Cyclists - hydraulic disc brakes question

[BlueChampagne]

Can anyone tell me how often one should have hydraulic disc brakes bled? I've heard everything from every 6 months to every 3-4 years!

I get my gravel bike serviced every 12 months and I presume they do it then, but I don’t personally do it any more often. I think it will depend on a number of factors; how much use your bike gets, how you store it, the weather you ride it in etc.

Have several sets across a few mountain bikes. Ime- very rarely. Current set on my main bike not been bled in 6 years now. If I go to the Alps for downhill, then maybe prior to that as they get an absolute hammering but over here it’s a once every few years (if that) job.

One thing that may affect it is type of oil. Mineral oil doesn’t absorb water so requires less bleeding, dot type oil does absorb and will last less time between bleeds. Most are mineral these days.

Basically once they’re set up, you shouldn’t have to touch for ages, and they’re less maintenance needy than normal cable brakes by a long shot. Sorry for the long and somewhat dull answer

It really depends on how much you ride so there's no hard answer.

Generally though, it's needed when the brakes start to feel a bit 'spongy'.

The fluid used i.e DOT4, DOT5.1, or mineral oil also make a difference. You should notice them becoming spongy if the fluid has air/water in it

Thanks all, and I appreciate that it's a question with many variables. I certainly don't hammer downhill in the Alps! Will act if I begin to feel them getting a bit spongy.