Feature explainedBrakes
Hydraulic vs Mechanical Disc Brakes
Fluid-actuated versus cable-pulled disc brake calipers.
Simplified schematic — not to scale.
What it is
Hydraulic disc brakes use fluid pressure to squeeze the pads, giving a lighter lever feel and self-adjusting as pads wear. Mechanical disc brakes use a normal cable, which is simpler and cheaper to fix roadside but needs manual adjustment as pads wear down.
Why it matters
Hydraulic brakes generally offer a noticeably better feel and less maintenance, while mechanical discs remain a solid budget-friendly, easy-to-fix option.