Mechanical versus Hydraulic Disc Brakes for CX

Comment

Comment by Rich on October 6, 2011 at 6:39pm

Hydraulic is generally know for having a way better feel, but has the potential for (and generally actually has) greater power as well.

Comment by Troy G on May 10, 2011 at 1:29pm

Can't wait to see the hydraulics since I do a bit a cross riding with the MTB buddies.  Shimano is supposed to be working on the road levers.  As for use on MTB there is not comparison.  Avid mechanicals are great for slowing down but Juicy hydraulics are better for stopping.  J.D. is right though, for most Cross riding a good pair of cantilevers will get you there.  We don't get much clogging on the West Coast but I still want to go to disc brakes when possible.

Comment by J.D. Kimple on May 3, 2011 at 9:10am

First is, I don't think anyone makes hydraulic disc road levers. So you have to go with mechanical. As well, you have to be sure you get mechanical designed for the pull of road-levers and not MTB-levers.

Second, I'm not sure that hydraulic is necc. for 'cross. I don't think it's needed for cross country riding. Maybe for downhillers. But that could be a bit of old curmudgeon in me showing.