Do disc brakes need a lot of maintenance?
Almost none. Pads last a long time and are usually much easier to replace than rim brake pads. Most disc brake are now self-adjusting but even cable disc brakes (all cable disc brake are manual adjust) take but seconds to adjust and without tools. Bleeding hydraulic brakes scares a lot of people but it takes a few minutes at most and it certainly isn’t a regular maintenance issue. Bleeding is only usually performed when hardware is changed. Initial setup takes the most time and should be done as perfectly as possible as it affects brake performance greatly. As initial setup is a one-time deal – and doesn’t change as pads wear or are replaced – then the time spent is important. Some brakes take longer than others to set up – the ones with shims take the longest, the Avids with their CPS (caliper positioning system) are in the middle and Formula Activa with their sliding caliper are the quickest but, as said before, it’s time well spent.
