Originally Posted by
PeteHski
My reality is that disc brakes require pretty much zero maintenance, similar to rim brakes. It's hardly worth discussing the maintenance aspect IMO. They are both simple systems.
This has been my experience. I do peek at the pads when I'm cleaning the bike or doing other maintenance and obviously that is easier on my rim brake bikes. Mine are hydraulic and I suppose that cable operated my present some cable stretch as well as pad wear issues, but those are going to be on rim brakes as well. As for the hydraulic side of things, unless the system is opened or you store your bike upside down, bleeding shouldn't be necessary. I would bet most of the "I was bleeding my brakes and have a problem now" posts come from people fiddling with things that aren't broke in the first place.