Hydraulic vs mechanical disc brakes

Both systems use a rotor and a caliper, but they push the pads in a different way. Mechanical disc brakes use a steel cable, like rim brakes. Hydraulic disc brakes use a sealed circuit of fluid (mineral oil or DOT) that transmits the force from the lever to the pistons.

Key differences

• Power and modulation: hydraulic brakes need less hand force and offer finer control, especially on long descents and in the wet.
• Self-adjustment: hydraulic pistons compensate for pad wear automatically; mechanical brakes need regular adjustment.
• Maintenance: mechanical brakes are easier to fix on the road; hydraulic brakes need an occasional bleed, ideally in a workshop.
• Price and weight: mechanical systems are cheaper and compatible with any cable lever; hydraulic systems require specific levers.

Our recommendation: for road, gravel and MTB riding in the mountains, hydraulic. For touring bikes or tight budgets, a good mechanical system works very well. Our rental bikes in Barcelona use hydraulic disc brakes.