Originally Posted by
canyoneagle
I've found the opposite to be true - My discs modulate beautifully. I think it's a setup (and to some extent make/model) thing.
[snip]
But to say discs don't modulate well (as a general "truth") is incorrect.
Indeed. If your discs, especially hydraulic, don't seem to modulate, they're probably either set up incorrectly or the modulation difficulty is in the rider, not the discs. A light touch will give you very precise control.
Originally Posted by
Steely Dan
it's too bad that my mountain bike is too old to accept disc brakes. if i ever get a new bike to build into a true winter/foul weather machine, it will definitely be disc-equipped.
The irony there is that many people ride "beaters" in the winter. "Disc brakes" and "beater" don't tend to go together.
by the way, what are the performance differences between mechanical and hydraulic disc brake systems. is one system clearly better than the other, or is it more of a personal preference thing (just like everything else in the cycling world)?
I don't have personal experience with mechanical discs, but what I usually hear is that hydraulic discs provide superior power and more positive control; mechanical can be a touch "mushy" or "spongy" (though by no means bad). I know my hydraulic discs will let me safely stop in a reasonable distance using just one finger on each lever, and will stop me in about 2 bike lengths if I really clamp down.