New bike thoughts-mechanical versus hydraulic disc brakes?

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Permalink Reply by Michael A on December 1, 2010 at 2:37pm

try looking at kozy, several shops around the city and they have a great return/upgrade policy

http://kozy.com/product/10-cannondale-quick-cx-fs-k3-58954-1.htm

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Permalink Reply by Tank-Ridin' Ryan on December 1, 2010 at 3:20pm

I direct you to a previous post (of yours) where there's a previous comment (of mine).

http://www.thechainlink.org/forum/topics/commuter-bike-suggestions?...

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Permalink Reply by Kevin C Dormant on December 1, 2010 at 3:35pm

You need to aggregate and index this stuff Ryan.

Tank-Ridin' Ryan said:

I direct you to a previous post (of yours) where there's a previous comment (of mine).

http://www.thechainlink.org/forum/topics/commuter-bike-suggestions?...

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Permalink Reply by Tank-Ridin' Ryan on December 1, 2010 at 3:39pm

I'll index you!
Kevin Conway said:

You need to aggregate and index this stuff Ryan.

Tank-Ridin' Ryan said:

I direct you to a previous post (of yours) where there's a previous comment (of mine).

http://www.thechainlink.org/forum/topics/commuter-bike-suggestions?...

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Permalink Reply by Jason Figler on December 1, 2010 at 3:49pm

Nice...thanks again...is the forum searchable? I'll try to answer this for myself in a few seconds...look at that it is!

Ok, so Ryan, you've answered this already.

The angle I'm taking on the hydro vs. cable is from a reliability standpoint however, not a power concern. I'm a 365 rider so it will see some rough-n-salty winter use and I'm concerned with the mechanism needing more maintenance than hydro brakes due to salt.

And from the prior post, maybe a hard front/rear is the way to go as it will always be a commuter bike. But I like the style of this bike, and the fork has a lock-out too. I'm already riding a bike with a fork, and when I'm on my drop-bar road bike with 100psi in the tires I can feel every pebble in the road. Ergo, I'm thinking this bike with 700s and 80-100psi in the tires will feel a lot more plush with a fork on it. Please disagree if you think I'm wrong...

Tank-Ridin' Ryan said:

I direct you to a previous post (of yours) where there's a previous comment (of mine).

http://www.thechainlink.org/forum/topics/commuter-bike-suggestions?...

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Permalink Reply by Tank-Ridin' Ryan on December 1, 2010 at 5:10pm

Ning searchable? HAHAHA!! I used Google: "thechainlink.org" mechanical disc brakes and then your profile to find my previous post.

Anyway,

I have no experience with hydraulic brakes, but I know you can't get air in the lines with mechanical brakes. :) But that's up to you.

Suspension fork vs non-suspension fork is also a personal choice. I personally don't need that smooth of a ride.

Jason Figler said:

Nice...thanks again...is the forum searchable? I'll try to answer this for myself in a few seconds...look at that it is!

Ok, so Ryan, you've answered this already.

The angle I'm taking on the hydro vs. cable is from a reliability standpoint however, not a power concern. I'm a 365 rider so it will see some rough-n-salty winter use and I'm concerned with the mechanism needing more maintenance than hydro brakes due to salt.

And from the prior post, maybe a hard front/rear is the way to go as it will always be a commuter bike. But I like the style of this bike, and the fork has a lock-out too. I'm already riding a bike with a fork, and when I'm on my drop-bar road bike with 100psi in the tires I can feel every pebble in the road. Ergo, I'm thinking this bike with 700s and 80-100psi in the tires will feel a lot more plush with a fork on it. Please disagree if you think I'm wrong...

Tank-Ridin' Ryan said:

I direct you to a previous post (of yours) where there's a previous comment (of mine).

http://www.thechainlink.org/forum/topics/commuter-bike-suggestions?...

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by S on December 1, 2010 at 5:26pm

If you get sealed lines, that'd probably go a long way to upping the reliability. They cost a bit more but it would mean that you wouldn't need to worry about crud getting into your shift or brake lines and fouling things up. I think hydraulics might be a bit more reliable once they're set up but you may need to bleed the lines if you get any leaks in your system or if you do brake maintenance. Also the hydraulic fluid might be toxic if the brakes need DOT brake fluid.

Jason Figler said:

Nice...thanks again...is the forum searchable? I'll try to answer this for myself in a few seconds...look at that it is!

Ok, so Ryan, you've answered this already.

The angle I'm taking on the hydro vs. cable is from a reliability standpoint however, not a power concern. I'm a 365 rider so it will see some rough-n-salty winter use and I'm concerned with the mechanism needing more maintenance than hydro brakes due to salt.

And from the prior post, maybe a hard front/rear is the way to go as it will always be a commuter bike. But I like the style of this bike, and the fork has a lock-out too. I'm already riding a bike with a fork, and when I'm on my drop-bar road bike with 100psi in the tires I can feel every pebble in the road. Ergo, I'm thinking this bike with 700s and 80-100psi in the tires will feel a lot more plush with a fork on it. Please disagree if you think I'm wrong...

