Maintenance for different brake types

[mustang1]

Have I got this generally right:

Rim brakes require maintenance most frequently but easy to do.
Mechanical disk brakes (specifically TRP dual piston) require maintenance as frequently as rim brakes but harder to do.
Hydro disks require least frequent maintenance but when they do then it's even more of a faff?

 

[outlash]

No.

 

[raleighnut]

No.

Rim brakes are easy to set up.

 

[Drago]

Hydros are easy if you keep them serviced.

 

[Kajjal]

Its a bit of a how long is a piece of string question. In my experience (not had cable discs.) all if you set them up well in the first place and have decent quality brakes are pretty much fit and forget with maybe minor adjustments now and then. As above rim brakes are easier to setup but not by a great deal.

 

[mrandmrspoves]

Depends on the product to some large degree. A poor quality brake of any type will give poor performance however much you adjust them and pads or brake blocks also play a large part in determining performance and how often they need adjusting. Generally speaking the more effective brake materials wear out quicker than less effective materials, and thereally is often a compromise between performance or longevity. A set of Tektro hydraulics I ran a few years ago needed bleeding every few months. It is not difficult if you have the right kit - but adjusting a cable is perhaps easier. The Hayes brakes I had on my mountain bike didn't need any maintenance ever - apart from replacing the pads about twice a year. Cabe pull discs such as Avid's can need regular adjustment if you purchase BB5's or infrequent adjustment (and superior performance) if you invest a bit more cash and buy BB7's. Horses for courses.

 

[Jody]

Hydros are easy if you keep them serviced.

Serviced? Depends on brand surely. Shimano run mineral oil so they won't absorb water over time like anything that uses DOT brake fluid. Only servicing I intend on doing is replacing pads which is a 5 minute job.

 

[Levo-Lon]

My wife's spesh jet has tektro hydro brakes..bikes 3 yr old.never touched em.
i had a look at her pads the other week...bloody hell ,no wear at all bar a bit of scoring.

i said your either the best mtb er in the world and have no need for brakes or you are the slowest?

The swelling is a lot better now and i can open my eyes again....but yes hydro brakes can be totally trouble free..or a pita

 

[Jody]

The swelling is a lot better now and i can open my eyes again....a