Cable disc brake vs hydraulic disc brake?

Question

What is the difference between the two? How is one better than the other? How is either one maintained?

Answer 1

Generalily, hydros are higher quality. They modulate better than cable. Modulation is important because you don't want your brakes to feel like an on-off switch, but it's better to be able to regulate how to apply the braking force.

Both are good brakes. If you're wanting cable-actuated disc, go for the Avid BB-7, they're the best, as far as I've heard. They have some red dials in the calipers that you can rotate to adjust the pads, so it's pretty easy to do. They're also pretty affordable, probably around 200-250 for the whole stuff (2 brakes, and levels).

Hydros use a liquid to actuate the calipers (mineral oil, or others), and are pretty good. They can be hard to set up for the first time, but otherwise, they're pretty much a set and forget.

They are more expensive than cable. Some of the good ones are Shimano LX or XT, Avid Juicy 5 or Juicy 7, Magura Julie or Marthas (the Marthas are one of the lightest disc brakes out there), Hope Minis, Hayes HFX mags.

Answer 2

Hydraulic are better, they feel better, respond and work better. Cable do need to be adjusted more often but are less expensive.

While a cable can break it is very unlikely. Hydraulic can leak and is far more likely.

Cable usually just needs some periodic adjusting up until it's time to change the pads.
Hydraulic may not need any maintenance through many sets of pads or you might need to bleed and change fluid regularly. (I have avid Juicy 7's and only changed pads in 2 years)

So if you have the money, ride a lot and regularly maintain your bike go for good hydraulic disc's like avid Juicy 7s or Hayes HFX mag XC. Otherwise get cable.

Answer 3

Cable uses cables to apply the brakes. A hydraulic system uses hydraulic pressure to apply the brakes. Hydraulic pressure is more reliable than a cable. Cables need to be adjusted often, they stretch and break. Hydraulic systems can leak and the systems need to be flushed and refilled regularly.

Look up Pascals Law.