Tank-Ridin' Ryan said:

I direct you to a previous post (of yours) where there's a previous comment (of mine).

http://www.thechainlink.org/forum/topics/commuter-bike-suggestions?...

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by millenial removing Bernie tattoo on December 1, 2010 at 6:36pm

I've ridden entire winters without having to change the brake cables, and I wasn't too picky about taking care of my bike. I didn't need to do any more maintenance than the usual adjustments.

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Permalink Reply by nik was here on December 1, 2010 at 9:25pm

Besides the power advantage, my opinion on Hydro's is that the beauty comes from its smoothness.

Depending on the features built into a hydraulic brake system, it may be easier or more difficult to adjust the brakes to your personal preferences. You will need to do a brake bleed every year or two at least, and further dependent on mileage. fluids are usually a mineral oil or DOT fluid. When the brakes are set up perfect for you and everything is working perfect it is a beautiful braking experience.

Having a mechanical system may make it easier for the home mechanic to adjust though you will have the same concerns as you would with any cable actuated system. Not having the added challenge of leaking fluid and seals will make diagnosing and adjusting problems simpler. If you are going to go with an open system, use some wet lube on the cables and in the housing to help keep the dirt out and it running smooth.

Salt is salt. I don't think you are going to have any distinct advantage with either system. Though the sealed system theoretically would stay cleaner, there is no such thing as a roadside hydro fix if something did go wrong. With either system, a cloth with some rubbing alcohol can help clean dirty rotors. Just keep the alcohol away from the pads. Wipe pads with cloth. You can lightly sand pads if necessary.

Suspension is a personal preference. As long as you enjoy the ride of the bike it is on, it can be a welcomed feature. Be aware of the different speed and handling characteristics and you should be satisfied. It is not recommended to store bikes with suspension by the fork as oil can leak out along the stanchions.

Other differences between the two bikes is the durability of the rear derailleur as you step up to the Deore, the dependable workhorse of Shimano's mountain groupos. Also, the forks are a little different but the same functionally at 50mm each with lockout.

Kozy's offers test rides, 15 day return/30 day exchange options, 30 day price protection, and every bike receives a minimum of two free tune ups and one year of unlimited adjustments. Depending on size, both bikes are in stock to check out now.

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Permalink Reply by Mike Brown on December 1, 2010 at 10:50pm

I have had most brands of hydro or mechanical disc brakes on my mountain bikes. Disc brakes are precise pieces of equipment but they offer a great feel compared to rim brakes. It is however really important that you get a quality set. I have had really good luck with Avid disc brakes (both mechanical and hydro). They have an alignment system that allows you to squeeze the brake, tighten the caliper, and you are aligned. The Hayes hydros are a nightmare to get properly set-up. You really have to use spacers on the disc (like business cards jammed on either side) and then torque down the caliper....they are also notorious for becoming misaligned. Tektro are a real 'value brand' so I would be cautious about their hydro reliability. I have had a pair of the cheapest Avid hydros (Juicy 3) on my commuter bike for many years and have never had to adjust or bleed them....and this bike gets stored outside. Before that had avid BB5 mechanical and they were great too...just don't have the modulation you get with hydro. Alternatively, my downhill mountain bike has Hayes 9's and I have to adjust something everytime I use it....and it gets stored in the garage.

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Permalink Reply by Tank-Ridin' Ryan on December 1, 2010 at 11:48pm

Very well put Mike.
Mike Brown said:

I have had most brands of hydro or mechanical disc brakes on my mountain bikes. Disc brakes are precise pieces of equipment but they offer a great feel compared to rim brakes. It is however really important that you get a quality set. I have had really good luck with Avid disc brakes (both mechanical and hydro). They have an alignment system that allows you to squeeze the brake, tighten the caliper, and you are aligned. The Hayes hydros are a nightmare to get properly set-up. You really have to use spacers on the disc (like business cards jammed on either side) and then torque down the caliper....they are also notorious for becoming misaligned. Tektro are a real 'value brand' so I would be cautious about their hydro reliability. I have had a pair of the cheapest Avid hydros (Juicy 3) on my commuter bike for many years and have never had to adjust or bleed them....and this bike gets stored outside. Before that had avid BB5 mechanical and they were great too...just don't have the modulation you get with hydro. Alternatively, my downhill mountain bike has Hayes 9's and I have to adjust something everytime I use it....and it gets stored in the garage.

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Permalink Reply by Jason Figler on December 2, 2010 at 12:12pm

Thanks for all the responses...great information.

also, as my old bike has seen quite a few winters of use already, and has held up pretty well, very little issues. Just, I'd bet that either disc brake set would prove to do pretty well. Having never taken apart, or closely inspected mechanical disc brakes I have this thought that the mechanism would be susceptible to corrosion/sticking. Even if that were the case, I'm sure it's something that could be fixed/maintained w/o too much trouble.

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