Disc size

brett1980
brett1980 Posts: 62
edited May 2008 in MTB buying advice
I am currently running a 180mm disc on the front wheel. I am considering getting a rotor adapter and changong it to a 203mm disc. Will this seriously increase my stopping power, or is is more to do with my calipers. I have a pair of Magura julie and don't really want the expense of upgrading these just yet as other things are on my list first.

I tend to ride quite aggressive xc.....Look forward to your input,
Brett1980
"Any hole is a goal.....but a good hole is a bonus!!"

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    and the fork is what?
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • Andy B
    Andy B Posts: 8,115
    180mm should easily be enough for aggressive xc riding, I know DH'ers who use 180mm rotors up front (Shimano Deore hydraulics)
    2385861000_d125abe796_m.jpg
  • brett1980
    brett1980 Posts: 62
    the forks are mars bombers (03/4) I think
    Brett1980
    "Any hole is a goal.....but a good hole is a bonus!!"
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    all mazocchi forks are bommers! which?
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • brett1980
    brett1980 Posts: 62
    mx comp i think
    "Any hole is a goal.....but a good hole is a bonus!!"
  • GT Destroyer
    GT Destroyer Posts: 1,719
    I went up to a 203 mm front disc on the new bike from a 160mm on the old one. The brake system is different, its was Hayes sole with the 160mm and now 203 with Shimano XT, so there is probably a difference in performance there but the 203 discs are absolutely awesome, I am a big bloke but the bike just stops instantly, if they'll fit, and you can afford them, buy them.
    500 Miles in 5 days
  • GT Destroyer
    GT Destroyer Posts: 1,719
    I went up to a 203 mm front disc on the new bike from a 160mm on the old one. The brake system is different, its was Hayes sole with the 160mm and now 203 with Shimano XT, so there is probably a difference in performance there but the 203 discs are absolutely awesome, I am a big bloke but the bike just stops instantly, if they'll fit, and you can afford them, buy them.
    500 Miles in 5 days
  • GT Destroyer
    GT Destroyer Posts: 1,719
    I went up to a 203 mm front disc on the new bike from a 160mm on the old one. The brake system is different, its was Hayes sole with the 160mm and now 203 with Shimano XT, so there is probably a difference in performance there but the 203 discs are absolutely awesome, I am a big bloke but the bike just stops instantly, if they'll fit, and you can afford them, buy them.
    500 Miles in 5 days
  • shin0r
    shin0r Posts: 555
    You'll need to check that your forks can handle a 203mm rotor, and that you have enough frame clearance at the rear if you're thinking of running a 203mm there too.

    I went from 160s all round to 203s all round and they make a considerable difference (even if some of this is psychological). Overkill? Yes, probably :lol:
  • Splasher
    Splasher Posts: 1,528
    Can you not lock your front wheel with a 180mm rotor fitted? If so a 200 won't stop you any quicker and if not consider decontaminating the pads and rotor.
    "Internet Forums - an amazing world where outright falsehoods become cyber-facts with a few witty key taps and a carefully placed emoticon."
  • brett1980
    brett1980 Posts: 62
    My front brake almost locks up when travelling on normal trails, but when going through the trees on a decent, I am not confident that should I need to stop suddenly I would be able to. This was my thinking when considering moving toward the 203mm rotors.
    Brett1980
    "Any hole is a goal.....but a good hole is a bonus!!"
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,666
    203mm rotors offer a HELL of a lot of power. It sounds like your brakes need looking at, before you upgrade the discs.
  • sheep_collywobbles
    sheep_collywobbles Posts: 9
    If you want to upgrade from a 160mm rotor to a 180mm rotor on mx comp forks what type of adaptor do you need if the brakes are deore?
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    well it depends on the year of the fork and the fitting of the brake.

    pictures.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • sheep_collywobbles
    sheep_collywobbles Posts: 9
    The brakes are 525's post mount, and the forks are 2007 mx comp eta lockout?
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    sheep_collywobbles wrote:
    forks are 2007 mx comp eta lockout?

    do not exist.

    mx pro......?

    like i said PICTURES
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • sheep_collywobbles
    sheep_collywobbles Posts: 9
    I've got some problems with my camera at the moment. The pictures are coming out blank but sorry you are right they are MX pro with post mount[/img]
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    there is a post 160 to post 180(5) adapters out there have a look on CRC.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • sheep_collywobbles
    sheep_collywobbles Posts: 9
    would this work?????

    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=17301
  • Splasher
    Splasher Posts: 1,528
    Yep
    "Internet Forums - an amazing world where outright falsehoods become cyber-facts with a few witty key taps and a carefully placed emoticon."
  • topo
    topo Posts: 3,104
    Do you really need 203mm up front. i ride 180/160 for downhill and that stops me pretty rapidly. (when my rear brake pads are not worn anyway)

    Correct me if im wrong but i am pretty sure sam hill runs 180/160 when racing. I know he dosent use his brakes much but still they will be slowing him down from a higher speed them most of us will ride at.

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