Gravel / Gravé / Gnarmac / Groad / ATB - AKA Just get a red squirrel

Curious about this one too. Everyone told me hydraulic is worth it so that's what I got. Would be interesting to know how much difference there actually is though

I had some Hy/Rd's which worked really well, the only real downside was the lever pull was long so you'd be nearly hitting them into the bars before they grabbed and they didn't have as good modulation as hydro discs. The lever pull itself felt a little gritty like a lot of calliper brakes do, but hydro in comparison are perfectly smooth, much less resistance. I think it depends a lot on your cable routing maybe even more so than caliper brakes.

Hydros are definitely better but the mechanical ones stopped really well and in heavy rain too, unlike calipers.

Are mechanical discs really as bad/pointless as they've made out be?

Not in my opinion.

I had a run of really bad luck with leaky hydros - partially my own fault for bargain hunting on ebay but then i did try some brand new shimanos and they ended up leaking too - so now am sworn off hydros. I've got bb7s on my mtb (about to change to bb5 road so i can fit drops) and on the front of one of my fixed bikes and a Shimano mechanical on the front of my cargo bike and never feel like I'm left in need of stopping power.

I tried Spyres a while ago but was pretty underwhelmed, BB7 would be my goto.

JuinTech cable-actuated hydro calipers are v good compromise.

I like mechanical discs but have recently gone to hydro and there is a huge difference.

I’ve used spyres, BB7s, juintech cable actuated hydro. The Juin *were the best, the spyres great when set up, then quickly depreciate and require a regular faff. BB7 are almost binary but reliable.

• *I have a set for sale
  

Of cables discs, only Spyres are okay, but the modulation of hydro discs is far superior in my experience. BB7s are awful, needed constant adjustments to keep working and even then don’t stop well.

I’d go hydro every time.

I have mechanical discs (TRP Spryes) on my cross bike and hydro (Deore) on my commuter. The hydros are a leaky fucking mess, and the mechanical work perfectly well. Hydro are a pita to maintain, as also evidenced by my would-be mtb which I've still not completed building because I've run into a hydro brake related issue and I can't be fucked with the faff.