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179 Posts
Hi all!
I read the hydro vs mech threads all the time here and just wanted to add my two bits with my recent experience switching from mechs to hydros.
I have hand problems from many previous years of working as a mechanic and many years of racing motocross/desert. I guess I am arthritic. I constantly am adjusting the throw of my levers throughout a ride as a result.
Note that I've been running Avid mechanicals for a really long time. I liked them. I felt they were finicky in their constant need of adjustment between the caliper and the lever. Seems that their attitude would change with the barometer and the temprature. And they did.
I overheated the mech pads with 160mm rotors so I bought bigger rotors to cool things down a bit. On the rear the 185mm works great. I was less impressed with the front 185 and was thinking of going to 203 mm. Did sintered pads, cables, yadda yadda. I ride down stuff that you don't even tap the front brake because you'll flip over. All rear brake sometimes, completely locked up and still gaining speed. I like steep descents.
On to the Shimano SLX hydros. Note that I am running Avid 185 mm rotors with the SLX and calipers to keep things equal here.
As far as stopping power, the SLX hydros are way stronger than BB7 mechs. I mean WAAAAY stronger. There is no comparison between these and BB7s. End of story. Easier lever pull, but very little modulation. I got used to the lack of modulation quickly. Not much adjustment with pad travel or the lever throw either.
Unlike riding with BB7s, my hands hurt, but I didn't feel the brakes attitude had changed at all. No fading, no squealing, no adjustment, no nada.
The SLX hydros are staying and the BB7s moving on to another build..
I read the hydro vs mech threads all the time here and just wanted to add my two bits with my recent experience switching from mechs to hydros.
I have hand problems from many previous years of working as a mechanic and many years of racing motocross/desert. I guess I am arthritic. I constantly am adjusting the throw of my levers throughout a ride as a result.
Note that I've been running Avid mechanicals for a really long time. I liked them. I felt they were finicky in their constant need of adjustment between the caliper and the lever. Seems that their attitude would change with the barometer and the temprature. And they did.
I overheated the mech pads with 160mm rotors so I bought bigger rotors to cool things down a bit. On the rear the 185mm works great. I was less impressed with the front 185 and was thinking of going to 203 mm. Did sintered pads, cables, yadda yadda. I ride down stuff that you don't even tap the front brake because you'll flip over. All rear brake sometimes, completely locked up and still gaining speed. I like steep descents.
On to the Shimano SLX hydros. Note that I am running Avid 185 mm rotors with the SLX and calipers to keep things equal here.
As far as stopping power, the SLX hydros are way stronger than BB7 mechs. I mean WAAAAY stronger. There is no comparison between these and BB7s. End of story. Easier lever pull, but very little modulation. I got used to the lack of modulation quickly. Not much adjustment with pad travel or the lever throw either.
Unlike riding with BB7s, my hands hurt, but I didn't feel the brakes attitude had changed at all. No fading, no squealing, no adjustment, no nada.
The SLX hydros are staying and the BB7s moving on to another build..
Honestly, glad you like your hydraulic brakes. They really do make a big difference. My hydros are the most important upgrade I have, even more so then my Rohloff I think.
