-wise, there is not too much difference. And you can always bump up the rotor size if you need more power. Most of the current systems have modulation/control response figured out.
That said, I highly recommend Avids (M or H) because of the CPS hardware - it allows you to match the caliper to the rotor exactly without shims or bending or having to machine the frame mount.
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5,998 Posts
I'm not a huge fan of mechanicals.Mattyd said:
I've had a set of Avid mechanicals for 2 years on my 26" FS. I originally bought tham because (a) I already had brake levers on the bike for v-brakes, so mechanicals were cheap, and (b) I wanted the reliability of a cable (in the sense that if I crashed in the middle of nowhere and damaged a cable/line there would be some hope of a repair).
However, I've never been impressed with the modulation. To me they're more like on on/off switch, than a brake lever. I'm running Avid pads and the stock rotors, with Avid speed-dial levers adjusted to pull as little cable as possible. To me they're just too grabby, although a lot of people love them.
I just bought a set of hydralic brakes for the 29er that I'm building up. Avid Mechanicals were ruled out very quickly as an option. But if you're looking for cheap, and adjustable they work fine.
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708 Posts
True, hydraulics feel smoother while squeezing the lever in your driveway, but while actually riding I think the difference is imperceptable. I have one bike with bulk brake housing and cable, and another with Avid Flak Jacket. The Flak Jacket is much smoother and worth the money. Run Avid mechanicals with the brake levers at thier lowest mechanical advantage; they will be plenty strong and modulation is much better. And lastly, if you go with mechanicals, buck up for the BB7's . BB5's use different brake pads which may be hard to find.
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