Originally Posted by
alan s
I've switched from mechanical discs to hydraulics (Shimano SLX), and the maintenance is actually less. The brakes are self-adjusting for wear, so the only maintenance is replacing pads, which requires about 5 minutes per brake.
I did the same, switching from BB5s to Avid Elixir 3s. BB5s are a pain to adjust and I read that BB7s are much better. There is almost zero maintenance on the elixirs except for very occasionally changing pads and that's a 5 minute job as you said.
Another advantage to hydraulics -- and what prompted me to change -- is that they don't freeze up as cables can do if there's moisture in the housing.
Also, the very light touch of hydraulics is easier on the hands. They stop me very quickly and smoothly in traffic and are fade free going down a big hill with a big load. Not that I really want to use them going downhill!