MTB Brakes Mechanical Vs Hydraulic

For the past few years, I have struggled with the pro's / con's of using Mechanical Disc brakes versus Hydraulic Disc brakes.

I have always leaned towards the mechanical set-up and the more research uncovered that it was a better choice for me.  As with many things, it is a personal preference and arguments can be made either way as to what makes the most sense.

Below are some of the pro's/con's to the mechanical setup:

• Mechanical Bennies:
• Weight - lighter than Hydro's
• Easy installation and adjustment
• Easy Maintenance
• Easier to fix on the trail if something goes wrong
• No issues with pads touching and locking
• Less $
• Easy pad adjustment and modulation
• no 'air bubbles' in lines, etc
• Mechanical Con's:
• less 'linear' progression vs Hydros
• less finger power needed

Hydro Brakes:

• Hydro Bennies
• Less pressure needed to engage brakes (less white knuckling action)
• More of a linear progression on brake engagement
• Better 'stopping power'
• Hydro Con's
• Heavier
• More $
• Higher maint - bleeding of cables
• More 'finicky' - brakes pads touching creates all sorts of problems (inadvertently grabbing the brake levers without the disc will cause some pain)!
• Difficult trailside maintenance if something breaks
• Less straight-forward pad adjustment (if needed)

I have ridden the mechanicals for about 10 yrs now and have seen the wife tinker with hydraulic setups for a while.  Having seen the higher maintenance required for hydro's has made my mind up for my preference.  I give up a little on the stopping power (still have plenty for being able to stop very quickly). That could be easily offset by moving to a bigger rotor (185) size as I am currently running the 160 (especially with 29'r wheel setups).

All in all, I have been super psyched with the Avid BB7 mechanical setup.  Big Thumbs up!