I've ridden both. They're both nice. I prefer mechanical for the simplicity... and the cost factor. Road levers for hydraulic are not cheap. And I actually prefer the feel of the mechanicals, at least I think I can modulate them better. Disclaimer: I have big ol' banana hands, so leverage is not a problem. YMMV.
Oh, and my bike often sleeps hanging upside down from two hooks on the ceiling of my workshop. Hydraulics would not like this, but the mechs don't care. 2nd disclaimer: this might not be true anymore, I don't know. I was just always told bikes with hydro brakes shouldn't be stored upside down for extended periods of time.
__________________
