Interchangeable Rotors

steelo
steelo Posts: 542
edited September 2009 in MTB workshop & tech
Are brake rotors interchangeable with all makes of caliper, for example, can I fit a Hope rotor into an Avid Juicy 5 caliper?

Thanks
Specialized Rockhopper '07
Trek Fuel EX8 '09

Comments

  • bomberesque
    bomberesque Posts: 1,701
    short answer; mostly ... but not always

    see? you knew we were a helpful bunch :D

    however the specific combo you're talking about, assuming you mean Hope floating rotors, require the fitting tabs on the brake pads to be trimmed back so they don't foul the fixings that connect the rotor to the alu carrier. I have heard people say they've maanged to run this combo without modification, but I've never seen it or tried it myself.

    Hope floaties will run with Shimano XTR calipers though.

    there are also some small variances in rotor diameter (like 160, 163, 165) although I think you can get around these with judicial adapter / washer use
    Everything in moderation ... except beer
    Beer in moderation ... is a waste of beer

    If riding an XC race bike is like touching the trail,
    then riding a rigid singlespeed is like licking it
    ... or being punched by it, depending on the day
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    the rotors rivets will catch on the avid pads removal/insertion tabs.

    why do you want to use them?

    braking improvements? not really any better.

    Bling? yes but makes the pad removal and wheel fitting a pain.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • steelo
    steelo Posts: 542
    I'm having issues with a warped Avid rotor and figured if i'm going to replace it why not buy something a bit more up-market, just a chance to upgrade etc.
    Specialized Rockhopper '07
    Trek Fuel EX8 '09
  • 26 to Life
    26 to Life Posts: 194
    Why does everyone always want to change brand of rotor? It seems like every fourth thread in here is people asking if they can use x rotor with y caliper.

    It's a braking system, it's designed to be used as prescribed by the manufacturer. That's why it came out of the box the way it is.
  • scotto
    scotto Posts: 381
    yes but it's the bling thing, I was going to do the same with the hope but after seeing a few saying there could be issues just went for a bigger avid on the front, cheers to nicklouise for advice on another thread about this btw.

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