Naive disc brakes question

Chaka Ping
Chaka Ping Posts: 1,451
edited March 2008 in MTB workshop & tech
I'm relatively new to disc brake ownership and I'm wondering if there's any problems with using one manufacturer's rotors with another's calipers?

Specifically, I want to use my new XT/719 wheels (which have Formula rotors attached) on my hardtail (which has old XT calipers) until I have all the bits to build up my new bike.

The Formula rotors feel slightlly thicker than the Shimano ones, but they seem to work OK - aside from a slight scraping from the rear caliper.

I'm not making a horrendous and potentially damaging mistake am I?

Comments

  • god1406
    god1406 Posts: 554
    If the rotor fits between a new set of pads I can't think of why you shouldn't do it.

    As long as the disc isn't some super-lightweight thing you're going to be using with Hope 6-pots...
    Rocky Ridge

    Stuff
  • scale20
    scale20 Posts: 1,300
    Shouldnt be a problem im running The original XT discs with HOPE mini's on my Scott.

    Havn't had a single problem and it stops on a penny.
    Niner Air 9 Rigid
    Whyte 129S 29er.
  • skyliner
    skyliner Posts: 613
    When you say "scraping on the caliper" is that at the top, or on the side of the disc?
    It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice.
  • Chaka Ping
    Chaka Ping Posts: 1,451
    At the side, because the discs are slightly wider I presume.

    I can live with the slight loss in efficiency - but will this wear the pads excessively?
  • skyliner
    skyliner Posts: 613
    You'll get a little more wear, but I was concerned that you may have had a 165 or 185mm rotor, and it was rubbing the caliper at the top. That could have damaged it beyond repair.
    It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice.

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