[QUOTE=

the hydraulic disc brakes were the scariest **** i've ever tried to stop with[/QUOTE]

I remember feeling that way the first time I tried hydraulics. I used them for years on my mountain bikes, but I found that they really are not necessary for anything other than downhill. I suppose they would also be helpful when carrying heavy loads. I ended up switching to mech. discs on my mountain bike for the easier maintenance, although bleeding brakes is pretty simple.