Are Hydraulic Discs Brakes Fit & Forget

[Mallory]

I torn between cable or hydraulic disc brakes for my hybrid/commuter

Are the hydraulics really fit and forget with only a yearly bleed/service needed?

For obvious reasons i don't want a commuter bike that needs constant repairs/off the road time.

Also would you go with Avid Juicy 3 Brakes or Hayes Dyno Brakes?

 

[I like Skol]

My GT hybrid came with Tektro hydraulic brakes OE and they soon gave problems and needed constant adjustments which in the end culminated with rubbing after just a couple of days everytime. I skipped those and fitted Shimano XT ones (£££££) and these have been virtually untouched since regardless of the weather so IMO are close to fit and forget.

 

[actonblue]

Unforgettable that's what they are.

 

[Deleted member 23692]

Only time I touch my Shimanos is to change the pads.

 

[Moodyman]

I've got Shimano Deore mechanical on one bike and hydraulic on other. Hydros needed bleeding twice in three years, but other than that and to change pads, they're fit and forget. The mechanical though good, need adjusting every couple hundred miles to keep braking sharp.

 

[Cubist]

Forget Avids. They can work sweetly, but those in the know avoid them like the plague.

Shimano Deore are awesome value for money. Merlin and Chain reaction have some bargains in occasionally.

The cheapest place to get Deore, SLX or XT brakes is Germany, but the hoses come matched to the wrong levers for UK use. As they need shortening, you can swap the hoses over at the same time. Some folk think that's a faff, but in reality it's about half an hours work to a confident spannerist.

Check
bike-discount.de
rosebikes.co.uk
hibike.de

for bargains.

Deore are so cheap they are rarely in stock.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

you'll never forget fitting and using avid brakes.

more seriously for cable go BB7 for hydraulic go shimano slx