Disc Brakes

[DesertConvert]

OK, so I know that disc brakes are the better option for mountain bikes (this also seems to be a topic of debate), but how much of a difference is there between hydraulic & mechanical discs...performance wise?

[helpmekaar]

Performance wise not much difference if any. Problem is mechanical disc brakes require a LOT more maintenance and really becomes a pain when cable housing is dirty and ultimately compromises braking performance!

[Mudsimus]

Performance wise not much difference if any.

 

I would like to disagree if you dont mind. There is huge differance in performance between hydraulic and mechanical disc brakes. Even v-brakes is better than most mechanical disc brakes. Most mech brakes have only one moving piston that presses the rotor against a static pad. All hydro systems except the very crappy hayes sole brakes uses 2 moving pistons.

[andretraut]

A considerable difference! Fit hydraulics, and you will have a ball going downhill, and enjoy your mtbiking experience much more. Hydro brakes ensures far better braking power, and has a nice smooth feel, aposed to mechanical ones. Two bikes ago was fitted with a mechnical setup, and at first it was ok, until I used hydro, and believe me, you will know immediately. Mechanical disk brakes are glorified V-brakes and it is my opinion that they offer more cosmetic value to your bike than anything else.   

[Mudsimus]

 Mechanical disk brakes are glorified V-brakes    

 

Dont insult v-brakes. When setup correctely they can be awesome..performance wise. And they are very very light. I just recently removed newly installed discs from my single speed and replaced them with v-brakes. Its all I need and I saved more than a kg.

[DesertConvert]

I currently have hydraulics on a Silverback Phoenix I recently bought, and they are a pleasure. Looking to buy a Bianchi Mutt for a good price (I think) which comes with mech. discs. So I'll notice a difference in performance, but it's probably something I can live with until I've saved enough to upgrade to hydraulic discs.

[Cassie]

All good and well....until you hit the mud!!  I belive you Gautenalengers have plenty of that nowdays...

 

In muddy conditions - disc brakes are far superion to v brakes...

 

cable discs?? I don't have an opinion on that other than try and go for hydraulics (even if you have to pawn the dog..) it's the future of all braking systems - so cable discs will be outdated if not already!

 

[DesertConvert]

If I'm lucky I'll get R2.50 for the dog :-( Maybe I'll just swap the systems around... 

[Mudsimus]

Swop them. The mechanicals will be spongy and after one muddy ride they will not be the same.

[DesertConvert]

Then again, I'd rather have the brake failure while hurtling down a hill, than my wife who will be inheriting the Silverback.

[crasher]

My son has mechanical disc brakes on his bike they were not too bad when new but as time wears on they need more maintenace and adjusting and cleaning and fiddling with that they are about to get replaced as I am fed up with them and agree with Mud Dee that after 3 hours of riding in mud and rain and water they were at their worst and hardly worked at all.

 

 

[MaxUmis]

mmm... interesting...

 

I run mechanicals and while I do agree that they do require some maintenance, I'll rather have them than V brakes. I like being able to stop when it's wet out.

 

 

 

Only my back brake requires a bit of maintenance, the front one has been fine for 2 months or so now...

 

The back brake doesn't always "open" completely when you let go of the lever... It's because of some resistance between the cable and housing. I've ordered a new XT brake cable set from CRC and while I wait for them I tried to gooi some SQUIRT into the old cable housings... It's working like a charm... for now.