Mountain Biking - barrel adjusters

I was tinkling with my mech disc brakes for a bit last weekend. I was trying to adjust the brakes so that it basically engages quicker. I couldn't get the settings on the brake exactly how I wanted so I resorted to the barrel adjusters. So my question is, how do they work? Also, is the barrel adjuster just a cheap way to get out of a problem that could be solved with proper adjustment?

they basically allow you to fine tune the tension on the cable so you can dial in whatever component. counter clockwise = tighter cable / clockwise = looser cable.

Another good way is to turn the allen bolt on the back of your caliper and push the piston out further. Thats what I did to take some play out of my brake levers.

I was tinkling with my mech disc brakes for a bit last weekend. I was trying to adjust the brakes so that it basically engages quicker. I couldn't get the settings on the brake exactly how I wanted so I resorted to the barrel adjusters. So my question is, how do they work? Also, is the barrel adjuster just a cheap way to get out of a problem that could be solved with proper adjustment?

You can generally move EACH pad individually when you adjust at the caliper - at least with my Avid mech. When using the barrel adjuster, you are moving both via cable tension. As long as your disc is centered well between the pads, you can use the barrell adjuster with good results.

... Brad

i have hayes MX-4's, and the pad on the wheel side of the brake is set with an allen key, then the other u use cable stuff to adjust. but the allen key thing is quite sensitive