Why would anyone choose cable-actuated disc brakes in 2025? It’s a fair question.
There’s a reason why hydraulic disc brakes have become the industry standard. Purely from a performance standpoint, they are superior to cable-actuated disc brakes. They are simply more efficient at transferring force from the lever to the calliper. Compared to mechanical systems, hydraulics offer better lever feel, braking power and modulation. Hydraulic systems can also self-adjust as the best brake pads wear down, helping to maintain consistent braking performance. Additionally, bends in the hose don’t affect performance, an attribute that is all the more critical now that so many bikes use internal routing.