yes disc brakes are WAY better then traditional still brakes like u-brake,v-brake,linner ect.I never tried the hydraulic disc brakes,mine are the mechanical type,I've heard that the hydraulic type are a pain in the a$$ to fix if your out on a bike ride and they fail on you.My disc brake will stop me on a dime,in dry or wet weather.They havent failed me yet.If you decied to go with disc brakes try to buy Avid Calipers alittle pricey but well worth it.There fully adjustable,some of the cheaper calipers you can only adjust 1 of the caliper pads,in turn makes the pads rub......hope this helps a little.....Randy