The bike I ordered online has hydraulic disc brakes and was wondering what advantages will these have over the mechanical disc brakes. Are the less likely to lock up than mechanical brakes? Do their pads last longer?Can I use any disc brake pads regardless of the make and model of the disc brake system on my bike?
Main advantage is that they give more braking for a set amount of hand effort. A lesser advantage is that they are self-compensating for pad wear. Since the hose is unbroken from lever to caliper they’re less sensitive to contamination. They tend to give a firmer feel to the lever. They are NOT less likely to (cause you to) lock up. If anything, giving more braking for a set hand effort, they’re MORE likely to (cause you to) lock up. Rate of pad wear is NOT dependent on mech vs hydros, but rather on pad type, rotors and brake use. Often you can use either organic or sintered pads, which are slightly different in characteristics. And no, you CAN’T use ANY pads. While it’s common for several makemodels to use the same pads, they’re NOT all the same.
They are a far superior system for the trial for moderate to advanced off road riding. Just as mechanical discs are superior to rim brakes Hydraulics are superior to mechanical discs mechanical brakes tend to go out of adjustment often and require more maintenance hydraulic brakes are easier to modulate and provide superior braking control. Control is a big factor and you can ride with more confidence I have ridden both systems and recently replace my mechanical with hydraulics on my second mtb which needed pads
Self adjustment and mechanically more efficient. If cable operated brakes were better, cars would still be using them. However cable operated brakes on cars went out at least 70 years ago.
