As far as brakes, the Giant came with hydraulic discs. I'm pushing 3000 miles so far and I haven't done anything to them other than wave the power washer over them to knock out the junk and road salt.
They are noisy as hell though.
Pads are cheap, I think about $8 a pair (aftermarket). I bought a full replacement set (from ebay) when I bought the bike, but it's been 3 years now and the original pads are not even 1/2 worn yet.
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Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.