What can I expect from a 203 mm rotor up front?

.blitz
.blitz Posts: 6,197
edited April 2010 in MTB workshop & tech
I like brakes and was thinking about putting a 203 mm rotor up front instead of the standard 185 mm rotor. I realise I will need a new adaptor for the caliper but the fork is OK to 210 mm.

Is there much of an improvement in braking when swapping a 185 for a 203?

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    yes.

    but why, what are you looking for?


    also while there may be an improvement in braking force you will lose out in other areas.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • .blitz
    .blitz Posts: 6,197
    nicklouse wrote:
    what are you looking for?
    The same level of braking with less effort. I need to use two fingers in some places which only leaves me with two fingers and a thumb to hold on with :)

    If I could get the same level of braking with just one finger I would be happy.
  • al2098
    al2098 Posts: 174
    Should get a 20% (possibly 10% but I think I read 20%) increase in braking power, less fade due to heat. Should give you what your looking for.
    I put a 203 up front and it only paid off during long descents in the alps. Even on DH routes here in UK the 185 was more than enough. Course you could be a massive 250 pound hulk.. :shock:
    Also have a look at your pads, adjustment and lastly riding style, are you braking in the right places? Steve Peat usually runs a 160mm on his DH bike cause he knows his braking and lines ect.. (Yeah I know he's a pro but its something we all can improve on). Try it out, you can always switch it back to 185. It's good to experiment a bit.
  • .blitz
    .blitz Posts: 6,197
    al2098 wrote:
    Course you could be a massive 250 pound hulk.
    6'2" & 200lbs actually - more rugby player than MTBr :)
    al2098 wrote:
    are you braking in the right places?
    Who knows? I just brake when I have to :)
    al2098 wrote:
    Steve Peat usually runs a 160mm on his DH bike
    I have a 160 mm rotor that I use as a coaster but I can see what you're getting at.
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    The brake will lock up earlier into the stroke - less force required, but you may lose some modulation.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • .blitz
    .blitz Posts: 6,197
    supersonic wrote:
    The brake will lock up earlier into the stroke - less force required, but you may lose some modulation.
    Sounds ace. I have a 160 on the back which gives me bags of modulation but I prefer a front brake that is either on or off.
  • peter413
    peter413 Posts: 4,909
    Well the bigger rotor is definatly what your looking for
    Transition Patrol
    Cube LTD 29er

    Glentress Trailfairies
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    .blitz
    at your build I would consider 203/185 set up east to move a rotor and buy 2 new adapters.

    but lets have a bit more info.

    the brakes are?
    the bike is?

    and your normal riding?
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • dan shard
    dan shard Posts: 722
    Ive just put a 203 on the front. It takes a while to bed in, but it stood up very well at the weekend at Llandegla black run. Much better than the old 180. I notice at the end, my back 160 was red hot, I couldn't even touch it, but the 203 at the front was just warm, and that gets used much more so defo good for the heat
  • jayson
    jayson Posts: 4,606
    I fitted 203mm rotors front and rear to my bike and the difference is night and day compared to the standard 160mm they came with, i can lock both wheels easily with one finger whether its wet or dry, a HUGE improvement to what came off :D
    Remedy

    Merida

    Austria 2012

Categories