Greg, a while ago I'd have agreed with you, but I recently bought some Hope Mono Minis, and they really are the dogs dangly bits, just perfect finger tip control, not cheap, but not too bad at £200 for the front and rear. Really easy to set up and they don't destroy the wheel rim like V brakes do. All a personal choice, and as I only recently got into the world of MTB, (I used to race on the road and track) I know I've got a lot to learn about this off road world, just what I've discovered so far.As for hydraulics, I've ridden Hope 02s, C2s, DH4 (4-pot) [all used in national races] and minis plus Hayes [in one race] and Shimano XTs [one day messing about]. I broke the Shimanos on 1 DH run, and the Hayes provided woeful stopping power in comparison to the Hopes. I'd heartily recommend the old Hopes, but their QC isn't what it was, oh and they cost me £160 for a rear, and £175 for a front!
Giles
