Had to pick between disc brake calipers and stuck with mechanical...

I had to choose between Shimano mechanical and TRP mechanical calipers for my touring build last month after my old ones started squealing on descents... I went with the TRPs because I found them for $40 a pair at a local co-op in Portland... Now I'm wondering if the hydraulic route would have been better for loaded touring, has anyone else made this call and regretted it?

2 comments

2 Comments

paulb981mo ago

You made the right call sticking with mechanical calipers for touring. Hydraulic systems might stop slightly better when loaded, but they're a nightmare if a line blows or a lever fails 200 miles from the nearest shop. I've seen two guys on a group tour lose a whole day waiting for a bleed kit. Mechanical cable calipers are simple, easy to adjust roadside, and parts are everywhere.

dylanbarnes1mo agoMost Upvoted

Actually, that's not entirely true about mechanical calipers being easier to work with roadside. Modern hydraulic systems with mineral oil (like Shimano's stuff) are actually pretty forgiving if a line gets nicked, you can usually just pinch it off and ride single-brake to the next town. Cable calipers also have their own headache too, especially if the housing gets mud-packed or the cable starts fraying on a long tour - that's just as much of a pain to fix with basic tools.