rotor sizes
tv
Posts: 338
im looking into upgrading my disc brakes and ive read a few reviews of people who run a larger rotor on the front than rear, what is the advantage off this? and would this be recommended or should i just stick to the same sizes? whats the difference performance wise between a 160mm and 203mm? thanks
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Comments
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Many, many threads on this: try a forum search.
But to some up - most people use the front brake more than the rear, and as weight is transferred tht way, it is much less likely to lock up. Difference in 'power' is simple ratios of size.0 -
[English (UK) on]
The front wheel can take more braking than the rear before lockup (how you do a stoppy) to take advantage of that extra grip you can use a larger diameter DISC (as part of your DISC brakes), also as you can use more front braking, more heat can be generated and the larger disc has both a greater thermal inertia (heats up slower) and has greater cooling (larger surface area) so will run coller for the same braking force than a smaller disc.
For the same 'effort' at the lever a 203mm disc will generate ABOUT 25% more braking force than a 160mm disc.
Simon
[English (UK) off]Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.0 -
Unless you're a heavy bloke then a 180mm rotor at the front and a 160mm at the back will be fine because if the rotor is too big at the back then first of all itsn just dead weight and second because the rear wheel will lock straight away so you won't have any control.0
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Rotor rotor rotor rotor rotor rotor rotor rotor rotor rotorThe Beginner wrote:[English (UK) on]
The front wheel can take more braking than the rear before lockup (how you do a stoppy) to take advantage of that extra grip you can use a larger diameter DISC (as part of your DISC brakes), also as you can use more front braking, more heat can be generated and the larger disc has both a greater thermal inertia (heats up slower) and has greater cooling (larger surface area) so will run coller for the same braking force than a smaller disc.
For the same 'effort' at the lever a 203mm disc will generate ABOUT 25% more braking force than a 160mm disc.
Simon
[English (UK) off]
On a serious note, if you feel underbraked at the moment the cheapest way to add a bit more power is to upgrade the size of your front disc. The reason you have a larger front disc is because you don't use the back brake to slow you down often, as you'd skid the wheel before much braking force could be applied. The front never really locks before you've got enough braking force out of it.0
