Hydraulic Discs and Lock-Out Sus

[henshaw11]

Hope Minis (and perhaps other Hope models) are as close to 'maintenance free' as any component on a bike can be.
That's on bikes ridden all year, twice a week, round here in the Lakes.

Mebbe if you're only ever off-road - in the salty rubbish we've had on the roads the last few winters, I've had the rear Mini seize twice and the front was getting sticky, and it's not like the thing doesn't get cleaned . (Swapping the pistons for the phenolic ones might help since something's obvious corroding).

I've a Magura on one recumbent that dumped it's guts over the rear disk - tho' that's mebbe 9 yrs old. Tho' unlike Hope you can't get replacement seals, etc

BB7s are as good as cable disks get, probably aren't that far behind hydraulics - I've replaced the failed Magura with one.

 

[Cubist]

interesting, assuming one is going with a fully rigid XC 29er and one was considering cable disc brakes, BB7s just coz one knows how to play with them, would one be better served looking at hydraulics?

If so what sort of price do you need to go to for as fit and forget as possible? and what brands are best? for example I was looking at Avid Juicy but only becasue they would take the same pads as my existing BB7s

Given that you won't be doing much downhill stuff (!!!) the new Shimano Deore are excellent value for money, about £150 front and rear. Hayes Stroker Ryde at Merlin for less than £100 (I have them on my Cube, and despite being more CLydesdale than throughbred they stop me on the steep stuff. People say thy're a bit wooden, but I haven't once felt the need to complain!

Otherwise there are bargains to be had out there on 'tweb, with loads of OEM Avids appearing on various sites at bargain prices.

True bling in the guise of Formula Oro etc appear, but you're looking at double the price of the Hayes (each!!) , and if you shop round you'll find Hopes front and rear for £300.

 

[MacB]

Given that you won't be doing much downhill stuff (!!!) the new Shimano Deore are excellent value for money, about £150 front and rear. Hayes Stroker Ryde at Merlin for less than £100 (I have them on my Cube, and despite being more CLydesdale than throughbred they stop me on the steep stuff. People say thy're a bit wooden, but I haven't once felt the need to complain!

Otherwise there are bargains to be had out there on 'tweb, with loads of OEM Avids appearing on various sites at bargain prices.

True bling in the guise of Formula Oro etc appear, but you're looking at double the price of the Hayes (each!!) , and if you shop round you'll find Hopes front and rear for £300.

thanks C, am seriously considering the Deore groupset from Merlin at £300, can always upgrade as it wears out or take the Rohloff plunge if I feel wealthy