Puttin' on the brakes

Well, we all know how important it is to be able to stop while riding, and there are two types of brakes out there, v-brakes and disc. I have bikes with both kinds in my stable and the simplicity of v-brakes is just zen. Although, the stopping power of disc brakes is just no comparison. One thing I have just recently noticed is different companies use different fluid for their hydraulic braking systems. Avid (SRAM) use dot 4 fluid which is some pretty nasty stuff that you definitely don't want to get on your skin and it requires using gloves for sure. Shimano products use mineral oil, a safe readily available product if you need to pick some up for a repair. Another thing to think about is how to change the disc pads. The Shimano seen in the picture can be changed from the opening on the top of the caliper, the Avid has to be removed fromt he caliper to change the pads, a little more work. I have Avid brakes on my bike, my husband uses Shimano and when the time comes I will probably be switching to Shimano as well, just for the safety of the fluid and so we will have like parts in case we need to buy replacement anything. If you are thinking about upgrading your hydraulic disc brake system on your bike, pay attention to the fluid it calls for and keep in mind that dot 4 fluid is not good to get on your skin and you have to buy it at either a bike shop of car repair store. Mineral oil on the other hand is not harsh and can even be swallowed so it isn't going to hurt a thing if you get it on your hands, it will only make them softer! :-)