I'm a biking newbie who's been seriously bitten by the xc bug.I'm thinking of upgrading to hydraulic brakes and wondered which ones some of you guys use/recommend.

Thanks in advance

Shimano- for easy setup, cheap and reliable. Good performers too

cheers matey, much appreciated

Hayes stroker – powerful, good value and fully servicable!

Another vote for Shimano here!!

can't go wrong with shimano. But any of the big manufacturers are good, so if you spot a pair in a sale don't discount them!

now all you need is some votes for Hope, Magura, Avid and Formula and you've got a full set.

However, I personally favour Hope for their servicability and the way the company back up their product. Even the cheap brands are making good brakes now. Wife has Tektro on her hardtail and they do the job nicely.

Try and avoid avid juicy threes – cable disks are less faff and as good as them.

Hayes stroker trails are what I am using and work fine for me…

I'd skip Juicy, I'd look at Formula but I love Shimano. Second hand XTs and they are brilliant.