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Mechs or Hydros?

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Old 04-28-05 | 02:16 AM
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Mechs or Hydros?

Im thinking about whats best for a front disc brake setup on my bike, im definitly going 8 inch, but im not sure weather i should go mechs or hydros, im leaning towards mechs because of the simplicity and how easy to maintain they are, can some one list the disadvantages/advantages of hydros and mechs? I did a search and didnt find a good thread that would help me in one big blow, so here one is. I do dirt jumping, and i like having front and back brakes, and every so often you do a jump only to realise you dont have much of a landing area and the brakes turn out to be very helpful, so your help on this is appreciated
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Old 04-28-05 | 02:18 AM
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Originally Posted by Shadow_Ryder
Im thinking about whats best for a front disc brake setup on my bike, im definitly going 8 inch, but im not sure weather i should go mechs or hydros, im leaning towards mechs because of the simplicity and how easy to maintain they are, can some one list the disadvantages/advantages of hydros and mechs? I did a search and didnt find a good thread that would help me in one big blow, so here one is. I do dirt jumping, and i like having front and back brakes, and every so often you do a jump only to realise you dont have much of a landing area and the brakes turn out to be very helpful, so your help on this is appreciated
DJ bike? Mechs easier and cheaper to fix when you crash
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Old 04-28-05 | 04:06 AM
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How many Avid SD5 levers can you buy for the price of one hydro lever?
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Old 04-28-05 | 02:50 PM
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Originally Posted by Expatriate
How many Avid SD5 levers can you buy for the price of one hydro lever?
A few. But he could always just use a generic lever like a $15 Mom and Pop (heck even Walmart) special.
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Old 04-28-05 | 03:39 PM
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I think we'll use the hydros at home, and throw the mechanicals back on when we travel with the tandem.
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Old 04-28-05 | 03:42 PM
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Here is the disc brake synopsis on this board

Raiyn - avids bb7's
dirtbike - bling bling hopes - no one else can afford them but you might
Maelstrom - cheap out and get the juicy 5s or 7's
most people - get hayes hydros, proven and solid

Personally for djing I would go with v's or cheap mechs. There isn't much need for solid stopping in a rythm section
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Old 04-28-05 | 03:57 PM
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I looked at the Hopes, with the titanium goodness. Problem is that they're not tandem approved. At least not that I'm aware of.
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Old 04-28-05 | 04:18 PM
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Originally Posted by Expatriate
I looked at the Hopes, with the titanium goodness. Problem is that they're not tandem approved. At least not that I'm aware of.

I use Hope 'Bling blings on both my bikes A2

I would go Hydrolic, people say they're harder to maintain than a mech, but ive been running a variety of brakes for 2 years now, and never had a problem with any of my hydrolics, they cos more, but they stop better...

For Dirt jumping however, i probably would go mechanicals, you dont really need amazing brakes for dirt jumping, as long as they stop quick your alright, I dont suppose your really to worried about m,odulation and stuff like that..

Avid BB7's or BB%'s will be fine for you me thinks.
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Old 04-28-05 | 04:27 PM
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A hydro in the front, Mech in the back. Best of both worlds
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Old 04-28-05 | 04:46 PM
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ive got a set of each- hayes hydros, hayes mx1 mechanicals, and avid mechs. the hayes mechs are a bit finicky, but they work- well. the avids are damn powerful for what they are, but kinda $$ for a mech. the hmx's are a bit more powerful than v brakes, but definitely not anything to write home to mom about.
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Old 04-28-05 | 04:58 PM
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I Hopes!

Mechs make more sense for djs though.
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Old 04-28-05 | 05:08 PM
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Konarider24: Avid BB7 with 8" rotor in the back and nothing on the front.
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Old 04-28-05 | 08:30 PM
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I'll say Avids Mechs.
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