Originally Posted by
Kapusta
I have never owned road hydraulics. Perhaps they are inherently more simple and reliable. But I doubt it.
I am not an engineer but one has to be designed to withstand the jarring impacts mountain biking can impart, have the ability to flex with suspension system, and keep functioning through whatever debris, muck, or dust that can be kicked up off the path. The other (road) has to deal with smooth roads and maybe an occasional pothole, I'd suggest that road hydraulics are a tad more reliable due to the more forgiving terrain and conditions generally encountered.