Mountain Biking - Disc Brake question....

I know this may seem like a stupid question, but im looking at upgrading my shamano mechanical disc brakes and was wandering if i should buy either

Avid mechanicals

Or

Hope Minis

Thie difference is about £50 for each, they're going on an xc bike, but after i upgrade everything my riding style should have changed anyways, and ill be onto bigger things so ill get a new frame... i was just curious if its worth spending alot more money on disc brakes that wont be used to their full advantage or if i should buy the mechanicals which are easy to maintain and cheaper....

Thx

Lee

I prefer hydros...and they are just as easy. I can bleed and replace my master cyclinder in about 15 minutes...really simple and pretty quick. I prefer the feel of hydros so I would go Hope...

I prefer the Avid Mechanicals. Easier to fix out in the middle of nowhere.

The Hopes will be a little harder to set up initially but will give you better modulation and power. They will also work better in wet conditions.

The Avids are very good brakes but I prefer hydros.

:beer:

definately get hydraulics. they stop u a hell of a lot better. hayes r the best get some of those *****es. im serious.....i got mechans and my friend has hydraulics......i have experienced the difference.

my friend has the avids, i have the hopes. i like mine better, he likes his better. mine have way more modulation..... but hydro is definately in a class far above mech....

Add another vote for the hydros. Compared to several friends' Avids, my Hayes are way more powerful, modulate better, and require less maintainance. Admitedly set-up is harder, and if they do fail, hydros are more trouble to fix. However, my hydros have never failed on the trail. The Avids mechs seem to need on-trail maintainance regularly.

....snip..... The Avids mechs seem to need on-trail maintainance regularly.They were set up wrong from the beginning then.

I've had no problems with Avids whatsoever except a soft pad compound from the factory which they promptly replaced for me. They've needed no maintenance whatsoever, even when cables stretched. Just a matter of turning one of two knobs to adjust. The only thing I dislike is that they don't modulate as well as hydros.

I think the hydros are worth the extra cash. Once set up all you will have to do is change the pads when they wear out. They also tend to have a cleaner lever feel especially on the rear and you don't have to worry about dirt getting in the cables.

The Hope minis will give you better modulation, but Avid mechs will give you better "stop on a dime" power.

Hope mini is better than avid mechs. But the reliability of Hope brakes in the UK is a bit questionable. Many people have problems with stuck/leaking/rattling etc pistons/calipers. I dont have a clue about avids but clearly mechanical brakes are a thing of the past. Go with Hydro brakes. Give a try on Hayes or Shimano. XT and Deore discs have a good record for stopping power and reliability.

Thx Guys