Mechanical vs. Hydraulic Disc Brakes

A common question we get asked here is, “Should I get hydraulic disc brakes or mechanical disc brakes?”

Both styles of brakes have their own benefits and drawbacks, so it really comes down to what you as the rider are looking for. In this blog post, we will go over the differences between the two types of brakes so that you can make an informed decision on which is best for you.

There are two main types of disc brakes – hydraulic and mechanical. Both styles have their own benefits and drawbacks, so it really comes down to what you as the rider are looking for.

In this blog post, we will go over the differences between the two types of brakes so that you can make an informed decision on which is best for you.

Mechanical vs Hydraulic Disc Brakes

Hydraulic disc brakes offer more stopping power than their mechanical counterparts due to the fact that they use a liquid instead of a cable to transfer force from the lever to the caliper.

This means that less effort is required from the rider in order to initiate braking, which can be useful when riding in technical terrain or in situations where sudden braking is necessary.

Hydraulic discs are also typically easier to adjust and maintain than mechanical ones, as they have fewer moving parts. However, they can be more expensive than mechanical discs and may require bleeding/servicing more frequently.

Mechanical disc brakes utilize a cable-actuated system in order to transfer force from the lever to the caliper. This means that more effort is required from the rider to initiate braking, but it also makes them simpler and less expensive than hydraulic brakes.

In addition, mechanical discs are typically considered to be easier to adjust and maintain than hydraulic ones since they have fewer moving parts. However, they do not offer as much stopping power as hydraulic brakes and may not be well-suited for riding in technical terrain or for sudden braking situations.

Conclusion

So, which type of brake is best for you? If you want maximum stopping power and don’t mind spending a little extra money, then hydraulic disc brakes are a good choice.

However, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option that is still effective, then mechanical disc brakes may be more suited for your needs. Ultimately, it comes down to what you value most as a rider.