[rale00]

Bleeding hydraulic disc brakes is a pretty daunting task, involving specialized tools, messy and possibly corrosive fluid, and just a lot of work. If they weren't essentially required for running wider tires/rims, I would avoid them entirely.

Electronic shifting on the other hand is super easy, especially now that you can go full wireless. Definitely easier than say, setting up and adjusting a mechanical front derailleur.

[dvzk]

It’s straightforward and rarely messy at all. Doing a partial bleed typically takes less than 15 minutes. Sometimes longer if air really gets trapped. And low-end bleed kits cost $20-30.

If you think bleeding is daunting, wait until you need to disassemble a caliper or lever to fix a stuck piston.

I don’t think that’s hard either, which is why I disagree with the author. Most maintenance and assembly is documented and easy to learn. I only come close to getting an aneurism when truing or building damaged/uncooperative wheels.

[namdnay]

A Universal bleed kit from decathlon costs what, 30 euros? And another 20 for a big bottle of oil?

Personally I find it a lot easier than adjusting dérailleurs and stuff like that, you just push the bubbles out and job done

[jansan]

There have never been derailleurs in brakes AFAIR.

[namdnay]

I meant relative to other bike maintenance tasks, not specifically brakes :)

[somerandomqaguy]

What's daunting about it? On a motorcycle at least you can do it with some 3/16" hose, scissors or a knife, wrench, plenty of paper tower, and a waste container (soda bottle).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twgmmQ7Livw

The specialized tools just make it faster/easier.