My personal opinion is that mechanicals are better, i think that they are better mostly because they are relatively easy to set up and are alot easier to get parts for. I have had a few hydraulic brakes and have to say they are really nice but their alot more trouble when they go wrong! I could go on but alot of what i wont to say has already been said. I would definatly suggest anyone thinking of a hydraulic brake take a good look into the avid bb7 its a very good brake and with the right adjustments could easily be better than any hydraulic. thanks lewis