I have a Marin Muirwoods 29er I use for commuting, hauling groceries, and just messing around the town but the Tektro disc brakes it comes with are absolute trash. I have to keep adjusting them and no one can seem to get rid of the slight rub on the rotors. I am tired of dealing with them so they are going in the trash but I need a replacement set. Was thinking hydraulic but not sure if a good economical hydraulic set exist. Are the Shimano Acera M395 hydro any good? They can be had for pretty cheap with 160mm rotors.

I'd recommend picking up at least SLX or better. The difference between these and lower end hydros is like night and day.

https://www.blueskycycling.com/produ...w--Adapter.htm

I use SLX hydros, and they are great. If you get the more expensive rotors w/spider, they need almost no truing, and don't warp at all after truing. I think they are the ICE rotors or something similar. Worth every extra dollar. Other than changing worn out pads, it's pretty much maintenance free.

I've been happy with the Tektro HyRd which is a hybrid cable hydro brake.
https://www.trpbrakes.com/category.ph...1198&catid=206

even not looking at prices the m395 if a great braking system. then, when you factor in low price it's almost unbeatable. for commuting I certainly wouldn't pay the premium for the NAME of higher end Shimano units when this Shimano system retains most of the allure of the rest, just without some sporty finishing touches which are, IMO, pointless for a commuting rig.

I would also take these "low end" Shimano over ANY other brand of hydraulic brake, no mater how high end that may be.

imo, you are speaking from ignorance.

*the cost differential is not high if you get last years model on sale.
*the cylinders on mid-level SLX brakes have an XT heritage that affords superior actuation and adjustability in comparison to the designed for cheapness m395s (the m575s also have little heritage from XT and frankly suck even worse than the m395s).
*the slx has the one-finger modulation and power that made recent XT and XTR vintages such popular brakes.
*ice tech is not hype and really does improve wear and performance on descents.
*the slx allows the use of sintered and metal pads which markedly improve longevity in wetter/colder climates. (m395 rotors are not qualified for metallic or semi-metallic pads).

I'll stick with DB7's...

I just had Avid bb7s installed on my commuter, sadly it'll be at least another week before I can test then out as my doctor has sidelined me from any physical exertion while I am recovering from Colitis and am infection of the ileum. Can't wait to get back to riding.

I used to have a Muirwoods 29er. Mine (2008) came with BB5's and unbranded alloy brake levers. I upgraded to BB7's and Avid Speed Dial levers. The difference was amazing. Honestly, though, I think the improved levers might have contributed as much as the improved calipers (at a fraction of the cost).

There are definitely some advantages to hydraulic brakes, but if you can find them cheap enough (and I think you can), the BB7/Speed Dial combination will make you happy.

Agreed. A pair of BB7's stop our tandem. With 160mm rotors I might add. Just doesn't seem right, but it works. I'm not arguing.

H

I have been very happy with my BB7's on my Xtracycle.

I'm happy with BB7's

i bet that most of those who are testifying that they are "happy" with their bb7s have not tried a decent hydro on a flat bar set up.

ignorance is bliss.

I'm holding out on hydro's until the antilock brake version comes along...

I'll add that at the same time as my electronic shifting......

I own/have owned 14 bikes with BB7's(road and MTN) and 5 bikes with hydros. The hydros did have better feel,but I'm perfectly happy with the BB7's.

I would swap out a set of low end mechs with hydros,but if a bike comes with BB7's,I'd leave it alone.

+1

I think it's a question of perspective. The OP has an urban bike that is used for "commuting, hauling groceries, and just messing around the town." Do you really need SLX hydros for that?

An absolute need for SLX ? Probably not. However, once you have used the SLX for a couple of hundred miles you will have completely put aside the cost of buying them. They are that nice.

No, there's a whole lot of diminishing returns between good mechanical disks, and hydraulic ones. You spend a lot more for something that's only marginally better.

And the ironic thing is that the $30 difference in price would be recouped in a few years due to pad longevity alone.

It looks like the m596 deores are also a good brake and can be found for as low as ~$60 (I have not tried them):

https://www.bikeradar.com/us/mtb/gear...rake-12-46008/