Cost of hydraulic versus cable brakes

[ichitan]

I recently had a hydraulic brake caliper fail after 3000 km.

https://forums.bikeride.com/thread-8564.html

If I had to replace a hydraulic brake caliper every 3000 km, the cost would be prohibitive. But let's assume I got hydraulic brakes that lasted longer. How much would it cost?

Let's say, I had to replace hydraulic brakes 4 times in 10 years. Both levers and calipers need to be replaced. Then there is the cost of brake fluid.

Let's say, I replaced the cables on cable brakes 4 times in 10 years. I have not had a cable caliper break. If one did, they are not very expensive.

The brake pads should wear at a similar rate, with both hydraulic and cable brakes. But brake pads cost me very little.

https://forums.bikeride.com/thread-8174.html

I feel it is not necessary to spend the amount of money hydraulic brakes will cost in the long term.

Then there is the ease of maintaining cable brakes, and the lack of spilling brake fluid.

When the brake cables don't have too many bends in them, cable brakes work near enough the same as hydraulic brakes.

If I get a new bike with hydraulic brakes, I will use them until the fail, then replace them with cable brakes.

Many others will choose to use hydraulic brakes, and spend the money. I don't plan to.